Pannier advice

G'day all, Ive just had my rear panniers arrive from Torpedo 7. They hook over the top rail of the rack and hook onto the bottom via an elastic strap. I have fitted them and all seems fine. As a pannier newbie however Im sure there are plenty of things I havn't considered. If anyone has any gems of advice/experience they would care to impart I would be most grateful.

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Permalink Reply by Lee-Anne on June 23, 2011 at 15:28

I guess this might be a bit redundant now that you have got the bags and rack..... but i recommend a rack that is more square at the back of it, it helps keep the bags from bending into the spokes, unlike the races that are straight metal from the back rack to the frame hitch place.

I hope you enjoy your backpack free cycling :)

Permalink Reply by Randall Oakley on June 23, 2011 at 16:39
I have got a straight one but Im sure I could modify it, ta.
Permalink Reply by heather on June 23, 2011 at 18:15
You may like to line your panniers with a plastic garbage bag for easy cleaning but more importantly, to keeps things waterproof.
Permalink Reply by Randall Oakley on June 23, 2011 at 18:36
Ta, I guess I should have thought that. Ive been using a garbage bag in my backpack for months now.
Permalink Reply by Michael Murray on June 23, 2011 at 20:57

When they are fitted and loaded get down and have a look underneath to make sure they don't rub on anything. If they do best to get in early with some gaffer tape or something to protect the bag rather than (like me!) do it after there is a hole.  I've got axle bolts on my commuter so more to rub. 

 

Do they grip the top rail or might they come off in a bump?  Usually takes a very big bump but worth remembering if that can happen so you don't leave one behind!

 

Permalink Reply by Randall Oakley on June 23, 2011 at 21:25
Cool, I might just tape the whole bottom of the bags and be done with it.
They only slip onto the top rail. I might close the hooks a bit, possibly get a tighter fit.
Permalink Reply by Stephen Merrett on June 23, 2011 at 21:43

I bought some bright yellow, elasticised waterproof covers with reflector strips for mine (off eBay).

They fold away very small and offer both (some) protection from rain as well as a high vis safety element.

 

Also, being basically untrusting, I  have a small plastic covered wire lock that I twist around the handles and carrier rack when I go into the market.

Permalink Reply by heather on June 23, 2011 at 21:53

Torpedo 7, where he bought his panniers, also sell yellow covers.

I am in the market for panniers and online shops are cheaper, but I would like to hold them up to my bike and rack first. One online store sells interesting waterproof Tioga panniers in black and reflective grey. Yellow covers would be more visible. Another downside is no pockets to store extra water bottle or wet towel.

Permalink Reply by Randall Oakley on June 23, 2011 at 21:54
Mine has the covers built into the hoods.
I like the wire lock idea, sadly I don't trust people much either.
Permalink Reply by heather on June 23, 2011 at 22:01
Some panniers have handles which makes them easier to carry when shopping, and load items into the panniers. But then perhaps hassle of removing panniers.

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