Panniers

[Andy clarke]

Hi everyone, I'm currently using my mountain to use over winter, I'm thinking of a pannier/panniers.
http://bit.ly/1htyPZ4
This type or maybe a rear frame and bag, as I'm fed up with wearing a back pack. Any help greatly appreciated

 

[David Parry]

. . the sweaty back thing! I have to carry a laptop back and forth and I always figures panniers are not insulated enough from the road bumps.

 

[mattobrien]

. . the sweaty back thing! I have to carry a laptop back and forth and I always figures panniers are not insulated enough from the road bumps.

Can you get a laptop sleeve that is padded? That might help with the road bumps. Also a number of laptop bags have padded areas in which to store said laptop.

With laptop development there are fewer moving parts, such as solid state hard drives, so hopefully fewer bits to be harmed by the odd bump.

 

[fossyant]

Hi everyone, I'm currently using my mountain to use over winter, I'm thinking of a pannier/panniers.
http://bit.ly/1htyPZ4
This type or maybe a rear frame and bag, as I'm fed up with wearing a back pack. Any help greatly appreciated

Those are very small.

Worth spending a few bob on a pannier. I've been using a Topeak MTX bag/pannier for a number of years and been very happy with it. Just decided to upgrade to Ortlieb ones though (birhday money) but these aren't cheap - talking £60-£100 plus depending upon which model !

 

[Andy clarke]

So your opinion omis to use a rear rack type? Thanks

 

[fossyant]

I would. A front bag like that will also wear your paint out, if you are bothered by things like that.

What are you thinking of carrying - this is the decider really. You could always get a seat post mounted system if not carrying too much.

 

[Andy clarke]

I don't carry a lot puncture kit pocket rocket pump, multi tool, small spare front light, lunch that doesn't fit in my lunch box! I was thinking of a triangle bag and large seat post bag which I already have, however I lost my pump bracket a while ago I've emailed topeak who have supplied me a website for uk sales but I cannot contact them. If I can mount the pump I won't need such a big bag. Etc!

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

. . the sweaty back thing! I have to carry a laptop back and forth and I always figures panniers are not insulated enough from the road bumps.

we took a 13inch laptop on tour for 12 months in panniers - it is the one I am typing this one. no issues whatsoever... no broken screens, no hdd failures even when the bike fell over landing on top of the pannier with the laptop in (several times). We simply used an Exped drybag laptop crushbag case...

 

[wiggydiggy]

Hi everyone, I'm currently using my mountain to use over winter, I'm thinking of a pannier/panniers.
http://bit.ly/1htyPZ4
This type or maybe a rear frame and bag, as I'm fed up with wearing a back pack. Any help greatly appreciated

Rear Frame and Bag.

Depending on your MTB you might need the style that clamps onto the seat post rather than the frame.

That one in your link is a weedy little thing suitable for day rides e.g. phone, keys, chocolate

There's all sorts of racks available, just depends on what fittings your bike has.....

 

[David Parry]

we took a 13inch laptop on tour for 12 months in panniers - it is the one I am typing this one. no issues whatsoever... no broken screens, no hdd failures even when the bike fell over landing on top of the pannier with the laptop in (several times). We simply used an Exped drybag laptop crushbag case...

View attachment 35867

You and mattobrien are encouraging . . thanks. I got a surface pro to lighten my load late last year and it made all the difference. My bicycle feels like an RV when I ride with the panniers and the supporting rack (sometimes on the weekend), but it feels like a sports car when they're off..

A 12 month tour. Oh my goodness! Heaven! Where did you go, if I may ask?

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

You and mattobrien are encouraging . . thanks. I got a surface pro to lighten my load late last year and it made all the difference. My bicycle feels like an RV when I ride with the panniers and the supporting rack (sometimes on the weekend), but it feels like a sports car when they're off..

A 12 month tour. Oh my goodness! Heaven! Where did you go, if I may ask?

only set off to cycle around the world - failed at that mainly due to being attacked by a pack of dogs, but covered 22 countries in 12 months. Link is in my signature - but if you are squeamish - stay away from Day 350 part 2 onwards... no open wound pictures but +100 stitches, severed major nerve, severed major artery and torn major vein, and my OH was also bitten (he was bitten first) by the same dog...

I know what you mean about the pannier rack - mine lives on my road bike all the time, but you do get used to it in the end...!

 

[David Parry]

only set off to cycle around the world - failed at that mainly due to being attacked by a pack of dogs, but covered 22 countries in 12 months. Link is in my signature - but if you are squeamish - stay away from Day 350 part 2 onwards... no open wound pictures but +100 stitches, severed major nerve, severed major artery and torn major vein, and my OH was also bitten (he was bitten first) by the same dog...

I know what you mean about the pannier rack - mine lives on my road bike all the time, but you do get used to it in the end...!

Emma, you and Stuart are so brave. A world tour! Wow. You have my respect!

 

[Sara_H]

I have a variety of different pannier bags.

At the minute I've got my Basil Panniers permanently attached and just put my ordinary bags inside. Very handy for shopping as they fit a small bag for life inside - sufficient for a small shop but stop me from overloading the bike. That said, they're not very good in heavy rain, have to be careful how I place the flaps.

I've also got Ortlieb back rollers, I use them for touring and have used them for shopping and commuting in the past. I have the grey back roller plus because it doesn't look too outlandish used a shoulder bag off the bike. Supremely waterproof.

OH has a rather nice laptop pannier that looks like a very nice man bag off the bike - not sure I'd trust in heavy rain though.

I also have a Linus Sac and two Basil Shoulder bags that have concealed pannier fittings - they're used mostly when I'm on my folding bike.

 

[yoffy]

Over the years, I've tried a variety of panniers. For commuting, I find the Altura Arran model the best. I can fit all I need in one pannier, which I fit non-drive side keeping the other one for when I need to carry more.

 

[steveindenmark]

Those bags that hang over the crossbar are useless IMO. They are too small, let in water and get in the way. Don't waste your money buying cheap.