In the bag
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Looking to carry gear with you on the bike? Nicola Dunnicliff-Wells and Hugh Christie review the options
This article first appeared in Ride On October-November 2005 issue
If you’re riding a bike to get somewhere, chances are you’ll want to carry something with you. Whether that’s work clothes, lunch and a laptop, sports equipment or the groceries, the carting options are many
Baskets
Wire baskets are inexpensive and easy to use. Mount them on a carrier rack or handlebars (although heavy loads on the handlebars will affect steering).
Backpacks
Though they’re convenient and versatile, backpacks can put pressure on the shoulders and crotch and can change your centre of gravity. Even without a heavy load, backpacks inevitably leave your back sweaty.
Courier bags
With a shoulder strap that sits across the chest, courier bags tend to be more comfortable than traditional backpacks. They’re great for lightish loads, but don’t do away with sweaty backs.
Panniers
Attaching to a carrier rack, panniers keep weight low, which means heavy loads can be carried without substantially affecting the bike’s handling – even taking just one doesn’t seriously unbalance the bike. While panniers are the most comfortable way to carry gear on your bike, they’re more awkward off the bike.
While it’s a more expensive option, buying panniers and a rack is well worthwhile if you carry gear regularly.
Specialist panniers
While most panniers are fairly basic bags that attach to a bike, some have evolved to suit specific needs.
- Perfect for transporting papers and even laptops, the briefcase pannier looks and feels like a regular briefcase, with an attachment system.
- The backpack pannier combines the best of both worlds: comfort and convenience both on the bike and off it. A flap with shoulder straps zips over the hooks that attach to the bike.
- The suit bag pannier is like an attaché case that folds over to fit on a bike rack.
Trailers
For large loads, a bicycle trailer may be the best option. Like panniers, trailers keep the weight low and off your body. However, they are expensive (typically $500 and up), they create more rolling resistance and they’re bulky to park.
Buying panniers
Panniers are usually sold as pairs (the exception being unusual models, such as briefcase or backpack panniers). While most are two separate bags, some cheaper panniers come as a single unit joined together. Rear bags are most common; look for front panniers in shops that stock touring gear.
Cheaper brands, such as Tioga and Deuter, typically cost $100–200 a pair. Brands such as Wilderness Equipment, Cannondale and Ortlieb are generally higher quality in terms of design, materials and finish. Prices start at around $200, but most cost $275–400 a pair.
Do you want panniers for commuting to work, bike touring or trips to the market? Will you use them daily, for extended periods, or just occasionally? The amount and type of use you want from panniers – along with your budget – will inform your choice.
Before you buy, also consider the following factors:
Know your needs
What capacity do you need?
Extra large bags are more awkward to carry off the bike and may encourage you to carry too much gear, but can be great for touring.
Will you carry them around off the bike?
If you often need to carry your bags around once you arrive at your destination, you may be better off with a briefcase or backpack pannier or courier bag that you can sling over your shoulder.
Is waterproofing important?
For totally waterproof bags, welded-seam panniers with roll-down closures are the way to go. Canvas offers better weather protection than Cordura, but it’s still worth lining panniers with plastic bags. Some panniers come with rain covers – check how rainproof they are.
What about pockets?
Most panniers have an external pocket, which allows easy access to small items. However, welded-seam, fully waterproof bags usually have just one large compartment. In-fill systems – separate pockets to go inside the pannier – can be added to some models, but there’s still no external access.
Features to check
Once you know what you’re after, check out the quality of the bags themselves.
Strength and durability
Well-made panniers manufactured from good quality materials will stand up to years of regular use. If this is your aim, spending a little more is worth it in the long run. Durability becomes less important for occasional or seasonal use. Cheaper bags often do just as well.
What are the panniers made from?
Cordura is tougher than canvas, but less weatherproof. How strong is the attachment system? Are the hooks bolted or riveted on? (If a riveted hook breaks, the bag is useless).
The attachment system
Check how securely the panniers attach to your rack, and how easy they are to get on and off. Different brands use different systems. Some are rock solid and dead easy, others bounce off on bumps, and some can be fiddly to use. Be aware that not all panniers fit easily on all racks. If you’re not buying them at the same time, take in your rack when you’re pannier shopping and try the panniers onto your rack.
Pannier stiffness
A pannier without adequate stiffness in the back may flap into the rear wheel. Some racks have an additional dog-leg strut to prevent this.
Heel clearance
Check you can adjust the attachment system so you don’t brush the pannier with your heel while pedalling.