Panniers... quick question
08-19-09 | 08:58 AM
#26
I would recommend REI. Get the Novara brand and if anything goes wrong within a year, or if you just don't like them, take them back. If you are looking for cheap, you cannot go wrong with a one year money back guarantee. I love my bright yellow novara trunk bag with fold out panniers.
08-19-09 | 09:01 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
i'm basically looking to carry my clothes for the work day, a towel, a tube, some tools(changing tire)... and shoes. I'm not looking to tour... just commute. oh, and i want to carry my lunch as well.
oh, and the last panniers held up fine... they were cheapies that i bought used on ebay. I think my wife threw them away on accident. yes... i could have strangled her.
oh, and the last panniers held up fine... they were cheapies that i bought used on ebay. I think my wife threw them away on accident. yes... i could have strangled her.
08-19-09 | 09:48 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach,CA
Bikes: Kona Ute, Nishiki 4130, Trek 7000, K2 Mach 1.0, Novara Randonee, Schwinn Loop, K2 Zed 1.0, Schwinn Cream, Torker Boardwalk
I use the LG front and rear panniers that I found at Nashbar and have not had a problem. I had a pair of Seattle Sport bags that I got at REI. They were great bags until the zippers broke. Had to get rid of them.
08-19-09 | 11:33 AM
#29
Dirty old man in training
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Cary NC
Bikes: 2007 Novara Randonee, 1991 Raleigh Olympian, 1988 Nishiki Ariel
REI "Safari" panniers on clearance are a good buy, kind of a poor man's Ortleib. They are waterproof and attach fairly easily and securely, I have never had one fall off. I got a set of the small orange-brown ones for $50 in 2007, and a set of large icky looking yellow & grey ones this year for $60.
If you are paying full retail then Ortleib's are better.
Jeff, which model did you have?
If you are paying full retail then Ortleib's are better.
Jeff, which model did you have?
08-19-09 | 12:08 PM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
From: Sunnyvale, CA
REI "Safari" panniers on clearance are a good buy, kind of a poor man's Ortleib. They are waterproof and attach fairly easily and securely, I have never had one fall off. I got a set of the small orange-brown ones for $50 in 2007, and a set of large icky looking yellow & grey ones this year for $60.
If you are paying full retail then Ortleib's are better.
Jeff, which model did you have?
If you are paying full retail then Ortleib's are better.
Jeff, which model did you have?
08-19-09 | 12:18 PM
#31
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Northern Nevada
Bikes: Lemond Big Sky SL, Electra Townie
@ Jeffs,
What?!? I don't think that there is any way that my trunk bag is going to fall off, it has two velcro straps and two bungee connection points. I know that it is not as fancy as what some of you are suggesting, but it has been a good durable option for me. Moreover, it sounds like the OP is not looking for huge cross-country bulletproof touring panniers. Personally, I try to commute with as little as possible.
What?!? I don't think that there is any way that my trunk bag is going to fall off, it has two velcro straps and two bungee connection points. I know that it is not as fancy as what some of you are suggesting, but it has been a good durable option for me. Moreover, it sounds like the OP is not looking for huge cross-country bulletproof touring panniers. Personally, I try to commute with as little as possible.
08-19-09 | 12:41 PM
#32
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 373
Likes: 39
From: Baton Rouge area
Bikes: Cannondale, Trek, Cervelo and Santana
Bobd20011.... I hope it isn't going to fall off, b/c i ordered one before lunch. 
and the nearest REI store is about 4hrs away.
figured i would try it out and if i don't like it... well... i'll use it anyway, and complain about it on here. . I just couldn't find any panniers that were cheap enough and had all the features i wanted. Actually, i did... but, i would have had to spend another 25-30 dollars on a trunk bag.
anyways... thanks for all the input guys.
and the nearest REI store is about 4hrs away.figured i would try it out and if i don't like it... well... i'll use it anyway, and complain about it on here.
. I just couldn't find any panniers that were cheap enough and had all the features i wanted. Actually, i did... but, i would have had to spend another 25-30 dollars on a trunk bag. anyways... thanks for all the input guys.
__________________
Bikes: C'dale, Trek, Cervelo and Santana
Bikes: C'dale, Trek, Cervelo and Santana
08-19-09 | 01:49 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
The features of a good commuter pannier are:
Quick-release locking system: not elastic, velcro, non-locking hooks.
Good stiffening on back and base, that is not too heavy.
Heel cutout shape.
At least one pocket.
The toughest material you can afford.
I managed with cheapo flimsy panniers with hook and elastic but my caradice are tougher, stronger, more durable and more convenient to use. If you are going to use a bike as your main transportation, sooner or later to have to bite the bullet and get some good ones, or make them.
Quick-release locking system: not elastic, velcro, non-locking hooks.
Good stiffening on back and base, that is not too heavy.
Heel cutout shape.
At least one pocket.
The toughest material you can afford.
I managed with cheapo flimsy panniers with hook and elastic but my caradice are tougher, stronger, more durable and more convenient to use. If you are going to use a bike as your main transportation, sooner or later to have to bite the bullet and get some good ones, or make them.
