Pannier buying advice, please!

topcattim

I'm looking for some panniers for my daily commute. My bike shop has recommended Altura Dryline 32L. They need to be waterproof, which the Altura panniers are. deally I'd like something perhaps a smidge bigger than that, just to allow the possibility of cycle touring. But most importantly, I'm looking for something that has a strap or similar that will allow it to be carried easily on the times when I need to use a train and walk at the far end.

Does anybody have any recommendations?

JackPozzi

Ortlieb - Not the cheapest but they are very good, waterproofing is fine and they do have a strap as well.

EDIT: these are the ones I've got, highly recommend http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ortlieb-back-roller-plus-panniers/

derosa

I've used these Altura panniers for the past three years for commuting http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-arran-46-rear-panniers/

Super tough - I like the external pockets for bits & bobs. OK, probably not 100% waterproof under monsoon conditions but line with a plastic bag and job's a good 'un.

desweller

What's your budget?

If you can afford them then Ortlieb are a safe choice. I had trouble with my Alturas when riding on bumpy terrain but that might not be a consideration for you.

topcattim

DesWeller wrote:

What's your budget?

If you can afford them then Ortlieb are a safe choice. I had trouble with my Alturas when riding on bumpy terrain but that might not be a consideration for you.

£70ish preferably but definitely not higher than £100 so the Ortliebs are too much for me. But my commute is all on road, with avoidable potholes so perhaps the Altura are ok, but I could do with some kind of carrying strap...

Hoopdriver

Carradice are good. I have used both Ortlieb and Carradice. Both have their strong points, but I quite like Carradice

unixnerd

Edinburgh Bicycles own brand. Mine are over ten years old and have lasted really well in all weathers. Bought a set as a pressie for a relative last Christmas and they seem to be the same good design. About 20 quid if I remember correctly.

topcattim

unixnerd wrote:

Edinburgh Bicycles own brand. Mine are over ten years old and have lasted really well in all weathers. Bought a set as a pressie for a relative last Christmas and they seem to be the same good design. About 20 quid if I remember correctly.

Do they still make their own brand? I can't see it here.

unixnerd

Here:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... nnier-bags

topcattim

unixnerd wrote:

Here:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... nnier-bags

Ah yes, now I see. :oops:
Thanks for the lead - they look good value, but I'm still hunting for something with a shoulder strap, I think. But I might come back to these...

unixnerd

They have a fabric carrying handle at the back which I use a lot, if that's any help. It's pretty robust.

ian.r.mcdonald

My only (recent ) experience with Carradice was with a saddle bag rather than panniers

I was very disappointed with their lack of customer service when trying to resolve a fitting problem- ignoring my request for help in solving a problem- I can only assume because they did not have a solution

I am very pro buying UK produced items- but in this case I would (sadly) suggest that the German or Far Eastern options are a better bet if only to rely on proper customer support if needed in the future

term1te

Hi there TC,

A bit of a late reply, but I've been using these http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/ortliebrose-ortlieb-back-roller-classicrose/aid:553754 for the last three years. Completely waterproof, large enough to carry most things, and they come as a pair. I only use one at a time and can fit a change of cloths, pack lunch and a laptop in one. The only down side is that the plastic the attachments are made of is so strong that it damages the aluminium rack I use. I wrap some gaffer tape around the wrack tube, but this needs replacing every month of so. I'd guess the pair would be large enough for some light touring.

huuregeil

The Carradice Bike Bureau is an excellent and well-thought out design, particularly if you have to jump from bike to a meeting, because with the flap over the back it looks like a regular bag.

topcattim

Term1te wrote:

Hi there TC,

A bit of a late reply, but I've been using these http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/ortliebrose-ortlieb-back-roller-classicrose/aid:553754 for the last three years. Completely waterproof, large enough to carry most things, and they come as a pair. I only use one at a time and can fit a change of cloths, pack lunch and a laptop in one. The only down side is that the plastic the attachments are made of is so strong that it damages the aluminium rack I use. I wrap some gaffer tape around the wrack tube, but this needs replacing every month of so. I'd guess the pair would be large enough for some light touring.

Thanks Term1te, always a delight to hear from you - hope all those pesky insects are being well behaved. Those look good and that link you shows would have put them in my price bracket.
In the end I went for the original option of the Altura Drylines, not yet tested them though - new bike not yet arrived.