Folding Bikes Health Supemarkets Apologize Again
The research
- Office in a bag: Two Wheel Gear Pannier Backpack Convertible 1.one
- A duffle for your bike: Arkel Signature H Urban Pannier
- For just the essentials: Ortlieb Twin-City Urban
- A tough-as-nails gear hauler: Ortlieb Back-Roller Archetype
- For supermarket runs: Banjo Brothers Grocery Pannier
- Peachy for campuses: Arkel Problems Pannier Haversack
- Versatile and laptop-friendly: Arkel Driver Urban Pannier
- How we picked and tested
- The competition
Office in a bag: Two Cycle Gear Pannier Haversack Convertible ane.1
Our pick
Get this if: You're the digital nomad type and are commuting with a laptop and all your accessories to a coffee shop or coworking space. The Ii Bike Gear Haversack Convertible 1.1 has a lot of organizational features: interior mesh pockets to concord pens, cables, chargers, and phones also as a dedicated laptop compartment that will fit upward to a xv-inch laptop.
Why it's keen: It'due south hard to design a good haversack pannier—the stiff, structural mounting systems that make for a practiced pannier are at odds with the comfort and flexibility a backpack needs to ride easily on your shoulders.
But this one manages to combine both functionalities better than most we looked at. The plastic mounting system that Ii Wheel Gear uses is both minimal and effective—one prepare of hooks latch over the acme of the bike rack while some other mechanism presses up from below, clamping the purse on tight. The fashion this handbag converts from pannier to backpack is intuitive and low-drama, and the payload is evenly distributed on your back, something panniers from Timbuk2 and North St. struggled with.
We tested the 22 Fifty version of this bag, and its multiple pockets and protectors provide a storage place for every one of those things you need for your mobile office. We were able to fit in all our office supplies, bicycle repair gear, a windbreaker, plus a notebook and some pens. We also liked the zippered outside pockets and mesh side panels for fifty-fifty more organisation-centric storage.
Two Bike Gear says this bag is made of 600-denier TPE-coated polyester (so water will roll off of it), but information technology comes with a rain cover for true downpours. The company offers a two-year limited warranty confronting defects in adroitness.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The rain flaps that comprehend the zippers are very stiff, nigh to a point of frustration. We were often left wrestling with zippers caught at weird angles. That said, nosotros don't think that'due south a proficient enough reason non to buy this bag if yous like everything else about it.
This bag may not exist large enough if y'all want to carry along a lot of extras such as dejeuner and a alter of clothes. Two Wheel Gear does make a bigger bag, the Pannier Backpack Convertible Plus+, which is 30 L and would be the right size if that's your goal. However, we haven't tested information technology yet.
A duffle for your cycle: Arkel Signature H Urban Pannier
Our pick
Get this if: You like to conduct everything y'all could possibly need in the day and simply dump it all side by side to your desk. Your laptop, gym clothes, makeup, actress shoes, lunch, thermos, hats, gloves—the Arkel Signature H will hold information technology all. We like the horizontal shape because it makes this bag easier to dig through than similar but more vertical designs.
Why it's great: This bag is a marriage of 2 sensibilities—the stylish "tote" of the Due north St. Bags Road Seven Pannier and the hauling capabilities of an Ortlieb Back-Roller—but with ii pattern tweaks that brand information technology better for carrying a lot of things over your shoulder than either of those bags.
It'southward simple—this pannier has a much wider padded shoulder strap than the Back-Roller and a much sturdier mounting arrangement than the Route Seven, which brand information technology more suited for conveying lots of stuff both on and off the bicycle. Arkel sells a similar (but vertically oriented) pannier called the Signature V, but we think the horizontal orientation of this bag makes it easier to find your stuff in considering the mouth is wider at the height.
We fit everything we had in this bag with room to spare. It's all just blimp in, though, as information technology would exist in a duffle purse, so don't get this if you desire to be able to detect your wallet or phone quickly. There is one external flap pocket; we put our bike lights in it.
Flaws but non dealbreakers: We wish the lining of this bag was lighter in color to arrive piece of cake to peer into and detect things. Still, the two handles on this bag—they're on either side of the rolltop, on the within—are a nice way to concord the handbag open up. (No other bag we looked at has such handles.)
