I'm looking to purchase a bike pannier that I can use on my rear rack when commuting and touring. Having never purchased panniers, I'm wondering if there's any difference in terms of the attachment systems? I'm primarily considering the Burley panniers, which have a plastic attachment, and Banjo Brothers, which has a sort of hook on a strap. I'm primarily concerned regarding the stability and durability for the touring aspect, as I often ride on fairly washboarded dirt Forest Service roads.
by elduderino260
3 Comments
I use a Banjo Brothers bag and love it, but it doesn’t lock onto the rack the same way other panniers do. It stays on fine if you tighten the elastic that the hook is on enough but probably wouldn’t be my first choice for washboard roads.
I have Ortliebs and I have been happy with them. On my long tour I had a mishap took a fall and one of the clips broke. I was able to make do. When my tour was over, I was contacted Ortlieb and they sent me new clips. Been happy with it since.
The only system I trust on rougher roads is Arkel. If you’re on really washboarded and bad terrain, any hard attachment system is going to fail eventually, as well as be really uncomfortable. I’d strongly recommend going with a more bikepacking-oriented soft-attachment with straps. Arkel DryLite panniers and others like them will hold up a lot better on rough terrain.