Bicycle Panniers: A Complete List
May 18, 2009 by Darren Alff
Are you looking for a good set of panniers for your commute to the office, your return trip from the supermarket, or your bicycle tour around the world?
The following is a list of all the companies currently making bicycle panniers. If I’ve missed a company, please leave a comment at the end of this article with the name of the company and a link to the company website… and I’ll be sure to add them to the list.
The companies below have been listed in alphabetical order.
Altura
Arkel
Avenir
Axiom Performance Gear
Brompton
Brooks England
www.brooksengland.com – Buy Here
Bruce Gordon
Carradice
Crosso
Delta
Detours
Deuter
Inertia Designs
Jandd
Lone Peak
www.lonepeakpacks.com – Buy Here
Madden
Mainstream MSX
Mountain Equipment Co-Op
Nashbar
Novara
Ortlieb
Pacific Outdoor Equipment Co-Op
Panpack
Radical Design
Rixen & Kaul
Robert Beckman Designs
Topeak
TransIt
www.performancebike.com – Buy Here
Trek
Two Wheel Gear
Vaude
Which designs do you like the mosts?
If you’ve used any of the panniers listed above, what do you think of them? How could they be improved?
Also, if you know of a company making panniers that should be added to this list, leave a comment below with the name of the company and a link to their website… and I’ll be sure to add them to the list.
Hi Darren, sounds like all is going well out there in the Balkans. We have just taken delivery of our Montbell Panniers. Good construction, not to heavy and roomy to boot. You might like to add them to your list.
http://en.montbell.jp/products/goods/list.php?category=541000&brand_id=&sk=&sp=&sw=&sg=&sn=&s_trgt=1&top_sk=&page=2
Cheers Gavin
How about Banjo Brothers? http://www.banjobrothers.com/
Their stuff is probably the most affordable, but not as good for touring as my Ortliebs.
Nice list, interesting to read.
There are two more you can add:
Banjo Brothers, I am using their waterproof panniers currently for a TransAm. Solid gear.
Schwinn, I am using these as front panniers. Not high-end, but I’m making them work, and they are working well.
Crazy awesome list. I had no idea there were so many different bags to choose from. It really is a bit overwhelming when you think about it. Few of them look very good, however.
I use Arkel gt-54 as rear panier and gt-30 (older model now the gt-18)in front as well as their big bag for the handlebar.I can’t say enough how much I love the bags!Extremely well made and durable.
This is a small company of about 15 employees and the bags are all made by hand.Paniers are the only thing that they make and it shows.
I’m from Quebec so i’m a little bias,(the company is in Sherbrooke Quebec)but if you want the best paniers this is definitely one of the brand to consider.A bit expensive but you pay for what you get.
Don’t forget Swift: http://swiftindustries.wordpress.com/
I second the Banjo Brothers stuff. Very affordable and more than adequate for commuting and “grocery getting”.
http://www.banjobrothers.com/
I’m a big fan of Detours B-49 panniers. Compared to a lot of bags in their price range they are well constructed, have great clips, and are very roomy. All you need is a rain guard, garbage bag, or some scotch guard and you’re set to ride in any conditions.
Hey-I’m riding to school (6 hilly miles) and back. Need a set of back rack panniers that will hold about 40 lbs of textbooks and binders. I bought a set that was nylon-ish and it was too loosey-goosey. The lower back corners would bend into the spokes. The thing was shredded in 3 weeks. Luckily they gave me my $ back.
I carry a lot of pointy-corner college-sized books, and a couple of 3-ring binders.
Also some lacrosse clothes and food.
Can you recommend anything to me? I live in California where everyone drives a car and there does not seem to be any stores nearby that carry any selection of panniers.
Thanks!
I have the Axiom panniers (pictured above; left). Only used them once, but found them to be good quality and a great value (compared to Arkel, which are big $$$) The mounting system is not a good, however. I’ve touring w/ a BOB trailer, but might try panniers again, just to see if they really are more convenient and work better for me.
Chris Kat: I would go w/ a sturdy waterproof pannier if you’re commuting everyday w/ books. Wouldn’t want to get all that paper wet! (Ortlieb if u can afford; but Topeaks are cheaper…I’d read the reviews first)
Chris Kat:
http://www.bikebagshop.com (They only carry Ortlieb, Arkel, Vaude…but all quality bags)
Since your going to be using panniers everyday, I get something sturdy, with a solid & convenient mounting system…check out the Ortlieb line or Arkel’s “dolphin” or “commuter” bag. All a little pricey, but probably about the same a few college textbooks these days
Ortlieb just came out w/ a new line of panniers and racks:
http://www.racktime.com/
(I think maybe they are only distributed by Ortlieb and made by Tubus)
Racktime is a German brand for bicycle carriers for urban use. The company behind Racktime – Tubus Carrier Systems
http://www.racktime.com/
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Your link to Robert Beckman Designs (panniers) does not work. I suspect he is no longer in business. I could not find a working link on the web.
hey everyone! thanks for all the good advice. I eventually got just ONE Arkel back rack pannier and it has worked out great. It was the Arkel “UB” Utility Basket. It has been on & off my bike since Fall and no problems at all. Kind of expensive, yes, but I’ve got 4 years of High School (probably with no car in sight!) ahead of me. it was $100, but my parents paid and they were happy to get something durable, especially since the first few styles we got shredded. the other ones we tried were lame.
i love the mounting hardware. makes it really easy for on/off.
Awesome gear!! I got myselft a Vaude. It is great!
Cheers
ORTLIEBS ! for travelling I used them for 5 years almost, and never had problems °! Love them ! I think thta they are reallu the best , they never fell from your bike, they are absolutly waterproof ! expensive but the best !
Used Brian Phillip’s waterproof panniers for my cycle tours through SE Asia. Seriously these were brilliant! Kept everything completely dry during the many monsoon rain downpours we cycled through. I also use them for commuting.
The mounting mechanism is unique, but very sturdy and very secure. Also easy to attach/detach panniers.
http://brianphillips.co.nz/panniersnc.htm Great little NZ company!
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