Cycle Panniers

My rear cycle panniers have got worn out to the point where I finally decided it's time to buy some new ones. So I headed to Amazon to discover that they have hundreds of panniers. But as far as I can tell from the pictures, almost all of them come as an integrated double-bag, where instead of the traditional design of two independent bags that attach, one to each side of the bicycle, the two bags are joined together with a layer of fabric that covers the top of the pannier rack. I've never used that kind of design before, and my immediate thought is that it must be a bit naff for those times when I don't have much luggage and therefore only need one bag - especially if I'll be stopping somewhere and have to carry it around. And even more naff if I have lots of heavy luggage and therefore want to carry one bag in each hand when I'm off the bike, so I don't have one hand/arm having to lift the entire weight. But since that seems to be what Amazon is almost exclusively selling, I assume there is some reason for manufacturers moving to that design?

Does anyone have any experience of the double-bag pannier design and would be able to comment on its usefulness or otherwise? Are there any advantages over having two completely separate panniers?

(And more generally, does anyone have experience of what brands are any good?)

Only one brand name you need to know...ortlieb.

The Ortlieb 'back roller plus' are the best panniers you can get. I have used them daily for 15 years...still going strong.

I have Ortlieb on the back and Altura on the front, all individual panniers, not linked, and all very good quality. Unsure why you can find only linked panniers?

Re linked panniers - Amazon or manufacturers covering themselves against possible claims when people have loaded only one pannier and have come off due to the lopsided loading?
(The original query has brought back pleasant memories of teenage/twenties cycle holidays staying at YHA hostels en-route!)

Another vote for Ortlieb. I’ve been using a pair of Back Roller City for about a decade.
As well as Amazon, try looking at some of the specialist cycling retailers, such as www.wiggle.co.uk or indeed direct from www.ortlieb.com
I tried using the linked style once, but the one I borrowed seemed very flimsy and difficult to put on, whereas the Ortlieb just clip onto the pannier rack.
One feature I decided was key was picking bags made from a properly waterproof material. When I was looking there seemed to be quite a few made of more lightweight materials, but then you’d have to bag up anything you put inside that couldn’t get wet. Whereas with an intrinsically waterproof bag I can just chuck anything in and know it will be fine even cycling through a downpour.

Amazon selling cheaper joined up panniers when Ortlieb are vastly better. If you want them joined up, Ortlieb do a rack bag which clips onto the panniers.

As a few have said above, buy Ortlieb, buy once, they're great.

I bought a pair of individual panniers from Ikea a few years ago and was very happy with them. At under £20 each they're a good deal cheaper than many of the posher alternatives. They're very sturdy, easy to get on and off the bike and carry a decent load.

I don't think Ikea themselves actually sell them any more but if you google 'Ikea cycle panniers' (or try this link, not sure if it will work: IKEA SOMMAR 2017, Bicycle pannier bag for picnics or general use, BRIGHT YELLOW | eBay ) you can still obtain them from independent retailers.

Shimbleshanks said:

I bought a pair of individual panniers from Ikea a few years ago and was very happy with them. At under £20 each they're a good deal cheaper than many of the posher alternatives. They're very sturdy, easy to get on and off the bike and carry a decent load.

I don't think Ikea themselves actually sell them any more but if you google 'Ikea cycle panniers' (or try this link, not sure if it will work: IKEA SOMMAR 2017, Bicycle pannier bag for picnics or general use, BRIGHT YELLOW | eBay ) you can still obtain them from independent retailers.

Click to expand...

The joined up panniers are bad.

Ortlieb panniers are waterproof, and very durable, so buying secondhand might be an idea. Downsides are that they are quite expensive, they don't have extra pockets. If they get wet, the water forms beads on the surface. If you brush the bag against your legs as you carry them, you get wetter than if the bag was made from Cordura, which absorbs the moisture.

Cheaper panniers are available which may be good enough. Quite a few other brands have roll top bags. You need to be careful to choose ones with good fixings onto the rack. Aldi and Lidl sell some good bags, but they also sell some poor ones.