Back to the caveat with all larger bags, which we ascertain equally being over 20 L each—if yous're conveying that big a load, you take to know how to handle your bike. It'southward not rocket science, merely you'll discover that maneuvering changes when heavy bags hang over the dorsum wheel. This bag also sits college upwardly than a vertically oriented pannier. There isn't even a lesser hook on this bag, just the meridian attachment organization. And then the cycle's center of gravity volition exist raised slightly, making it feel more tiptop-heavy.
Besides, here'due south the standard disclaimer about the Arkel mounting arrangement: It uses some fabric attachments to hinge information technology closed, and sometimes the fabric bits become hung upwardly on things. It'south non as elegant as Ortlieb's system, but it's still piece of cake enough to work with.
Dimensions: 15 by 12 by eight inches
Capacity: 28 liters
Other sizes: none
Colors: black, olive, copper
For just the essentials: Ortlieb Twin-City Urban
Our pick
Go this if: You're meeting friends for lunch or exploring town by bicycle. This bag won't concur a full-size laptop, simply information technology would be a skilful replacement for a purse, fanny pack, or sling.
Why it's great: As panniers get smaller in size, the experience of using them becomes more streamlined, and that's why we love the Ortlieb Twin-Urban center Urban pannier. It handles more than easily and attaches more easily than any of its bigger cousins.
That's mostly because it uses Ortlieb'southward QL2.1 zipper organization, widely regarded (and confirmed in our testing) as the best pannier mounting system there is. It latches onto a bike rack with less hassle than anything else, and it doesn't permit go—and in the case of the Twin-City, you don't even have to mount the lesser half of the bag.
Because it'due south a 9 L purse, it won't comfortably bear a laptop (y'all might be able to jockey a small one in), but it will fit a large pile of commuter stuff—a tablet, a notebook, a water bottle. Nosotros like the Twin-Metropolis because information technology has an exterior key pocket that really zips shut, and interior pockets for your wallet and phone make it simple to go to your phone or wallet if you need it.
Shoulder-bag panniers provide like shooting fish in a barrel access to everyday-carry items better than whatever other design. A lot of backpack panniers accept exterior pockets for small items, but for some reason they often don't zip shut—instead, they're secured by magnets or covered by a flap. Those of u.s.a. wound a little tighter know the acute anxiety of having a wallet out of reach, backside y'all, in an unsealed pocket on a crowded subway.
The Twin-City provides a place to stow its shoulder strap without your having to open the purse, equally most well-designed bags of this blazon do. It's also weatherproof—information technology will withstand splashing water and dust as long as the top is rolled down and secured. Ortlieb offers a five-year warranty that covers defects in craftsmanship.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Learning the sequence of moves that converts this bag from pannier to shoulder bag takes some attending, but after a few tries it becomes automated.
Dimensions: 15.4 by eleven.viii by 4.7 inches
Capacity: nine liters
Other sizes: none
Colors: pepper (which looks gray)
A tough-equally-nails gear hauler: Ortlieb Dorsum-Roller Classic
Our pick
Get this if: You're often hauling heavy or oddly shaped gear and you ride in most-constant wet weather. These panniers are waterproof, seam-sealed, and so tough that cyclists accept found all sorts of uses for them. Ane long-distance touring rider nosotros met empties his out, fills one with clean water and the other with soapy water, and uses them to do his dishes.
Why they're great: The Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic panniers, which come up in pairs, are considered the gold standard for touring panniers. They feature Ortlieb's QL2.one mounting system; this design is beloved for its simplicity. During testing, we had no issues with wobbling, shifting, or loose panniers. We besides think that this has something to exercise with the size of the bags. Nosotros noticed 20 liters is about as large equally you tin make a pannier before the handling of the bike changes significantly. In spite of the fact that the components of the mounting system are plastic (we'd prefer metallic), we've had these bags in long-term testing for two years and they haven't broken or worn out.
This pannier works best equally a big bucket you tin dump annihilation into; the bottom sits squarely on the footing, so it'south piece of cake to rummage through it. Nevertheless, it has no exterior pockets, and the rolltop requires attention to open and close, so information technology'southward not an like shooting fish in a barrel bag to access on the go—yous'll need to keep your keys and telephone on your person. On the inside, there is a narrow sleeve suitable for documents or a laptop (though in that location's no padding) and a apartment mesh zippered pocket, simply both are minimal. Ortlieb offers a five-year warranty that covers defects in adroitness.
