Pannier Question
 

I'm going to be traveling on short (10 mile each way) commutes and want to get a set of panniers to use. Quite frankly, I don't want to spend $150+ first time out. I have been looking for a set that will fit my computer and research materials and have been looking at the large Avenir Expeditions. I have waterproof covers and will have no problem lining the bags with plastic bags.

I've searched this site and have found little mention of any Avenirs. I'll be on paved flat to rolling roads and will likely never go off road. When I get to my destination I'll be removing them to take with me.

I KNOW that there are better bags and if this works out, I'll be happy to get Ortliebs or some other high end bag. I own large and medium Chrome messenger bags as well as a decent backpack. I want to experiment with panniers. For now I just want decent bags that I can try out.

Specifically...Any comments regarding the Avenir Expedition bags?

Thank you.

its a budget sewn together bag Line.. , you got a Bike shop to look at those ?

I started out with a set of Axiom Seymour Pannier Set, a nice cheap set, but still strong. Got them for around $40 on Amazon. They seem to have upgraded the mounting between the time I bought mine. I ended up getting Ortliebs shortly after, because I wanted something better. But my girlfriend used them up until a couple weeks ago when she got Ortliebs. So the Axioms have a good 2 years on them and I still like them really. The mounts were not the best, but the new upgraded ones seem to have locking mounts so no chance of bumping them off your rack.

The Axion(the one I have) and the Avenir seem to be made very similarly, have similar styles, and close price points. I would still have to recommend the Axiom because I have experience with them. And with the upgraded locking mounts would be great. If I had to get a set of budget panniers again I would get them.

Axiom Seymour on there site - MSRP $73
Amazon has them for $54 - Here

Best picture I already had uploaded. The handle bar bag is Avenirs(its actually a saddle bag)
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6099/6...5c281910_m.jpg
Untitled by amckimmey, on Flickr

My advice -- get a good pannier rack and almost any panniers (even crappy ones) will work quite well.

You need the kind of rack that has the extra legs which prevent the panniers from swinging into the spokes. Like this one:http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=236058

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...category=10000

Nashbar ATB panniers. 30 bucks. I've had mine for years. They hold up great.

Ortliebs all the way

@OP- you sure you got the brand/model right? I couldn't find Avenir Expeditions, but did find Avenir Excursions...

I've seen some Avenir bags up close at the LBS and the build quality seemed to be a little flimsy to me. That being said, I do understand you not wanting to invest heavily in your experiment.

One question, though, is what rig are you mounting these to? Your chainstays long enough to mitigate potential heel strike when using large panniers?

Lots of us have used these, they're my choice when I use panniers.

+1 on the Axioms.

I bought a pair of Cartier DX for about $65-70 and the quality is really great.

Me too... and I'm still using them after 3 years. I like them, and they were cheap and relatively water proof.

Check out Banjo Brothers. I have their waterproof pannier and I'm very happy with it.

Have used Jandd Saddlebags, Expandable Mountain and Front panniers(presently on the rear of my commuter) all to reasonable satisfaction for non-waterproof bags. Decided to waterproof them by using Thompson's Watersealer to decent results. Apply in a well-ventilated area. :p

Have a set of Axioms...not sure of the model as they were on a bike I purchased at a yard sale. They're good, though not the quality of the Jandd products.

The ones I am using now came w/a set of rain covers, front rack and cost 10.00 at a swap meet...couldn't pass up the deal. They're the perfect size for my commuting needs. Was using the Axioms until purchasing the Jandds. They're a step up in quality for sure.

Yeah, I've had some Jandd's a few years back. They were more expensive than my current Axioms but the material was tougher.
So, Axioms = less expensive, but great quality. Jandd's = a little more, but also better materials.

-I sold my Jandd's because they were my first attempt at commuting panniers, and I accidentally bought the mini-mountain model, which have mounting velcro strips which are not designed for easy on-off of the rack. Didn't realize they carried other models that had the commuting style hardware.

MAK, my wife has Avenir Metro panniers and I have Axiom Cartier panniers. Are you looking at Avenir Expedition bags or Avenir Excursion bags? The Excursion bags appear to be made of the same material that my wifes Avenir Metro's are made of. It is a light weight canvas, more like a canvas type of fabric. They are sewn together nicely and have had no problems with the zippers. Not to sure how rain proof they are, but she packs all her clothing in a water proof plastic bag any way. And the Metro pannier was priced very well, I think less than $30.00 and that included postage.
Now with that being said, I will not trade her my Axiom Cartier's! The Cartier's are made of a heavier weight material are larger and easier to get on and off the rack than the Metro's are. I really like my Axiom Cartier's and I think my wife would get the Cartier's as well if she had to do it all over again, however, the Avenir Metro's have been doing a good job for her so far.
We both have Topeak Super Tourist DX racks.
Hope this helps.

You may want to look into laptop bags, they are a little more expensive but so is your laptop. I have as couple of Timbuk2 Shift panniers http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/...nier-messenger I was lucky to find two on ebay for around $90.

Ortlieb also makes some nice office bags. http://www.bikebagshop.com/ortlieb-d...er-p-1724.html If you are buying online the guy at the bike bag shop is great.

In my opinion get the best ones first so you won't have to buy them again...just sayin.

A belated thank you for all your advice. Yes, it should have been excursions rather than expeditions. I'm reevaluating my options and will now be looking into some of the brands and concepts mentioned.

Haven't seen it mentioned so I'll post it. You can pick up a padded sleeve for a notebook at any computer or large department store and simply drop it in the pannier of your choice. The other plus is that it can be used seperately.