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I currently have an ortlieb city roller which I use for commuting. It's no nonsense, waterproof and takes everything I need. It would be nice to have an internal organiser pocket but I can live with it.
However, I've noticed that the hard plastic mounts on the back of it has worn down the legs of my racks. It's done it to the last two racks, not worn through but there is noticeable thinning of the legs. Having just invested in a quick rack and noticed it starting to happen again I'm on the look out for a new bag (the ortlieb anti abrasion rubber things don't fit properly) My current bag has the basic attachment mechanism, are the fancier ones (Q3.1 or whatever they are called) any better?
Does anyone have any suggests for a decent pannier that's waterproof, secure and maybe doesn't trash the rack?
I have panniers from North Street, replaced "normal" clip on to stop the rattling.
Only really water resistant so I rub dry bags, but they don't damage the rack as it's all soft straps.
https://northstbags.com/collections/bike-panniers/products/adventure-micro-pannier-14l
https://bikepacking.com/index/panniers-for-bikepacking/
Heli tape or 3m 2228 mastic tape?
My rack wears holes in my Thule bags instead. Bags are helitaped which is refreshed as needed.
Would a more durable steel rather than aluminum rack solve the problem?
Or move the clips on the panniers every so often to spread the wear around?
I had a Topeak rack and used variously Altura and Ortlieb bags on it for commuting duties for years. I eventually had to bin the rack as the panniers had worn half way through the frame. I suppose one might reasonably take a view that any component on a bike is a wear component and so reasonable wear and tear is unavoidable.
I try and reduce wear by padding the rack with some cut down innertube taped on with electrical tape as a 'bumper', but the lower hooks do cause wear to the rack. It's just one of those 'things'. TBH it takes years of commuting to wear them out, and I've had racks fail elsewhere before the wear has been an issue.
I supposecif you accept panniers rattle, wear of the bag or the rack is inevitable. Personally, I'd prefer to wear the rack out as it's cheaper than an Ortlieb. I think Tubus do steel racks that may well be more wear resistant but you'll no doubt have holes in ya bags as a result. Choose the blue pill or the red...