Flaws simply not dealbreakers: This aren't numberless for your boilerplate commute, as Dorsum-Rollers don't make great shoulder bags. Information technology tin can be done… just the included shoulder straps are sparse and uncomfortable. If you take a lot of public transportation or practise much of your commute on human foot, a backpack pannier or a smaller shoulder-handbag pannier might be a amend choice.
The specific waterproof rating for the bags is IP64, which ways the bags can withstand splashing water in all directions only they're not as impermeable as dry bags (the sort of thing you'd accept on a boat).
For supermarket runs: Banjo Brothers Grocery Pannier
Our pick
Get it if: The number one thing you want to practise with your bike is make trips to the market place. A grocery pannier is cheaper than a specialty commuter bag, can conduct twice as much weight as a cycle handbasket, and tin can even substitute as the grocery handbag itself. This pannier is open up at the meridian, though, and so it's not practiced in the pelting.
Why it's peachy: Subsequently testing four models of uncomplicated grocery panniers, we decided the Banjo Brothers Grocery Pannier is our favorite. Despite existence the cheapest we tested, it offers a higher build quality than the competition (including a stable mounting system with a pair of metal hooks on meridian and a lower claw fixed to an adaptable elastic strap), comes with a removable shoulder strap, and has handles on either side (similar a tote) for stable conveying.
You tin store with information technology in two ways: either identify your newspaper or plastic grocery numberless inside it after you go through checkout, or use it equally a grocery bag in and of itself. The button closures on the sides of the Banjo Brothers bag allow you to fold it apartment against your bike or to stuff information technology in a backpack when yous aren't using it. There's i exterior Velcro-airtight pocket for receipts, grocery lists, or keys.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: It has the drawbacks of a basket. It offers no dust or water protection, and you shouldn't await it to hold much more than than a dozen pounds—simply that's still enough for an entire bag of food, including a gallon of milk, which weighs 8.6 pounds!
Dimensions: 13 by 11.five by viii inches
Chapters: 18 liters
Other sizes: none
Colors: blackness
Great for campuses: Arkel Bug Pannier Haversack
Our pick
Become information technology if: Your workday involves walking around a big campus or going up and down a lot of stairs. The Arkel Bug Pannier Haversack's shoulder straps are sturdier and cut more ergonomically than those on any other model nosotros tested, and it has places to stow both your laptop and your helmet.
Why it'due south great: Nosotros don't know how, but fifty-fifty though this bag isn't all that much bigger than the Two Wheel Gear backpack pannier (this 1 holds 25 L), information technology seems to hold twice as much. Information technology'south likewise the only pannier we've found that has a helmet pocket. Nosotros know that sounds basic, but information technology's baffling that no 1 else has addressed this trouble. No one likes conveying a helmet in their manus or having to let it dangle off a shoulder strap.
There are few attachment systems we'd trust to conduct this big of a bag, blimp to the brim, but Arkel's is one of them. The Bug uses the same Cam-Lock system as all Arkel designs, and the all-metallic hooks (plus the strong backing of the bag) add to the on-bike stability of this pocketbook—i of the specific challenges that bags larger than xx 50 need to overcome. It has a clamshell opening, meaning it volition unzip fully on both sides to offer up its cargo. In addition to all the function and bike-commute necessities, we were also able to fit some lunch and an actress pair of shoes in this bag.
Built with 1,000-denier Cordura nylon and weatherproof zippers, the Issues promises to be water resistant. We soaked it in the shower for thirty seconds and water crept in through the zipper, and so if you live in a place where the water gets aggressive, maybe consider ownership a rain cover. Arkel backs their products with a lifetime guarantee.
Flaws simply not dealbreakers: We like the shape of this bag, and we like how it rides, but when the chapters of a pannier exceeds the 20 L mark, it will, when total, begin to affect the treatment of the cycle. This one is no unlike. Also, hitching it on and off the cycle takes some finesse. But that'due south a reality of all larger panniers, non something particular to this pattern.
The Arkel mounting system uses some cloth attachments to hinge it closed, and sometimes the fabric $.25 get hung up on things. It's not as elegant as Ortlieb's system, but it'southward even so easy plenty to work with.
