If you are thinking of starting to cycle to work then you will probably have come across the problem of how you will transport your clothes and lunch. A bag seem the logical choice, and it certainly seem the simplest solution. Not everybody is comfortable cycling with bags – whether they are a traditional style rucksack or an over the shoulder type messenger bag they will all put additional stress on your lower back. Cycling long distances with a bag on your back can be very uncomfortable indeed and not only is it uncomfortable it can also make you hot and sweaty – not a pleasant way to enter the office.
Panniers for bikes are an ideal solution; instead of you carrying the weight they let your bike bare the brunt of it instead. You may not have considered this as an option but if you plan to keep up your ‘cycle to work’ New Years resolution you would be well advised to make your self as comfortable as possible. Whether your are looking for panniers for a road bike or panniers for a mountain bike these factors should be considered:
Protection from the Weather
You might think that it’s a good idea to go hunting for waterproof panniers but the reality is that most of these panniers will not stand the test of time. In most circumstances the waterproof material will crack and not protect the contents from the weather at all. You would be far better advised to look for weather proof panniers and then buy a separate waterproof liner for them.
How do the Panniers Attach?
Panniers for bike will attach to a luggage rack in two ways either a simple tie or a custom made clip solution. How you remove the panniers is something that needs to be considered from a security point of view because when you lock your bicycle up it is unlikely that you will leave the panniers on it. For this reason panniers for bikes need to be easily removable.
There are two options for removing the panniers from your bicycle – you either remove the panniers from your bike or your remove the luggage rack and panniers from your bike. Which is easier will depend upon the type of luggage rack you have.
Luggage Rack Considerations
Luggage racks come in two flavors – those that are semi-permanently attached and those which attach via a quick release mechanism. The type you choose comes down to personal preference and how often you think you will want to remove the rack. As mentioned previously if you have the sort of panniers that are tied on to the luggage rack then it may be easier if you had a quick release luggage rack which attaches to your seat post. On the other hand if your panniers are the sort that simply clip on to the luggage rack you may be want to get a semi-permanent type of rack which bolts on to lugs on the frame of your bike.
How will you Carry the Panniers when not on your Bicycle?
Although most of their life will be spent on your bike, if you are planning to commute then you may take the panniers off every day. Panniers can be muddy and wet and not particularly nice things to carry therefore make sure that the pannier system you choose has some sort of carry handle so that you don’t have to cradle them in your arms whilst you walk to work.
Ergonomics
Although most manufacturers will have made sure that their pannier for bikes are designed so that you can cycle unobstructed it is definitely worth checking reviews or asking shop owners to see if there are any problems with them getting in the way. Some manufacturers claim to have tapered sided so that they do not get in the way when you are cycling.
Light Attachment Point
In many cases you may not need a point to attach a light, but if you opt for a system where there are three panniers – so one either side of the rear wheel and one on top of the luggage rack – you may find that the light fixed to your seat post is obscured. If this is the case then you should make sure that there is a point to fix a light or two.
As a summary if you are looking for panniers for bikes consider the following:
- How weather proof are they?
- How do the panniers attach?
- What type of luggage rack do you want?
- How will you carry the panniers when not on your Bicycle?
- Ergonomics – are they good to use and do they get in the way?
- Do you need a light attachment point?
