Panniers

annier bags have a variety of uses. Whether you're planning a tour, taking extra kit on your daily commute, grabbing some shopping or simply tired of taking the weight on your back, pannier bags are ideal. However, a good quality rack is needed to take the bags and these come in a variety of styles and strengths, depending on weight you wish to carry. Racks are front and rear specific and it is a good idea to ensure you get the correct rack and how it will fit to your bike.
Panniers are designed to be tough, user friendly, and waterproof or able to withstand varying weather conditions. Whether touring or commuting, the benefits and their uses can differ greatly. For touring, both front and rear panniers may be needed, possibly combined with handlebar and other bike bags for storage of food, kit or tools. For commuting, a simple rear rack and one or two bags should suffice. Consider buying bags suitable for your particular needs, ensuring they are plenty big enough.
What to look for on your panniers:

Security - There are different mounting mechanisms for fixing bag(s) to the rack. Consider how easy it is to attach the bags if you are removing them frequently. For rough terrain, durability of the mounts and stability of the pannier when in motion is a key thing to consider.

Size - Rear and front pannier bags vary in total size and as a rule, the front bags tend to be smaller in volume and are carried low on the forks. When touring, 40 litre total volume is common for rear bags (20 litre per bag) but smaller options are available for shorter rides and commuting.

Purpose - Consider the main use when choosing your bags. Ensure they offer durability and are fit for purpose. A bag for touring may not be ideal for carrying your laptop and vice versa.

Position - Feet may come into contact with the front or rear pannier so it is essential to ensure you have enough heel clearance to avoid any riding risks. For bikes with shorter chain stays, cyclists with larger feet or those who need a large pannier bag the right choice of bag is crucial.

Tips:

f carrying just the one bag, position the pannier on the right side of the bike. This may help with visibility in traffic, giving a little more room and more surface area to light during darker days.

Never assume a bag is 100% waterproof. Always check water-resistant material as it may not protect contents during a downpour.

Place valuables or clothing in plastic bags to prevent damage from the elements.

When travelling on rougher routes where panniers may be subjected to mud from puddles opt for bags with less zippers etc that will rust or break and ensure the fabric is tough enough.