Panniers are an essential accessory for cyclists, whether you practice urban cycling or embark on mountain bikes or road bikes for your adventures. They are ideal for carrying your belongings and are especially popular in modalities such as bikepacking, a form of adventure cycling that is associated with this type of luggage. There are panniers of different sizes, styles, and materials, so you will always find one that suits your needs.
The type of pannier you choose will depend on several factors, such as storage capacity, the attachment system, and how you plan to use them. If you plan to do mountain bike routes on more demanding terrain, the panniers should be robust and water-resistant. On the other hand, if you are a road cyclist and prefer longer routes or bike touring trips, lightweight and aerodynamic panniers are the most recommended. In this article, we help you choose the panniers that best fit your cycling style and needs.
Panniers and bags for urban commuting
The ideal panniers for this type of urban transport should be compact. We are mainly referring to those we use to go to work, as this is usually a common commute in cities. Or at least, it should be. In many cases, a padded compartment for a laptop is necessary. Likewise, we will look for durable, waterproof products that are easy to attach to the bicycle. What criteria should you keep in mind?
- Good panniers for commuting to work should have the capacity to safely carry a modest but valuable, and even fragile, amount of items. For example, a laptop, a notebook or folder, the classic lunch box, or even a simple windbreaker in case it gets chilly on the way home.
- This type of pannier must be durable and waterproof, as they will undergo intensive daily use and in various weather conditions.
- They must attach firmly to the bike, but should also be easy to carry, since ideally we can take them with us when we get off the bike.
For urban use, it is best to opt for compact models that do not stick out too much from the bicycle. This way, you can park it anywhere without the available space being a problem. Take into account the visual aspect of your panniers. The image you project is important; especially if you move in a formal office environment. A brightly colored pannier might seem less professional than a discreet and elegant urban pannier.
It is common for many inexperienced people to commute to work with a backpack. It's certainly the most economical option. However, it has some disadvantages compared to panniers: you will most likely end up sweating on your back, it can cause physical discomfort, and it tends to move from side to side, especially if it's overloaded. If you want to use a bag or bike backpack instead of panniers, you should opt for a messenger bag or a backpack specifically designed for cycling. But that's another matter. Let's continue.
Features of panniers and bags for urban bikes
Panniers for urban bicycles usually have certain features or advantages, some of which we detail below. Accessibility The opening and closing systems of urban panniers allow you to quickly access your belongings; sometimes, with just one movement. There are various opening and closing systems that make the task easier. Simplicity An urban cyclist can use a single pannier to carry what is necessary: a laptop, a purse, documents, etc. Contrary to what you might think, it does not affect the balance of the bike. Fashionable Urban panniers, in general, have a modern design that perfectly adapts to urban transport. Whether with patterns or plain, they all have a particular look.
Panniers and bags for bicycle touring: an overview
A multi-day bike trip along a cycling route like the Camino de Santiago or a getaway through a European country, for example, requires specific preparation. This includes choosing the right panniers. The purchase decision should be based on criteria such as durability, waterproofing, or size. If you are thinking of making bike trips a frequent activity, go for brands with a good reputation in the market. Not only for their quality, but also for the possibility of finding spare parts in case of breakage. Models like Ortlieb, Vaude, Apidura, or Restrap guarantee quality. Another option is renting and, of course, buying second-hand items. These are more economical and ecological decisions, as the product will have several lives. It's your choice. There is another type of bicycle touring, perhaps more common and not so adventurous. Imagine a simple one-day or weekend getaway, as a couple or with family, along a perfectly conditioned Greenway. In this case, a handlebar bag could be an excellent choice. It is a type of pannier that allows you to have your personal items at hand, does not require a luggage rack, and has enough space for your phone, some clothes, and a sandwich.
If your bike already has a rear rack, you can opt for simple and easily accessible bags and install them on the rack instead of classic panniers. If your spirit is a bit more sporty and you are one of those people who likes to push yourself For hours, the saddle bag is a very interesting option. It hardly alters the behavior of the bicycle and is installed on the seat rails, without the need for a rack. They come in various sizes, depending on what you want to carry: from a small repair kit to rain gear. If you're into mountain biking or getting lost on forest trails with your Gravel bike, these bags are highly recommended. They are not as easy to open as conventional handlebar panniers. However, they are waterproof and designed to fit the frame as closely as possible, without compromising pedaling efficiency.
What are the most common types of panniers and bags for bike touring?
There is a wide range of panniers, bags, and transport backpacks that allow you to carry your luggage on the bicycle. Let's take a look at some of them:
Handlebar bags
As we have already mentioned, the handlebar bag is a practical way to store small items that can be useful during your cycling route. You can quickly access your belongings. In addition, you have the option of purchasing one with a shoulder strap, so you can take it with you when you pause your journey.
