Panniers / Pannier Racks

I use one 25lt pannier (Thule) and it's perfect for clothes, shoes, lunch and laptop. Odd the first time you move a bike with it one side, but fine when you're moving.

Agreed that the waterproof/ tarpaulin material is best. Seems that Ortileb are good, but my experience of Decathlon, Vaude and Thule is that they are fine. You can buy singles.

Rack- I was given an old Bontrager rack.. I bolted it on and three years later it's still there and fine. It's starting to show wear, so I may change at some point.

N+1 time?

Thanks Matt. Maybe I’ll just get a standard pannier rack and have done with it.

Juat checked my backpack and actually it’s 30 litres. Looking at a lot of panniers they’re 25l or 40l. Might go with a single 40 litre on that basis.

Will read some reviews and try to find one that doesn’t mention it rattles a lot.

Something like this looks good:

https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/ortlieb_backroller_free_ql2_1_single_pannier_bag_black_2023-ID_86806?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0YGNwujZgAMVg_DtCh3PAgJ3EAQYCSABEgLeYfD_BwE

<p>Hi. Can’t comment on the racks but you can definitely ride with just one pannier. Commuted like that for a long time. Always put it on the drive side as it protected the mech if the bike fell over and I thought it encouraged drivers to pass wider. </p>

Ortlieb are more expensive than the other brands, but also much more durable IMV.

I’ve gone from panniers to a rack bag because aero - makes a difference at the end of a day on a commute IMO.

Racks, you generally get what you pay for. Cheaper ones wear out from the pack rubbing. More expensive ones last longer.

Single pannier is also more aero than two panniers.

I also wouldn’t go for a quick release rack on something for daily use. To my mind QR are for something that you only want to use occasionally rather than regular use.

once the pannier rack is all set up anyway its just 4 bolts to remove it if you must 🙂

". Looking at a lot of panniers they’re 25l or 40l. Might go with a single 40 litre on that basis."

You may find 40L refers to a pair of panniers. Ortliebs for example. A single 40l would be huge.

Tubus racks are bombproof but spendy. I've used these Tortecs for commuting. Cheap. Light.

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/carriers-racks/tor-tec-ultralite-alloy-rear-cycle-rack-for-26-inch-700c-wheels-black/

I m still using 30 year old ortlieb roller panniers.  I put zip ties round the attachments to stop someone nicking them or them bouncing off, but as they look well used I doubt any thief would be interested.  Loads of capacity for shopping, gym stuff, tip runs. I ride on canal towpaths a lot, any decent panniers will get scuffed on greenery, bridges, so pleased I didn't buy new.

When they eventually die I 'll probably get the same again.  Got some matching  fronts too but never needed them.

Thanks for all the comments. Will go for a normal rack. That tor-tec one looks reasonably priced.

I’ve only just clocked the 40kg Ortlieb panniers are actually 2x 20l ones. I don’t really want to carry 2 bags in from my bike daily. Perhaps I’ll try a single 25l one unless I can find something 30l.

I looked for bags that go on top of the rack but none looked big enough to me?

Looks like alpkit do a 30l pannier - but not sure on that material.

https://alpkit.com/products/toliari-pannier-30

This Pannier rack might do the job with the above bag:

https://alpkit.com/products/sonder-mool-pannier-rack

I looked for bags that go on top of the rack but none looked big enough to me?

If the rack is wide enough you could get the Lomo rack bag?

They're way bigger than 15l and it's nice to have the weight on the center line of the bike for handling. Says out of stock at the moment so maybe contact Lomo to see if they will get more soon.

Ortlieb Roller Classics here, have a pair but generally just use one, they're fairly indestructible but heavy empty. Fit to a cooking Blackburn rack I bought on eBay with a kiddy seat over ten years ago. The rack has worn where the pannier rubs but still seems to have plenty of life in it.

Whilst the weather holds I'm commuting the 12 miles each way on my gravel bike using an Alpkit Big Papa tail pack which easily swallows clothes, waterproofs and tools. Will also accommodate a bottle of wine of needed. On days when I'm lugging a laptop (a small Windows tablet thingy) it goes in an Alpkit 13l airlock on the front.

