Welcome to our article dedicated to bike panniers. Many people now use the bike to move, not only in summer but also in the less hot seasons.
What is certain is that to be able to use it at its best, it must be well equipped, and among many things, a place to store the things you need without loading everything on your shoulders in a backpack is ideal.
Bicycle bags are a great idea. With different characteristics and load capacities, they make it easier for us to transport objects with our bicycles. Thanks to a bag, you will be ready both to get around the city and to face a beautiful adventure.
Right here we had listed out the best quality of the best bike panniers that are given below.
Everything You Need to Know About Bike Panniers
The bags are one of the symbols of cycle tourism (a non-competitive activity in which physical activity and tourism are combined).
One of the concerns of cycle tourists is the transport of all their belongings, and bicycle bags have become the best way to solve the problem. If you donโt know what weโre talking about, read on.
What Exactly Are Bike Panniers?
Bicycle bags are containers that hang on the sides of the rack or front or rear bike rack. In this way, the bags significantly increase the carrying capacity of your bicycle. There are different types, different qualities, capacities, and types of closure.
Most Recommended Material for Bike Panniers?
Bicycle bags can be made of Cordura, plastic, or material obtained with a mix of both. Keep in mind that Cordura bags are usually of a medium-low range, while those made with a mix of Cordura and plastic are usually of a very high range. We explain it better below:
- Cordura: Usually, they are of medium-low range. Their main drawback is that they are usually not waterproof, so they include a lining to prevent them from getting wet. If you have to travel in adverse weather conditions, these bags are not recommended, because the rain will end up penetrating inside. The material with which they are made is very resistant and breathable.
- Plastic: They are of medium-high or high range. The different brands use different types of plastic (as well as for caving bags), although, in general, they are equipped with nylon reinforcement.
- Cordura / Plastic: Very high range. The exterior is made of Cordura and the interior in plastic.
What Skills Can Bags Have?
In general, the larger bags are carried on the rear of the bicycle, while the smaller ones will go in the front rack. As for the capacity, it is indicated in liters. The most common are 40-45 liters.
The 60-liter ones are recommended for long journeys and are usually very large. The much smaller 25-30 liter ones are transported to the front.
If you will carry only one bag, the idea is to choose one from 40-45 liters, while if you plan to carry a bag in front and one behind, opt for one 40 liters behind and one from 25 in front.
How Many Bike Panniers Will I Need?
Touring bicycles are designed to carry two or four bags. This does not mean, of course, that you will have to carry four of them: the use of two bags rather than four will depend on your space needs.
However, you must keep in mind that the use of four bags will avoid overloading the rear wheel. Also, the use of four bags will allow the bike to be more balanced.
Especially downhill, where there may be a back and forth movement in the luggage rack and will facilitate the organization of all your things. That said, it all depends on the type of trip you are planning and the budget for your bicycle bags.
How to Choose the Best Bike Panniers
Whether you want to go on an adventure with your bike or use it every day to go to work, the use of bicycle bags becomes something necessary to bring all your things with you, however small they are.
Here we had shared a proper video guide on how to choose the best bike panniers.
Resistance
You need to focus on both the strength of the bag material and the luggage rack attachments. Impacts, swings, and accidental drops can cause your bags to come off and fly away.
Regardless of the weight you carry, opt for purchasing sturdy bags to keep all your belongings safe.
Compartments
The ideal is to look for a bag without too many compartments. The more pockets it has, the more weaknesses its manufacturing will have.
Having more seams, the bag could be less valid for water tightness and waterproofness. The bags most used by cycle tourists do not have pockets, beyond an internal one.
Transport
For transportation, we are referring to how you can carry your bags once you have unhooked your bike. The ideal is that they have some type of strap to be able to carry them on the shoulder like a normal bag.
This criterion is particularly important when, for example, we have to leave the bike outside the tent.
Compatibility
Nowadays, bicycle bags are usually universal, so they should be compatible with any type of luggage rack. However, there may always be exceptions due to the type of fastening. When buying the bag, we recommend that you check quickly if it hangs on your luggage rack.
Conclusions
Bicycle bags are the best choice for cyclists, regardless of the trip, they plan to make because it is always necessary to carry several things with them. Having a backpack is not advisable since you could get tired more, pedaling, and get to your destination with back pain.
If you are thinking of buying a bag for daily use, you can opt for a model with a lower carrying capacity, perfect for this situation. If you are planning a trip to the mountains, you can choose large bags that facilitate the transport of all your things. Always carry everything you need with you!