On a bike touring route, the handlebar bag is useful for carrying essential travel items and things you need frequent access to, such as a camera, snacks, maps, etc. For urban cyclists, on the other hand, it allows them to keep an eye on their belongings. To secure them safely on the bike, handlebar panniers are usually sold with a mounting bracket. Buying a second bracket can be useful for mounting the bag on a second bike (the bracket remains permanently installed on the handlebar). Some models have a transparent plastic pocket for inserting a map, GPS, phone, etc.
Panniers for racks
Panniers mounted on the rear rack of the bicycle are the most common solution. Let's say it's a classic among bike tourers. This way, you can carry a good amount of belongings. Keep in mind that pedaling with extra weight will require more effort from you. Also from your bike, so you should pay special attention to the rear wheel, as it takes the most strain, both in terms of pressure and truing.
There are two ways to install panniers on a rack, whether it's located at the rear or the front. The most common way is to place them against the sides. It's also common to use individual bags installed directly on the carrier tray or rack. Some are flexible and others are rigid, like a top case. Finally, there is also the option of using a triple pannier system, which combines two side panniers with a third one that attaches to them and sits on the rack, between the two. It's common for it to have an opening/closing system that allows you to separate it from the set and use it as a conventional backpack when you're not on the road.
Saddle and frame bags and panniers
There are small panniers that allow you to store essential equipment (a small repair kit, some food, a minimal first aid kit...). This is the typical basic and small saddle bag that is strapped to the saddle. They are generally used in mountain biking and are commonly seen on the road. The attachment to the saddle is usually very basic, using Velcro fasteners. On the other hand, there are expandable saddle bags, which are usually oval-shaped and equipped with different compartments with zippers. They can hold a raincoat, nutritional supplements, puncture repair materials... One of the most useful is the transport bag that attaches to the seatpost with a special clip. A comfortable and easy-to-use system that offers good load capacity. Another way to carry luggage on our routes is with frame bags for the front triangle. They are attached to the top tube with Velcro straps. In this case, it's important that they are not too wide to avoid rubbing your legs while pedaling. This is an option with good load capacity. They come in various sizes. The larger they are, the more lateral resistance they will offer against the wind, which is also something to keep in mind. Finally, although it is not exactly a bag or pannier, a storage bottle placed in the bottle cage is an ideal transport accessory. Perfectly airtight, it could hold keys, an inner tube, or a mobile phone. Want a tip? If the bottle is not completely full, add bubble wrap or another soft material inside. This will prevent the items from bouncing around when you ride over rough terrain.
Other specifications and recommendations regarding panniers and bags for bike touring
Panniers designed for bike touring have qualities and specifications that help make your cycling routes a pleasant experience. These are some of their advantages:
They have a large load capacity.
Touring while traveling by bike requires generous equipment. If you use front panniers, rear panniers, and a handlebar bag, you can carry around 70 liters of equipment. In that case, you should keep some precautions in mind. The front panniers should be mounted lower than the rear ones to improve the stability of the bike. The rear panniers, for their part, are larger and designed to carry bulky but not too heavy equipment. Here there is the option to mount a triple pannier, consisting of two side compartments and a superior section that attaches to the rear rack tray. This third element can be transformed into a regular backpack, depending on the model, allowing portability at any time
Waterproofing
Waterproof panniers are important to protect your belongings. The most durable ones are made of polyester coated with polyurethane or PVC (similar to a truck tarp). Panniers made from softer fabrics, such as nylon, are also waterproof and more practical to use, as they are less rigid than the previous ones.
Stable attachment system
One aspect you should consider is how your panniers and bags attach to the bike. A simple matter of safety.
- The back (the reverse side) of the panniers should be reinforced to prevent possible damage caused by repeated rubbing against the luggage rack. In this sense, an external plate protects the fabric of the bag. A homemade but practical tip: for extra protection, wrap the rack of the luggage carrier with thick adhesive tape or with inner tubes to limit friction.
- Panniers should be equipped with a practical and stable fastening system. It should lock around the tubes of the luggage rack so that they cannot come off in case of impact.
The back (the reverse side) of the panniers should be reinforced to prevent possible damage caused by repeated rubbing against the luggage rack.
The fastening system of the panniers is usually complemented by a self-locking hook at the bottom of the panniers. This is a kind of tab placed on the rail of the panniers, which is fastened to the luggage rack and prevents the bags from swaying.
Different closures to access your belongings
In general, panniers have three types of closure: flap closure, roll-top closure, and drawstring closure. It is advisable to choose a model with a combination of closures to provide additional protection (for example, bags with a roll-top flap, or with a roll-top drawstring).
The roll-top closure is usually accompanied by an elastic strap or similar, to ensure that belongings remain secure. This type of closure allows you to easily and effectively adjust the bag to its contents. However, handling can be a bit more difficult if the bag is made of PVC canvas. Panniers with flap closures allow you, for example, to slide a piece of clothing underneath and retrieve it quickly. Some have pockets to make it easier to organize your belongings. Keep in mind that this type of pannier is a bit heavier than roll-top ones. Finally, panniers with a drawstring closure provide additional protection. In general, the load is secured more tightly than with a simple zipper, for example.