So how is the durability of Nashbar bags? They weigh considerable less than Ortlieb etc. And cost a fraction.
Please and thank you.

Which ones?

Three of us did the TA with a mix of the previous style waterproof panniers (the ones with the flap over the roll down closure) and the non waterproof ones they called MTB panniers. They held up well on that tour, several other tours, and a lot of commuting. I like them just fine.

I have not tried the latest waterproof ones (the ones without the flap), but given my experience with the older style I wouldn't hesitate giving them a chance.

I've been very pleased with both Nashbar and Performance branded stuff. Good value for the money, and their no questions asked warrantee is among the best, if you do have an issue with any of their stuff.

I had to repair an old Performance brand pannier that broke at the attachment system. It wasn't too hard to fix, but I did have to drill out a broken rivet.

there was a welded seam pannier set from them.. mounting scheme sucked in comparison to the German ones ..

but they would last longer than the Sewn ones , whose seams come open over time .. So be prepared to Sew them back together..


Ortlieb's world distribution means you can get parts, though some places it will mean waiting by some remote post office.

Why buy Nashbar when you can get a F&R set of Ortlieb City panniers shipped CONUS for $198? Ortlieb City set weighs less than Nashbar Waterproof set (2730 vs 3033g). The Nashbar set presently costs me $121 with 7% tax, so the Ortlieb set costs $78 more. The Ortlieb panniers will attach better, rattle less, remove easier, last longer, are actually waterproof and probably cost less in the long run. If you decide to sell your used panniers you'll probably get a higher % of cost on the sale of the Ortliebs over Nashbar.

https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/10...l#post18308838

Nashbar waterproof panniers are listed at $75 for the pair right now. That's the total cost, since shipping is free when spending over $50.

This makes the ortliebs $125 more based on what you show the ortliebs cost.
The nashbar panniers hold 22 more liters too than the back roller city panniers

It's just my opinion but I don't really like zippered panniers (even though I have a set). If the zipper goes you're SOL. At least with a roller or even a drawstring/flap design failure to close isn't likely to happen.

Depends on which ones you get. My buddy got a cheap pair (no excuse as he has plenty of money). They had a plastic shield on the back.

On our ride on the Selkirk Loop, a rivet let go and the plastic backing got caught in his rear wheel. He flipped over his handlebars. He punctured his abdomen along with a bunch of other cuts and scratches. So what does he do when he gets home? Yep he called Nashbar got them to send a new set of bags of the same type.

You get what you pay for.

Forgot to mention the mounting system... I think it is fine. I actually prefer the simplicity of this type mounting. Someone mentioned rattling as a negative, but I have noticed no rattling at all.

Yes they're sold in pairs like Ortlieb - my comparison based on F&R set - 4 panniers total. SMH.

I have used a set of Nashbar front panniers on several tours, including a ride across the U.S. Even though I have replaced the Nashbar bags for touring with Ortlieb bags after about 2 years of use, I still use the Nashbar bags almost every day (last 8 years) for riding to the gym, store, post office, library, etc. They are still waterproof, and function reasonably well. I did modify the attachment system with higher grade bungees and hooks.

However, IMO the Nashbar product does not compare with the the quality or durability of Ortlieb panniers. I believe that if a person is really sure they want to use panniers for the long run, getting a quality set is a good investment.

The reason I went with the Nashbar front panniers to start with was my uncertainty about using front panniers. Once I knew they fit well in my gear options, I upgraded to a better set.

Bottom line is: Nashbar panniers are good enough to meet most people's need, at a reasonable price.

Ah, I see, I didn't pick up on the random letters meaning 'front' and 'rear'. Thanks for clarifying.
How does that available space compare between the panniers you mentioned? 20liter difference for the rear panniers...what the front?

That's some significant storage difference, at least for me.

I have both the front and back sets of the draw string ones (can't remember there model designation) picked them up with the whole idea of the "all righty, lets give this whole touring thing a try" thought and didn't want to fork out the $$$ for high end to try something I may not even like. These where reasonable and if nothing else good for my office commute, grocery getting, errands, etc....

And, If I do like the whole touring/camping thing....well, I can always upgrade as I can afford it.

win-win for me no matter....

As usual, well stated.

Fair enough!!