Dimensions: 19 by 12 past 7 inches
Capacity: 25 liters
Other sizes: none
Colors: red, grey, lime
Versatile and laptop-friendly: Arkel Commuter Urban Pannier
Our choice
Get this if: Y'all regularly carry a laptop and part of your commute is via train, bus, or subway. In that example, the Arkel Commuter Urban Pannier is the best carry option nosotros've establish. The backplate on the pannier protects the laptop from bumps on all sides, and it'due south easy to access your wallet or phone or transit laissez passer when you're wearing the bag on your shoulder.
Why it'southward neat: This bag's accessible flip-top design is what makes it practical. Unlike a roll-acme closure, the flap chapeau lets you quickly achieve inside and grab your wallet, so you can purchase a cup of java or notice your public-transit menu. Brilliantly, both exterior pockets zip close. Nosotros know that sounds basic, but so many panniers have pockets that don't fully close—they have magnets, or flaps, or Velcro. (Some just gape open.) Storing precious cargo in unsecure pockets can be nerve-wracking on public transit, and the Arkel Driver solves that problem.
Arkel takes practical, everyday usability into account better than almost all the makers of all the other panniers we've tested. If we could slap an Ortlieb mounting system onto an Arkel bag, the resulting pannier would be near-perfect. That said, at that place's fiddling to complain about regarding Arkel's own Cam-Lock system—it'due south seriously heavy duty and applied. All the components are metal and supported by strong connectors and hooks that make dropping the pannier onto a bike'southward rack simple.
The main compartment holds 23 liters, which is big enough to fit the basic components of a mobile part, plus bike repair gear, a windbreaker, and some snacks. However, the Commuter is longer and narrower than bucket-style panniers—such as the Ortlieb Dorsum-Roller, for example—so it will chop-chop fill up up. If y'all overfill the bag, it might be hard to find your stuff at the lesser.
But what yous give up in sheer gear-hauling capacity, you proceeds in easier bike handling. The narrow profile helps you avert hitting the bag with your heel as you lot pedal and keeps the centre of gravity perched as close to the rear wheel as possible. Bikes carrying vertical panniers like this also handle better those carrying horizontal, briefcase-way panniers considering their load rides closer to the footing.
Arkel advertises this pannier as "weather resistant"; it'southward made of i,000-denier Cordura nylon and Sunbrella acrylic, a fade-resistant, marine-grade outdoor fabric commonly used for weatherproof awnings and boat covers. Arkel does sell a pelting embrace every bit an accessory and backs its products with a transferable, no-receipt-needed, lifetime guarantee.
Flaws merely not dealbreakers: The strong back of this pannier—which is what's responsible for protecting your laptop, and for making it and then simple to go this bag on and off a bike—maintains its shape off-wheel, besides. That ways this shoulder purse volition concord its rectangular-ish shape while you acquit it rather than behaving more like a traditional shoulder bag and conforming to your body.
The Arkel mounting system uses some fabric attachments to swivel information technology closed, and sometimes the fabric bits get hung upwards on things. It's non equally elegant as Ortlieb's system, but it's still easy enough to work with.
Dimensions: 17 past 12 by 6 inches
Capacity: 23 liters
Other sizes: none
Colors: blackness/gray, olive/grey
How nosotros picked and tested
If yous want to run small errands around the neighborhood or take a place to put a purse, a forepart basket might be all you need. Baskets never take to be removed from the cycle or locked upward, and they can hold about 10 pounds of stuff. Yet, going across that tin can brand steering hard and could perchance hurt your bike's treatment.
If y'all're commuting regularly on your cycle, though, we recommend getting a pannier to deport the stuff you need each day and a rear rack to hang it on. The racks we recommend can carry up to 55 boosted pounds without having much impact on your ride, and yous tin use your pannier equally a replacement for any number of unlike everyday-carry numberless.
What makes a groovy purse is actually personal, even when you're talking about numberless meant to go on bikes. I oftentimes find that no thing how many bags I accept, I demand (okay, want) them all, and I believe it's because each one does a slightly different task perfectly. As much as I wish I had one bag that could do everything, when a handbag excels at being unobtrusive as yous move through your solar day, it's because it's performing a monotask and performing it well.
As such, bag testing is a lot about figuring out exactly what whatever given handbag does best and who would want that bag. We do that in every Wirecutter guide—spelling out who the product is for—only with numberless, recommending a proficient ane is all about bully that lawmaking.
And then to find the all-time panniers, nosotros researched 82 different models and then chose 26 to test in person. We rode with these numberless for 9 months on urban center streets, and asked these questions:
What tin can it acquit? And how? We laid out 28 dissimilar items that a wheel commuter might deport, and filled each bag with equally many equally we could.
