My nephew is planning a cycle tour of Europe during his year off and being a generous aunt I have offered to buy him a set of panniers for Christmas (and belated birthday). Suggestions? He'll be taking a tent and sleeping bag. Do I just go for Ortlieb and have done with it and if so which ones?
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
Panniers are for life not just for Christmas
(25 posts)- Started 4 years ago by sallyhinch
- Latest reply from gembo
- This topic is
resolved
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Posted 4 years ago #
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Arkel. Arkel!
Posted 4 years ago # -
I have a set of Dolphin 48s (which are 100% waterproof and MASSIVE) and also the XM28 "bikepacking" panniers - for a mostly warmish & dryish tour I would definitely consider the bigger version of those...
https://www.arkel-od.com/touring-panniers/Posted 4 years ago # -
Those might be out of my budget
Posted 4 years ago # -
They are pricey. (On the other hand, when the outer pocket of one of the Dolphins split after two years they sent me a new set. For free!)
Posted 4 years ago # -
Second-hand Carradice Super C, if Arkel aren't available? Give them a recoating of wax, run in any loose threads, and Robert is your uncular relation.
Posted 4 years ago # -
A second vote for Carradice Super C here. The pinnacle of British made panniers. I picked up a pair recently on eBay at a bargain price: unused, but stored for a few years. If they are too pricey new, Altura Arran panniers are very rugged, but not waterproof. An internal liner and/or an external rain cover (usually supplied) will be necessary. Altura Orkney are better, but if you're thinking about those you may as well buy the Carradice Super C.
Posted 4 years ago # -
as mentioned on here a few times, regardless of how much t=you pay, your nephew will still need to put some form of cushioning in the bottom - at moment I have - galoshes, over covers and bubblewrap
if put down roughly on pointy ground there will be damage.
Ortlieb only have the internal pocket.
so if looking for bits of kit on regular basis they are not the ones for touring.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Galoshes? Do people still have galoshes?
Posted 4 years ago # -
Gembo hoards galoshes.
Posted 4 years ago # -
A quick look at fleabay suggests that if I wanted to source something second hand I would need to have thought of this before this afternoon. I might keep an eye out for myself though.
These seem reasonable and roomy and not too pricey albeit not as good as the *real* Carradice deal https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/panniers/carradry-rear-panniers-pair
Posted 4 years ago # -
The Carradry panniers also have a good rep. Handy external pocket and robust carry straps in same style as their Super C panniers.
P.S.:- The tent itself can be wrapped in a tarpaulin/groundsheet and strapped to the top of the rack, leaving more room in panniers for clothes, bedding, cooking gear, etc.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Those look good value and possibly just what the nephew needs. Good price. Do remember to tell him to pad the bottom.
Galoshes are called overshoes etc now but same thing. I have three pairs. Two which are excellent for padding the other pair bit skinny
Gembo hoards galoshes was the fifth track on Belle and Sebastian’s second album if I recall correctly??
Posted 4 years ago # -
We are getting Carradice carradura panniers. Seem good vfm with good reviews. Currently just £42 at Spa cycles and SJS. Some reckon that 100% waterproof panniers aren't such a good idea unless you are traversing rivers.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Galoshes also feature minorly in "Pipe Up Downsland Derry Dell Danko".
Posted 4 years ago # -
Right the Carradry bags have been purchased - I'll let you know how the nephew gets on (and will pass on all your packing and padding advice).
Posted 4 years ago # -
"Some reckon that 100% waterproof panniers aren't such a good idea unless you are traversing rivers." or indeed @amir, as I found to my cost ferrying the road signs for Bikeability training which were too big to allow the top of the panniers to close - the rain gets in and because the panniers are waterproof they effectively act as buckets!
Posted 4 years ago # -
Panniers have arrived (if I were braver, it would be a perfect day to check out their waterproofing ...). They also seem to have come with an unannounced free gift in the form of a little saddlebag, which is very nice
Posted 4 years ago # -
Did you purchase them direct from Carradice? Very good service in my experience.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Yes, and got an email from an actual human telling me they were on their way.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Carradice are great. Excellent quality control and service. The label inside each saddlebag bears the name of the woman who made it.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Thanks for posting this - I'd been contemplating getting panniers for a while but didn't know where to start. I went for the Carradry also which arrived today, though technically they're for Christmas!
Posted 4 years ago # -
I've been needing new rear panniers for upright touring and for sundry carrying-big-things purposes. I was looking at the big Carradice Super Cs to match the small ones I've had forever. They're incredibly robust, but I've always felt that they're just a bit...primitive. The hook system however is very good, second best to Arkel in my opinion.
Then I noticed that Arkel is doing a Boxing Day/Week/Month sale. Oh dear. I was torn between the T-42 side-loaders and the Dolphin 48 roll-tops. I decided that waterproof was the main thing, so have gone for the Dolphins.
Posted 10 months ago # -
My arkel orcas still look like new. they don't get as much use / abuse as the ortleibs used to, but impressed at how they've held up.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Too late now but Brae based in South Queensferry do some excellent value big red panniers. Waterproof. Local company but expect made in China.
Posted 10 months ago #
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