ephemeralskin

versus toploaders with cinch straps. i only have experience with the latter and am wondering how a boxy internal frame would affect the load.. does it not matter that it cant be cinched down as tightly?
in particular, im weighing the merits of the arkel t-42 against the xm-45, but im also just curious in general.
thanks.

Erick L

Not a concern with the T-42, unless you carry nothing but a single item, which could move around. It can be cinched pretty tight as the pannier will fold on itself. The boxy shape is pretty convenient for loading.

PurpleK

From a logistical perspective, the internal framed panniers can not be compacted as well for shipping in a bike box to starting points. After learning the hard way, I now use only panniers without internal frames as they are much easier to pack and ship.

BigBlueToe

I bought a set of bike bags from REI in about 1992 - front and rear panniers and a matching handlebar bag. The front panniers have some "spreaders" - aluminum roundbar that attaches about 3/4 of the way up the plastic stiffener on the inside of the pannier. They angle out to the top on the opposite side where they fit through a sleeve. There are sockets on the plastic stiffener, so the "spreaders" can be pulled out, allowing the pannier to be flattened. The aluminum pieces are still attached via the sleeve.

They work well. They make it easy to stuff the bags, since the top is held open. They keep the bag from sagging when it isn't full. I haven't managed to bend the aluminum bars in all these years. The only annoyance is that they come out of the sockets easily. Almost every time you pull something out of the bag, your hand also pulls the spreader out of the sockets. But, all in all, I'd say I like them.

MichaelW

If the material is flimsy then a total surround frame may be needed but for proper tough pannier material it is not neccessary, the usual backplate and base stiffening material is sufficient.