Bikepacking bags can go too far! Here’s why we should all just be using panniers… How do you carry things while on your bike? 🛄
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36 Comments
Yup, I'd only use a backpack for short trips. I've used panniers for years on my commuter and my touring bike. Also, mine are far more reflective, so in winter evenings the bike is more visible from the side and rear with the panniers on.
Amen. Been waiting for these words to be said!
I was waiting for you to say car
My big Ortlieb saddle bag is fully loaded and is not even moving like that small saddle bag.
Exactly!
Preach! 🙌
I refer tou to a video YOU GUYS did where you tested paniers in a windtunnel 😂
Alright Dr Ollie aero, how do they fare then?
Totally right! Bikepacker = fashion victim
Yeah but…. panniers make your bike look like a commuting donkey. Saddle bag all the way!
It’s how you put your stuff inside and how you strap it. Saddles the way to go for road bikes
Get a proper saddle back. They don't wobble. Also panniers are super heavy and can't fit on all frames (without trouble). Sure they can fit more and are more sturdy in general, but there's a usecase for it.
the only issue with panniers is I would have ot take everything out when I stop to do some shopping because it would get stolen, and then I would need a rucksack to carry those items.
go Ortlieb for panniers. Crosso from Poland is nice also. I reocmmend both brands, been using their stuff with monster rain and massive wind constantly. I live in Bretagne. Fill them. Your legs will grow. You can't imagine the amount of people which tell you "man it's a nice e-bike" while you are just riding a regular bike…BLasting e-bikes and random bikes with a pair of panniers is delightful. Remove them when you don't need them and you'll feel how light you are. Highly suggest the model with shoulder strap , I can't tell about the "backpack-pannier combo" but it sounds nice and could be a nice option if you don't like shoulder strap bags
Our cycling ancestors had it all figured out 😂
so… Wich one more comfortable front or rear?
Can't add to that. They may not be flashy and the trend but they are reliable, easy to use and their are great options for really every use and mounting situation. 🙂
Easy to get in and out of don't you know
I have a saddlebag for the quick bike and panniers for touring. Bikepacking – what! Quite correct.
if you're on rough terrain, the solid fastenings of panniers/rack will fail much faster than soft fastenings on saddlebags. soft straps may rub, but the flex allows them to absorb impact better ))
Only issue us that it's easy to steal from them. Messenger bag with valuable items in one side, easily replaceable things loose in the other side.
Or a drawstring bag on your back.
Panniers are no fun, just get a cargo bike and stop worrying about what kind of bag you have!
GYATT
It took me years to persuade my son to switch from backpack to panniers.
not every bike can get it installed
I just bought panniers yesterday to try out on my gravel bike, i normally wear a backpack on my rides. Cheapies (£15 pair) from Lidl. If they dont work out I'll not shed any tears. I was hoping to try them out this weekend but not in this weather💨
"The Emperor's got no clothes on' Ollie finally says about bike packing nonsense.
I just dont like panniers on my bike. I learnt not to stack anything on top of the saddle bag like in the video and to pack it sensibly – I stuff my tent and sleeping bag into the saddle bag – no problems with wobbling then
Panniers definitely have a worse effect on handling than a backpack though.
Ah he sounds like Moss from the IT crowd
But how will the industry sell us $1000 of bags if we all just use regular panniers ans bags we already have?! What will happen to poor Capitalism then?! And what would the instagram clout think?!?! The humanity!!!
racks and dry bags? anyone?
Only people that have got into bikepacking in the last 10 years or so go for seat packs, those that know use racks and panniers despite the terrain.
Eeeh, depends. Panniers for long distance. Any other trip, I'm looking at backpacks, milk crates, etc. Panniers are such a faff to get into with that rolly top. And if I spend most of my time on campus, I want a saddle bag or backpack. Lugging 2 panniers by hand is a pain.
+aerodynamics for the seat bag. But yeah, paniers or rack+dry bags are much more practical option