Roughly 7 years ago I decided to start cycling to work instead of taking public transportation (a first for me). Already owning various bags, I turned to the internet looking for a way to convert my gear into panniers. The internet did not provide.
I couldn't find what I was hoping for and decided to design/print my own.
(Enter excuse to wife for buying our first FDM printer)
Through a fair amount of trial and error including a few bag drops in the middle of the road, the hardware eventually evolved into something strong, functional and somewhat aesthetic.
Some time later I created a website to see if others could find them too. Since then, I've printed, hand assembled and shipped plastic hooks from my garage to fellow cyclist across the globe.
Answers to questions people have asked along the way:
- Backpack straps are kept out of the spokes and cassette by tying them together around the front of the bag
- During extra soggy PNW months, I wrap my gear with a cheap bag cover from Amazon
- I created a lower mounting point accessory to address bag sway but ended up removing it from my own bike as I don't notice any.
I spent the last year pouring over a new, fully injection-molded backpack conversion pannier hardware set. It's finally finished.
What do you all think?
by Kyle_uP
5 Comments
I remember seeing this on IG and gave them a shot. It’s been really great to use the reliable bags I already own to cycle to work. These are surprisingly very sturdy and can hold a good amount of weight in some of my wider bags
i stumbled on your site the other day. i ended up eBaying a used Arkel bag, but i’ve got you bookmarked for the future.
I have your [Gravel Kirk pannier hooks](https://pannierhooks.com/product/gravel-kirk/) and have been using them for a year now. They’re fantastic. I use them with the [Shield](https://pannierhooks.com/product/shield/). I find that with the elastic straps on the Shield, there’s no need to tie backpack straps, the elastic holds them in place and out of the way. I recommend your hooks to everyone who sees them.
Are you doing the injection molding through a local manufacturer? I’ve been looking at making a similar-sized bicycle component. Would be great to touch base!
I’m super interested in these. All of the pannier backpacks I’ve tried are not either not great at being a backpack or a pannier. In my imagination I was thinking of a different design where something was permanently attached to the rack, that the shoulder straps of the backpack would slide or clip in to. I’m curious if you explored other designs before landing on this one?