Thanks for the advice about Ortlieb. I had a look at the Orblieb website after reading this thread. And wow - they are expensive, although that's OK if they are really good quality. And yes, they are separate bags, which what I wanted. Unfortunately, as far as I could tell from the photos, none of their panniers seem to feature side-pockets - which I regard as essential to put smaller items in.

My current (~10-year-old) panniers have both side pockets and front pockets. Between two panniers, that makes for 6 separate compartments - and I really do use them all: It makes it much easier to find things without having to waste time rummaging!

Without wanting to sound rant-y, I must admit to some puzzlement. I'd have thought that (a) side-pockets, and (b) being able to carry your panniers separately, are such obvious, essential, requirements that virtually no-one would even think of making a pannier that didn't satisfy them. To my mind, it'd be like making a bicycle that had no wheels! It seems that pannier design has gone seriously downhill since the last time I needed to buy some

Ortlieb are good. Cycled the Leeds-Liverpool last year and crossed Lancs day 2 in torrential rain - everything was bone dry. Only slight issue on my part was getting them to fit Halfords own brand racks.

But I combined with a saddlepack for small, easy to access items.

Have you looked at the Decathlon website?
They have a range of panniers at prices that wont break the bank. I can’t vouch for them personally but the reviews seem quite good and I have purchased kayaking equipment from them that was excellent quality.

Carradice of Nelson (Lancs) are also a very good maker of panniers, mine (Cotton Duck panniers and saddlebags) have never leaked in over 30 years of heavy use in all weathers.
The pull string bit around the top of one of my panniers tore last year (after 22 years of use), Carradice repaired it for a mere £14.95 (including postage!) pretty much by return of post as well.

Lemmy99uk said:

Have you looked at the Decathlon website?
They have a range of panniers at prices that wont break the bank. I can’t vouch for them personally but the reviews seem quite good and I have purchased kayaking equipment from them that was excellent quality.

Click to expand...

Funnily enough, I didn't look at their website, but after posting my previous post, I decided to try their nearest (10 miles away) store. They didn't have a huge selection at the moment, but definitely did have some separate panniers (actually sold singly rather than as pairs) with pockets, including a few ingenious designs that convert to carry-able bags or rucksacks. I ended up buying one to try out - not quite what I was looking for but close enough.

And then when I got home - saw your post and this...

dazzler said:

Carradice of Nelson (Lancs) are also a very good maker of panniers, mine (Cotton Duck panniers and saddlebags) have never leaked in over 30 years of heavy use in all weathers.
The pull string bit around the top of one of my panniers tore last year (after 22 years of use), Carradice repaired it for a mere £14.95 (including postage!) pretty much by return of post as well.

Click to expand...

And I have to say the Carradice designs look good and useful! Think I'll have to buy a pair. Nice to know they do repairs too! Might end up regretting (or returning) the decathlon one now

Apidura or Alpkit might be worth a look too.

DynamicSpirit said:

Thanks for the advice about Ortlieb. I had a look at the Orblieb website after reading this thread. And wow - they are expensive, although that's OK if they are really good quality. And yes, they are separate bags, which what I wanted. Unfortunately, as far as I could tell from the photos, none of their panniers seem to feature side-pockets - which I regard as essential to put smaller items in.

My current (~10-year-old) panniers have both side pockets and front pockets. Between two panniers, that makes for 6 separate compartments - and I really do use them all: It makes it much easier to find things without having to waste time rummaging!

Without wanting to sound rant-y, I must admit to some puzzlement. I'd have thought that (a) side-pockets, and (b) being able to carry your panniers separately, are such obvious, essential, requirements that virtually no-one would even think of making a pannier that didn't satisfy them. To my mind, it'd be like making a bicycle that had no wheels! It seems that pannier design has gone seriously downhill since the last time I needed to buy some

Click to expand...

Ortlieb panniers can be removed (separately) in a heartbeat and can be carried easily. Not sure what you're getting at? The lack of a pocket probably aids the strength of their design. They do have an internal pockets/sleeve which is useful.

On the ease of removal; I wondered just how quick they could be stolen from the bike. I don't know if others have thought about this?

Been using my Ortlieb panniers for commuting daily for the last 10 years. Dry, durable, great design.

Sorry to be facetious on New Year's Day....but when I first saw the title of this thread I was visualising a two-wheeled GWR branch line steam loco!