So it's time for some new panniers for commuting (all year / all weathers) as the cheap Edinburgh Bike Coop Revolution ones I've been using for the last 10 years have reached the end of their life (losing too much stuff falling out of the holes). Will be carrying clothing / shoes / lunch / flasks / lock.
The standard recommendation is Ortlieb but they're a wee bit spendy for me. The Carradice / Carradry look good and are significantly cheaper.
Anyone able to compare / contrast them or offer other alternatives?
I have both ( but a few years old dunno if changed) The carradry rears are huge - bigger than ortleib and tend to lose their shape if not full. Carradry are properly rainproof but ortleib are chuck 'em in the river waterproof. Ortleib much easier to get on and off but carradry are more secure if leaving them on the bike. Ortleib rattle a bit. Ortleib are a bit heavier.
IMO strengths and weaknesses in both. For me if you are leaving them on the bike all the time carradry, if taking them on and off all the time ortleib. If you need maximum capacity Carradry
I had Ortleib, indestructable, used every day for about 10 years and then gave them to someone else, still probably had another 10 years in them.
The handle loop made them easy to lock to the pannier if not taking them when leaving the bike locked somewhere.
I used Ortlieb front roller classics (slightly cheaper and smaller - used on the rear rack) for my commutes. Totally waterproof, and on/off the bikes in seconds. They also survived a few car/cyclist interactions and saved the bike from a fair bit of damage - unlike me !
Boring as it is, i wouldn't look beyond Ortlieb. Also spares carried in every decent bike shop across Europe. To me it's a no brainer. My pair are 15 years old and still going strong.
What's your budget? As above, I've had the Ortlieb back roller classics for about 10 years and they're still as good as new. That's with daily commuting, cycle tours etc. They just work very well. Easy to lift on and off and carry about when you need to.
Ortlieb every time! Properly weatherproof, on and offable, sturdy!
I have a Carradry saddle bag. It's poorly designed and flaps about a lot. After that I'd never touch them again...
I have just ordered this in stead of panniers.
It has not arrived yet, but at £30-00, its worth a try...
I've used Vaude roll top ones for years. They have been completely waterproof and held up to being slung about and carrying heavy loads on a daily basis for years. I would have no qualms about buying Vaude again, although that may be a while off yet.
There's an ortlieb pannier in the classifieds.
Buy cheap, buy twice isn't always true but probably is with panniers. Just get the ortliebs.
O R T L I E B
Alpkit have some new panniers. Not cheap, but the pair I've been using for the last couple of months seen to be holding up ok.
I've got a pair of the small Carradice Super C (universal front / back and about 25 litres for the pair). They are bombproof. Been using them for over 20 years (although not daily). Easy to get on and off, big carry handles on top, enough space for work clothes,shoes & lunch. I also prefer the more old school drawcord and flap design to roll tops which I find a faff.
They are weather proof but I do always put clothes in a poly bag inside, and shoes in a bag to stop mud getting off them I to the pannier. Possibly need rewaxing so I bought a pot of wax in the spring but am yet to apply it. Only niggle is that one of the keeper levers on one clip became rattly after someone else tried to remove the pannier with it clipped up, but still totally functional. The clip design is now improved and spares are available on the website. Would totally recommend. Ant made in the Uk so no supply chain worries (although I'm sure Ortileb and other good manufactures have well audited supply chains too).
I managed to pick up a pair of brand new Thule Shield (large) panniers brand new from Facebook in May for £45, tags still on. They do feel bombproof and well thought out.
I think I would buy more on price from any of the Ortileb/Vaude/Thule/Axiom/Arkle/etc as they are generally pretty damn good.
Upso panniers look quite neat. Made by Carradice, from recycled tarps.
Just bought one of the decathlon waterproof ones for my eldest to use cycling to school.
£25 so other end of the price scale but recommended by a few blogs/ sites as the best cheap option.
I've a pair of Ortileb I keep meaning to put on eBay as I don't commute anymore.
Slowol summed up what I was going to say so a +1 to add to their comment.
You'll be benefitting from the durability of Ortliebs long after you've got over the price.
Ortlieb it is then.
Onzadog if you're interested in selling yours please pm me some details / pics.