Panniers!

Symchicken
Symchicken Posts: 50
edited February 2008 in Commuting chat
Hey folks, I'm picking up the new bike on Tuesday and will be grabbing some panniers at the same time. Can anyone recommend a decent set? requirements are they have to be waterproof (carrying pupils books and laptop) and a decent capacity. Just to add spice to the mix I'm also planning to go cycling round the highlands this summer if this has any bearing on the decision.

Any suggestions appreciated,

Symchicken

Comments

  • Matteeboy
    Matteeboy Posts: 996
    Got Altura Dryline 32 rear panniers and they are brilliant - waterproof, easy to fit and durable.

    http://www.cyclesurgery.com/ProductDeta ... 98a75c505f
    Two Stumpjumpers, a Rockhopper Disk and an old British Eagle.

    http://www.cornwallmtb.kk5.org
  • ChrisLS
    ChrisLS Posts: 2,749
    ...yep, I would second the Alturas...
    ...all the way...'til the wheels fall off and burn...
  • Totalnewbie
    Totalnewbie Posts: 932
    I third them, I have a pair. Stuff is all nice and dry after this morning's shower.
    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/ ... 400572.jpg
  • Underscore
    Underscore Posts: 730
    Just to add some variety, I'll vote for Vaude:

    World Tramp (42 litres per pair):
    http://actionoutdoors.co.uk/shop/vaude-world-tramp-ii-p-1035.html
    or World Cycle (26 litres per pair):
    http://actionoutdoors.co.uk/shop/vaude-world-cycle-p-1037.html

    I've had the World Tramps for about 5 years and they've been totally waterproof and are still going strong.

    _

    P.S. I'm not recommending Action Outdoors as I've never used them - they're just the first link that came up in Google!
  • Symchicken
    Symchicken Posts: 50
    Cheers for the advice folks. looks like the Alturas may be the way forward as they sell them in the LBS I'll be picking my bike up from. Not long now, less than 24hrs in fact!
  • Gussio
    Gussio Posts: 2,452
    As an alternative, anything from Orlieb will be bombproof and completely waterproof.
  • lowe
    lowe Posts: 61
    My orlieb panniers have so far sustained two years constant use with no sign of wear. Whilst doing end to end after 11 hours of consistanly hard Scottish rain they were completely waterproof, whereas my husband's Altura ones were starting to let in water (to be fair though this is the only time they have and he prefers them). I also like the fact the can be 'squashed' to the size of your load.
  • The Lunch
    The Lunch Posts: 21
    I commute with a simple & low-cost Altura but bought an Arkel briefcase ( http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/briefc ... =1&site=uk ) for my wife as it's expandable (and can take clothes, oboe, music stand, laptop, papers, etc.) but can also go into meetings without making her look like some sort of polar explorer!

    Other than the price (but I think it's real value-for-money), the down-side is that (a) you have to buy over the web as (b) only Bikefix (rudest bike shop in the world) seem to stock them and (c) their UK stock-holder shut-up-shop recently.
  • jopari
    jopari Posts: 84
    I don't see the point of water-proof panniers, I'll do what I do when walking and pack things seperately in water-proof bags.
    So, does anyone recommend the Altura Arran 16 for commuting? And will 16litres be big enough for spare shirt, lunch and maybe a small laptop?

    btw, only after single pannier bag.
    Cannondale R800 - Dry
    Kona Honky Tonk - Wet
    '96 GT Outpost - Kids on back
    Genesis Core 120 - Mud
    Raleigh Pro Race - Shop
  • ChrisLS
    ChrisLS Posts: 2,749
    ...Arran's fine, even comes with a rain cover. I've used a single one for two and half years and am still pleased with it... :D you can really load it up...
    ...all the way...'til the wheels fall off and burn...
  • Bent Birdy Boy
    Bent Birdy Boy Posts: 3
    The Lunch wrote:
    I commute with a simple & low-cost Altura but bought an Arkel briefcase ( http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/briefc ... =1&site=uk ) for my wife as it's expandable (and can take clothes, oboe, music stand, laptop, papers, etc.) but can also go into meetings without making her look like some sort of polar explorer!

    Other than the price (but I think it's real value-for-money), the down-side is that (a) you have to buy over the web as (b) only Bikefix (rudest bike shop in the world) seem to stock them and (c) their UK stock-holder shut-up-shop recently.

    To my knowledge the UK stockholder for Arkel Panniers has not 'shut up shop'. Friend of mine ordered a bar bag from their web site a few days ago and already has it - and is very pleased with it. It was sen to him by their UK stockholder and he received it 2 days after ordering. Quicker than Wiggle.
  • highson
    highson Posts: 3
    I use a cycling jacket with a removable suit carrier to carry my clothes to work. i can remove my clothes at journeys end and hang them up and still wear the coat on my breaks.
  • mediamonkey
    mediamonkey Posts: 128
    highson wrote:
    i can remove my clothes at journeys end and hang them up

    You must have very open-minded employers! :shock: :lol:

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