Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier
05-16-12, 06:01 PM
#26
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25% off Timbuk2 bags and panniers during REI's anniversary sale. Thinking of picking the tandem pannier up. Everyone still happy with their purchase?
05-16-12, 08:01 PM
#27
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I've had panniers that are connected like the Timbuk2 in the past. Not a fan. If you have to adjust something on the bike when you are using them, both have to come off. If you don't want to carry both panniers, you are out of luck. If you want to attach something to the top of the rack, it's more difficult.
The panniers themselves look very boxy. I'm not surprised that Epicus07 had heel strike issues nor at the angle that f1xedgear has to mount them on the rack to avoid heel strike.
If you can try them at REI, try a set of Ortlieb Front Rollers or the REI Transfer too. Both have a much easier mounting system. Basically just drop them in place and they stay. No bungees to fiddle with.
The panniers themselves look very boxy. I'm not surprised that Epicus07 had heel strike issues nor at the angle that f1xedgear has to mount them on the rack to avoid heel strike.
If you can try them at REI, try a set of Ortlieb Front Rollers or the REI Transfer too. Both have a much easier mounting system. Basically just drop them in place and they stay. No bungees to fiddle with.
I guess the advantage of this type of bag depends on how much walking is involved off the bike.
Last edited by CXT; 05-16-12 at 09:00 PM.
05-17-12, 06:57 AM
#28
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REI also has the Ortlieb Back Roller Classic rear panniers on sale this weekend for $128, which is a great price for probably the highest rated pannier you can buy in that price range.
05-17-12, 12:43 PM
#29
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I use the Bontrager City Commuter (https://bontrager.com/model/07726), which is similar to this TimBuk2 Tandem and the reason you dislike them is why I love them. Since they are both connected, once I park the bike I can quickly lift the entire thing off and away I go. When carried the center section collapses so it looks like a single/normal bag and with the shoulder strap I still have both hands free to do other things. Off the bike, I found two panniers cumbersome and hated having to carry them around like jugs of milk. The dual pannier setup on the bike that becomes a single bag off the bike was better for my commute. My Ortlieb's only get used for touring duty these days.
I guess the advantage of this type of bag depends on how much walking is involved off the bike.
I guess the advantage of this type of bag depends on how much walking is involved off the bike.
05-22-12, 10:20 AM
#30
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I just got home from REI with my new set of Timbuk2 Tandem panniers. First impressions are very good. Seem well designed , waterproof and comfortable. I think i got exactly what i was looking for.
I loaded them up and put them on my rack and went for a quick spin around the block.
Unbearable heel strike
I then remembered that someone mentioned they have an ability to angle backwards preventing said heel strike. The hook on the bottom that i had expected to hook to my rack actually swings up and clips on the back of the rack and like magic, the heel strike is gone.
genius.
I loaded them up and put them on my rack and went for a quick spin around the block.
Unbearable heel strike
I then remembered that someone mentioned they have an ability to angle backwards preventing said heel strike. The hook on the bottom that i had expected to hook to my rack actually swings up and clips on the back of the rack and like magic, the heel strike is gone.
genius.
No problem with heel strike, and I didn't attach the hook on the back of the rack, twisted it around the side and secured them. Or so I thought...things were fine after a few bumps, but after I hit a dip that I always go over, one side came loose. Thank whomever, but the hook did not catch on my spoke. The more empty bag did get partially caught between my wheel and the rack. I wasn't too far away from home, so I went back and switched back to my old crummy pannier and backpack.
Now that I know how they're supposed to attach, don't know whether to do it the right way, or just return them and get the Ortlieb Backrollers at REI instead. They are slightly more than the Timbuk2 bags, but I've never read a bad thing about them, and it may be worth it not to put up with any hassle.
