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As per title really.
The pannier I use occasionally for commuting is huge. I usually use a small rucksack, but sometimes want to use a pannier, particularly in the summer as a change from getting a sweaty back.
Only need space for a slim laptop,A5 notebook, couple of pens, mobile phone and sometimes a D-lock.
Ideally water proof/resistant. And with secure/robust attachment points.
Not too spendy either!
Ortlieb do a small commuter pannier, no?
^An Ortlieb of whichever size fits your stuff. I used two of their front roller panniers mounted on the rear rack, for a tour across France. Worked a treat.
Ortlieb Front Rollers. I’ve been using them for years on the rear rack. I just wanted small panniers
Ok. Like Ortlieb. But less spendy!
But less spendy!
I just bought a pair of large (25lt each) Thule Sheild's like these for £40 brand new with tags from Facebook marketplace.
Ortilebs go for daft money, even second hand. They are good. But that good? Hmmm.
Get hunting.
Decathlon do cheap and good pannier bags:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-755627-pannier-bags-and-saddle-bags
This one is pretty small:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/100-rear-pannier-bike-bag-15l-id_8388005.html
Ortlieb or buy cheap ones and put everything in a dry bag?
Do you want a recommendation or do you want a small pannier?
I have large and small roll top Ortlieb panniers and they've been brilliant for eight years and they still look new and have been waterproof. I also still regularly use (every week) some Deuter Rack Pack II panniers that I've had since 2008. They're pretty tired looking now but still functional and used every week but are not waterproof and the pull out rain cover is really only showerproof.
If I'm carrying a lap top I would want and have waterproof for peace of mind.
I have heard it said that Ortlieb make the Thule panniers, if so then I'd expect them to be an equally good purchase.
I've just bought these for my grandson. They are in the shop this week and for £10 ok. I wouldn't use them for touring but I don't want to spend a lot until I know my grandson will enjoy it.
https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/p/cycling-accessories/crivit-pannier-bag-set/p30157
I gave up looking for the same thing. I bought a 12L Lomo heavy duty drybag and some Ortleib pannier fixings. Plastic back plate inside, fixings through and into that and Bob's your dad.
Works really well, but I noticed the other day that the bag has cracked through. Lasted about 10 months of daily use.
Just bought an Ortleib 13L PS490 to transfer the bits across to. Should last better.
I'd go for an Ortlieb front pannier. If that too expensive, the Decathlon waterproof panniers are OK, and not too large, but the fixing system is more basic. For commuting, I would recommend the convenience of drop and click Ortlieb fixings. Worth a few quid more in the long run.
I would say the Alpkit ones but the plastic clips are rubbish but they did send me a whole new pannier when they broke.
About the first thing I do with waterproof panniers is make some drainage holes in the bottom. 🙂
Everything that needs to be kept dry goes in a plastic bag.
Thanks for the suggestions.
I know the Ortlieb ones are quality. But don't really need it to last forever as I don't often use panniers in any case.
The decathlon ones look ok, but the clips don't look great. It does need to be secure as I'd likely be using it off road on th CX-commuter at times.
The Alpkit one looks good.
But I might just take a punt on the Lidl ones actually.