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Bicycle pannier - necessary during any longer trip
Are you planning to buy a bicycle pannier? You don't know what to choose? Check out our brief guide to bicycle panniers.
A bicycle pannier is a great alternative to a backpack or bag. It has been designed with the idea of conveniently carrying things on a bicycle. Some models can be used every day during short trips, others will prove invaluable during any longer trip.
We suggest what types of bicycle panniers there are and what to pay attention to when choosing them.
Bicycle panniers - types
Panniers are bicycle accessories that are used by both professional cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. They can be divided into several types due to different classifications:
- because ofcapacity:
- small
- big
- because ofassembly method:
- on the steering wheel
- on the frame
- under the frame
- under the saddle
- on the trunk
- because ofapplication:
- urban
- amateur
- professional
Different capacities of bicycle panniers
Bicycle panniers they differ in capacity and thus in purpose. Therefore, you should answer the question of what we will be transporting on the bike and how long trips we intend to choose.
- Little the pannier is designed to transport small, small things (e.g. keys, phone, wallet).
- Big the pannier is used to carry larger items, e.g. for a picnic or during a longer trip.
We are from Rolowana - is a model with latches that allow you to adjust its size to the size of the transported luggage.
Different ways of mounting bicycle panniers
Panniers are also classified based on the type of assembly:
- on the steering wheel – they are handy and are perfect for both short and long routes. Larger models are mounted using a special handle, which must be mounted on the handlebars beforehand, smaller ones are usually mounted using Velcro straps permanently attached to the pannier.
- on the frame recommended as an addition to larger models, they are most often used to store small items that are good to have at hand, they also have a place for a phone.
- under the frame – they are usually in the shape of a triangle and are designed to be hung under the frame, available in various sizes so that you can adjust it to the size of your frame.
- under the saddle – this type of pannier is most often used to carry keys, patches or a bicycle tube. Its sizes are usually small, so we will not pack a lot of things there, including a phone that will be too big. The downside, however, is that it is difficult to reach it while driving,
- on the trunk – these types of panniers, due to their large capacity, are the most popular among cyclists who often cover longer distances or go on trips lasting several days.
Different uses of bicycle panniers
The division of bicycle panniers according to the use (purpose) allows us to distinguish:
- City bags – Designed for city or trekking bikes, they have a lot of pockets and compartments, including a special pocket for a laptop. They often come in attractive colors. They are not suitable for longer trips, but they are perfect for short trips, shopping or driving around the city.
- Amateur models – roomier and lighter than city panniers. Made of good materials with increased resistance to mechanical damage, they also better protect against water. Used during longer trips.
- Professional panniers – these are models that were created for long, demanding journeys. They are characterized by more robust workmanship, the use of high-quality materials and resistance to weather conditions. They also have a much larger capacity. They have been used e.g. in bikepacking, i.e. multi-day bicycle trips with light luggage.
What to look for when looking for a bicycle pannier?
The choice of a bicycle pannier should be well thought out. Only a well-fitted model will meet our expectations and then we will be sure that it will serve us for a long time.
Here are the elements that are worth paying attention to when buying a bicycle pannier:
- Capacity– in the case of short, everyday bicycle rides, small pouches for keys, wallet or phone will work. For longer trips outside the city, models with a capacity of 10 liters are recommended. Panniers up to 40 liters are perfect for 2-3-day trips, while up to 60 liters - during long, demanding journeys.
- Quality and durability – the material from which the panniers are made should ensure adequate strength and protect the contents. It is good when larger models are equipped with stiffeners that increase the comfort of use.
- waterproof – panniers made of waterproof material protect the contents against the negative influence of weather conditions. Thanks to this, they are completely safe and can be used to transport electronic equipment as well as documents or a wallet. The seams of a waterproof model should be welded or glued, and the zippers should be protected against water penetration.
- Additional reflective elements – they allow you to increase the visibility of the cyclist from a distance after dark, which directly translates into his safety. It can be seen on the road even from several hundred meters.
- Carry handle – is an addition that will be perfect for larger bicycle panniers. Thanks to it, carrying them outside the bike will be more convenient.
- Security – some manufacturers offer security bags to protect the contents from theft.
- Compression straps – they are used to compress the packed pouch, which allows to reduce its volume.
How much do bicycle panniers cost?
Basic, small models of bicycle panniers cost approx. GBP 6-19. Larger models cost approx. GBP 19-75. Professional bicycle panniers cost approx. GBP 75-135.
The choice of a bicycle pannier is worth paying some attention to. A properly selected model will successfully serve us for many seasons. Bicycle panniers are necessary not only during long trips, but also work great during shorter trips.
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