Pannier driving me nuts

Totalnewbie

I've had it with my current pannier, it has the most goadawful way of fixing it to the rack that involves a buckle and a piece of fraying strap. I nearly froze my fingers off at 11pm last night (coming back from a mate's) fiddling with it. Then to add to the fun my lights had worked their way to the bottom and I couldn't find them for ages.

I therefore need panniers with

A) An easy on-off system (that is still secure enough bouncing along on crap roads)

at least one pocket for me to put stuff like lights and keys so I can always find them easily without faff

It should also be strong as I put heavy stuff like food shopping in it when it's not carrying commuting stuff.

Definitely don't want to spend more than about £60/pair if at all possible. Was thinking maybe Altura Arran, anyone got any opinions, I'd be very grateful.

PrettyBoyTim

I bought a pair of Altura panniers, these ones, I think:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=14477

for £60 from Evans. They clip on and have never accidentally unclipped, despite me bouncing over speed humps at high speed.

The have a little inner organiser with some small packets in, although now I've been thinking that I would prefer something with bigger pockets. They hold shopping without trouble, and have so far kept everything inside dry.

They come with clip-on shoulder straps, although they are bit uncomfortable to wear around the shoulder, as there's nothing to prevent the clips from poking you in the back.

I'm pleased with them for the money.

Totalnewbie

Thanks Tim. I get 10% off at Evans for being a member of the LCC so that's handy.

Stuww

I'll second the Altura's.

I've had these http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=14483 for 9 months and they have covered around 100 miles a week, never let me down and contents stays dry!

Stu

discurio

PrettyBoyTim wrote:

I bought a pair of Altura panniers, these ones, I think:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=14477

.

i'll second that. got a set for the missus, she loves them, really easy
(even for her) to clip on and off

spen666

discurio wrote:

PrettyBoyTim wrote:

I bought a pair of Altura panniers, these ones, I think:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=14477

.

i'll second that. got a set for the missus, ...

I think that was a good deal.

redddraggon

http://wiggle.co.uk/CategoryProducts.as ... 20Panniers

Same price on wiggle, but £6 with the september 10% off and free delivery.

dazzawazza

I have a set of of 46L Arran panniers, which I got on special for about £35.
They're great for supermarket shopping, but I've found that it's not the panniers that are the problem.
I've managed to bend a stay on my rack and loose a spoke. Doesn't help when I load both panniers with bottles of liquid and the rack with a box of beer. Stopped being catious of weight after a while and loaded up the supermarket trolley like i had a car.

Totalnewbie

Thanks all. Do the Altura Dryline ones have a pocket on the outside, do you know?

My rack is quite heavy duty looking so I would hope it will be ok but you never know.

I'm from Queen's Park Dazzawazza (although have now decamped to South London). Spent many a happy evening riding my litte red bike around the Avenues as a kid, I learned to ride in the park. Happy days...

dazzawazza

I live in the Avenues and they aren't very safe for riding anymore. Lots of ignorant idiots speed like they're on the open road. Even next to the primary school.

Totalnewbie

i know, I still ride there sometimes myself when visiting family still there, shame eh. Lots of teenagers on mopeds too.

Oh b*gger, just been to try and buy the dryline pair (32 not 56) and they're out of stock til November at wiggle, and I had a £5 voucher for them too.

Mwnci

The 56's are 62.99 with the September 10% off - says they have stock of those!

Totalnewbie

I know...but I wanted the smaller ones ideally. I'm a woman - give me a big bag and I'll fill it! Wonder what the prob is with the 32s.

Totalnewbie

Well I managed to grab a pair of the 32s at Evans with my 15% off voucher nabbed at the Freecycle festival. I do like them (although the internal pockets could be bigger I agree) but am wondering why the liner bit comes away with the velcro at the back, is that like a separate compartment? I like to know these things!

They got a great test on the way home last night too (got absolutely drenched, stuff inside stayed dry).