Pannier is way more convenient and can be easily popped on/off the bike, the tailpack rides way better but is a faff, not waterproof so contents need to be in a second drybag and stays attached to the bike although Mrs Davy90 has the newer version with a permanently fixed holster and removable drybag.

I bring my gravel bike into the office so can leave bags attached. Once the weather gets grim I'll be back (somewhat reluctantly) to the commuter with puncture resistant tyres filled with lead, full mudguards, cheap components and the pannier set up.

Jumping on this thread, I’m starting to commute more by bike now and currently using an Ortlieb commuter backpack.

But I’d like to get the weight off my back if possible and thinking about a front rack with a wide bar bag (messenger style) which sits on the rack. The Wizard Works Shazam looks like a contender but not sure if it’s wide enough for a 13” laptop. Anyone have any other suggestions on a wide rack back like the Shazam which will take a laptop. Other alternative is to drop WW an email and see if they’ll do a custom one slightly wider.

I got a Topeak rack off Facebook market place for about £10 and altura bags for free off a local group to give them a try. The rack is still going fine the bags aren't although to be fair they had a long life before me. I found it great, 1 bag is fine. The biggest handling issue is pushing the bike around (and heaving onto trains) which is the same regardless of number of bags. I've gone on to ortlieb which I like but I miss there being a pocket on the outside for keys/phone/bike lock to save rolling the top up every time.

The Topeak system (mtx) is mint. They used to do a laptop specific bag that would also carry your office clothes (office bag) that clips on in a second and is proper secure. I haven't seen one for sale in 5 years though (used mine for 10+)

+1 for that tortec rack. I'm on my second, after the first was stolen. Handled lots of abuse on bike trips and the daily commute. I wouldn't buy a tubus at first.

Ortlieb rollers too. Perhaps 15 years old and still excellent condition. Sometimes I'd like to have to internal organisation (e.g. laptop sleeve) but this can be managed with accessories. I would buy again, if I ever needed to.

Having a pair can be useful. Occasionally I need to take work boots, tools, helmet, etc.. the second bag carries this. If I had only one, I'd have to buy a second ...

Next rack I buy needs to have an adjustable leg length.

The bolt mount point on my pinnacle frame is high and pushes the rack high above the tyre that then clashes with the saddle bag which does the majority of the junk carrying when a pannier isn't needed.

I’ve only just clocked the 40kg Ortlieb panniers are actually 2x 20l ones. I don’t really want to carry 2 bags in from my bike daily. Perhaps I’ll try a single 25l one unless I can find something 30l.

I looked for bags that go on top of the rack but none looked big enough to me?

Don't discount a bar bag and a smaller pannier.

https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/bags-racks/saddle-handlebar-bags/ortlieb-ultimate-six-classic-handlebar-bag-65l-asphalt__398493

When I commuted I could fit a lot in one of these and a large saddle bag. With the k click system there's only a small bit left on the bars and it's handy to take the bar bag with you.

This trunk bag with the quick slide mounting system is pretty good but weighty at 1kg. I think it only works with topeak racks though.

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/product/857-MTX-TRUNKBAG-DX

The quick slide mounting system I found to be terrible.

@retrorick - I believe you can get smaller racks that solve the problem?

My commuter has 2 panniers: a very cheap roll-top bag from Lidl/Aldi which contains tools, tube and waterproofs (as an aside: if you ride in your work clothes, you need decent waterproofs. I have a gore-tex jacket, trousers with full side zips so they can be put on in seconds, and motorbiking waterproof over boots (no cleat problems as I'm on flats)). This one is cable-tied onto the rack.

The other side is an  Ortlieb Office bag  https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/office-bag+F70704 which looks smart, clips on and off in a moment and is showing no signs of use a year on. It will hold a laptop, my lunch, phone, book, glasses case, wallet, piles of polypockets and 3 large pencil case size packets of work equipment with room to spare.

PM me.

I have a Tortec rack and 2 Brooks panniers that i no longer use.

the bags are made by ortleib and look lovely.

