Kit Guide - Buying panniers
Panniers are bags that clip or strap onto the front or rear rack of your bike. For a commuter or tourer, a good set of panniers are a godsend. Unfortunately there are lots of really bad panniers out there, so choose wisely. Here's what to look for:
Secure quick release clips - you want a system for fitting to the rack which is going to stay put when you want it to, but detach in an instant when you leave your bike. There's nothing worse than panniers that fly off in the street and under the car behind.
Conversely, it can be a major faff unbuckling straps and other fasteners when you want to unclip your panniers to nip into the shops or into work. So look for panniers with an attachment system with hooks that completely enclose the rail of the rack, like these Rixen and Kaul hooks pictured right - strong and secure, yet easy to undo in a hurry.
Weatherproofing - there's no use getting a bag which leaks like a sieve - Taking a change of clothes in your pannier is no use if, when you arrive at work after a rainy commute, they look like the've just been on the ‘non-fast colours' cycle.
Good bags are either waterproof from the get-go (with laminated ‘roll-top' panniers, like this Ortlieb pannier pictured right being the king) or have built in rain covers that slip over the pannier when the rains come. Traditional Carradice bags are made from waxed cotton duck which is practically waterproof, repairable and breathable. While laminated panniers are virtually immersion proof, if you put something wet inside them, it'll stay wet, whereas a cotton duck pannier or bag will breathe.
Heel clearance - Don't buy panniers on mail order unless you're absolutely sure they'll fit. If you've got a bike with short chainstays and/or you've got big feet, there may not be enough heel clearance for large panniers. A racktop bag or saddlebag system may be a better bet if this is the case. Many panniers allow you to adjust the bag fore and aft on the rails to maximise heel clearance with this.
Pannier Size - Panniers generally come in 'front' or 'rear' sizes. Front panniers, designed to go on lowrider racks at the front of your bike generally have around 20 litres of capactiy, whereas rear panniers tend to average around 40 litres per pair. However, there's nothing stopping you putting front panniers on the rear. Indeed many small panniers are marketed as ''universal' meaning that they can go either front or rear. When choosing a set of panniers, remember the universal law that states whatever size bag you strap to your bike, you'll end up filling it to capacity with junk you don't need, so think carefully of what you'll be carrying most of the time and choose accordingly.
Racks - we're assuming you've already got a rear rack on your bike. But if not, Tubus, SL, Tortec, Blackburn and Nitto are top brands. When buying panniers, make sure that your hooks fit the rails of your rack - some tubular steel racks have tubing which isn't compatible with all types of hook. Also look for a rack with a 'dog leg' support which will help keep the panniers from interfering with your back wheel. The best racks have low, set back mounting points, allowing you to position your load lower and further back, maximising stability and heel clearance (like this Tubus Logo rear rack pictured right).
Convertible bags - some panniers convert into rucksacks using a zip off pannier back which conceals rucksack straps. Other panniers are bike briefcases, which look smart off the bike and have shock absorbing, suspended or padded sleeves to carry laptops in relative safety
Other types of bag - some bikes are just not pannier friendly. However, there are many types of bag to choose from. Traditionalists prefer saddlebags, which mount, as the name suggests behind the saddle and offer anything up to 24 litres of capacity. Some have quick release systems, making removal and fitting a doddle. Rack top bags are also a great idea for folding bikes and other bikes with poor heel clearance. They strap to the top of your rack and can carry a surprising amount.