Ortlieb Downtown is a great laptop pannier. The quick rack looks like a decent offering and I'd use that because I used to remove my rack for club rides fixed (now n+1, so don't need to). The QL system leaves the mounting on the rack and is very good. Keep some clothes and shoes at work. You can also fit a seat post collar that adds mounting points for a normal rack, but I would not be worried about a carbon seat post. there is 70+ kilos swaying off the top, and the extra load from a rack is minimal, the weight is taken through the dropouts.

https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/ortlieb_quick_rack-ID_84482?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoeemBhCfARIsADR2QCtmF62yykfBCgQJ5KfzqylZGv-PUtJw0-6KE5vVWZoD46NGlJJCZKEaAro0EALw_wcB

@retrorick – I believe you can get smaller racks that solve the problem?

I did try a small version of a Trek rack which I was hopeful would fit but it was still too tall and clashed with my saddlebag.

I see the adjustable leg racks on bikes every so often but they don't always have a name or model visible on them.

The rack also could do with being flat at the top, without any kick up that would interfere with the saddlebag.

I’ve recently fitted and used an m:part/madison summit pannier rack after reading good reviews. I’d echo them. Very impressed and comes with two bottom mounts so height can be adapted. I was using ortlieb city roller front panniers but whilst they are great for work they weren’t for touring so I bought and used Arkel T28 and they are superb.
https://flic.kr/p/2oV97Uj

Tubus fly evo and 2 20l ortliebs … perfect for 4 days a week in any weather.

So I’ve ordered a Tortec pannier rack today - £30 from Tredz delivered with the 10% discount code.

The only 2 large pannier bags I’ve really seen (planning to run 1 big one) are the Alpkit 30l one and a 27l Decathlon one.

Anybody running either of those / any comments or feedback on them? The decathlon looks a more wipe clean type material and is a chunk cheaper so I’m leaning towards that one…

Alpkit:

https://alpkit.com/products/toliari-pannier-30

Decathlon:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/27l-waterproof-bike-bag-900/_/R-p-339156

Just saw a decent looking bag (being carried by a decent looking lady on the bus). Rather than ask her and be awkward, I googled 'pannier yellow zip' and it's this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rhinowalk-Waterproof-Shoulder-Professional-Accessories/dp/B07Z7MPB1B/ref=asc_df_B07Z7MPB1B/

Has an outer zipped pocket which I like the idea of (and was mentioned above).

I bought vaude panniers in 1997. I still use them daily.

Not cheap at £80+ currently, but they are still waterproof and intact 24 years later. The panniers are 25l each but they are roll top and you don't have to roll them all the way down, so they hold more than 25l each.

I've commuted daily for 15 out of 26 years since I bought them. the panniers have been used for almost all of that time. Not cheap, but great value over that time.

Current ones are not exactly the same

https://www.hardloop.co.uk/product/5224-vaude-aqua-back-cycling-bag

Another vote for Vaude here, one of mine has a duck tape internal patch on a small hole otherwise they've done 20 years without a problem.

The mid-size Restrap bar bag will hold shirt and underwear plus lunch and other bits for an alternative.

Also look at the Carradice waxed cotton panniers which come in bigger sizes but may need a dry bag inside. Their saddle bags have been used by Audax types for donkey's years.

Looked at Carradice and don’t really fancy them for whatever reason. I think it’s the material and the way it looks like mud will stick well to it.

I went for it and ordered the decathlon 27l pannier so will see what it’s like when it arrives. If not great I’ll send back and perhaps try the Vaude rear panniers and see what they’re like given the other 2 comments above. Thanks!

Ive got Ortliebs (tough expensive heavy), Altura (cheaper lighter less robuat), and recently got given one called Rhinowalk. Feels like an Ortlieb copy and impressed so far. Waterpoof roll top - Perfect for commuting.

I have this one from Thule (with the Tortec rack) and really like it.

The 22L Thule bag in particular is the one, as it has a handle and a shoulder strap for lugging about as well as a decent padded laptop sleeve and pockets.

https://www.thule.com/en-gb/bike-packs-bags-and-racks/panniers-and-bike-bags/thule-shield-pannier22l-_-3204916

As well as the Thule one for work, I also have the £30 Halfords Advanced one as a shopping bucket.

Another vote for Ortlieb here. You could look at Upso, made by Carradice, from old lorry tarps.