Everyday-behave items:
Keys
Phone
Wallet
Transit card
Chapstick
Pen and pencil
Notebook
Water canteenPortable role items:
Laptop and case
Laptop charger
Earbuds
Phone cablevision
USB wall charger
External mouse and case
Laptop standBicycle accessories:
Patch kit
Front and rear bike lights
Bike lock
Windbreaker
Warm hatExtras:
A change of clothing
An extra pair of shoes
A pocket-sized lunch
Reusable silverware
Will information technology stay on the bicycle? Rescuing a laptop from the center of the street is not how anyone wants to beginning their day, so a durable mounting system is important. Also, pannier hooks that are mounted confronting a batten are easier to mount. In add-on, a stiff back on the pannier and a bottom hook add additional security and make the weight easier to handle when it's on the cycle.
Will it come off the cycle easily? This is the paradox of pannier mounting systems—it must stay firmly barnacled to your bike rack, except of grade when you want to take it off. Then, it must release with hardly whatever try. Unlike a touring cyclist, who might leave their panniers on for days or weeks at a fourth dimension, a driver removes them every time they park.
Volition it hit your heel when you pedal? The best panniers are shaped to avoid heel strike and fabricated to keep the load low on the bicycle. In full general, bags that do this well are slightly tapered at the bottom and tend to be taller than they are broad.
We did not await at bags designed specifically for bicycle touring. Nosotros also dismissed saddlebag-way panniers (the kind that are attached in the center with fabric); they're meant to be left on the bike and are difficult to carry once y'all accept them off.
The competition
Shoulder bag panniers
The Thule Pack 'north Pedal Commuter Pannier is beautiful, merely I struggled with accessibility. I was afraid my keys would autumn out of the zipperless exterior pocket, and the rolltop closure makes bones access a chore. Yous have to remove and stow the shoulder strap every time you put the bag on your wheel. Also, Thule appears to have discontinued this model.
The Timbuk2 Lightweight Urban Pannier didn't fit our 15-inch laptop—information technology only accommodates up to a 13-inch laptop. Also, Timbuk2 appears to have discontinued this model.
Backpack panniers
The Northward St. Bags Woodward Backpack Pannier was positioned to be a favorite, as it'southward one of their best sellers, just it's a much bigger handbag that the North St. Bags Road Seven (a former pick; run across beneath) still uses the aforementioned minimal mounting arrangement. It didn't fall off, simply it didn't inspire confidence, especially when compared to other options. In improver, when we carried it as a haversack, the weight distribution was slightly bottom-heavy.
The Timbuk2 Deploy Convertible Backpack was a comfortable haversack, but not a great pannier. The mounting system forces the handbag to perch higher on the rack than others—about six inches—and it throws off the eye of gravity on the bike. (Information technology's besides been discontinued since nosotros tested information technology.)
The Banjo Brothers Commuter Backpack is waterproof, with an easy-access main compartment, only the crunchy interior liner that provides the waterproofing is a plough-off.
The Ortlieb Vario is a fully waterproof haversack pannier, simply as Campfire Cycling discovered, removing and stowing the Ortlieb shoulder-strap system is a little more involved than doing and so with Arkel'south organization, and yous take to buy a divide bungee to secure the Vario to the bottom of your rack. The Vario has a place to attach a helmet, only information technology offers a fraction of the exterior storage since its exterior pockets lose capacity when the bag is full—this doesn't happen on the Bug.
Traditional panniers
The Banjo Brothers Waterproof Pannier has the same crunchy interior liner equally the company's backpack, too as a few reports of stitching and seams coming loose—an issue we oasis't witnessed on the Back-Roller Classic.
The Blackburn Barrier Rear Pannier that we tested didn't have a handle to acquit it when information technology was off the bike, and it was expensive. It'southward since been replaced by the Bulwark Metropolis Waterproof Pannier, which is lower priced (currently $75 per pocketbook) but all the same has no handle.
We saw 2 reports of quick-release levers breaking on the Ibera PakRak model—ii as well many. The mounting system is the number one thing that must work.
Grocery panniers
Bushwhacker'due south economical Omaha panniers (they come up in pairs) have no shoulder strap and only a single handle on ane side of each pocketbook, providing no reliable manner for yous to carry them with you or off the bicycle.
Giant makes a Grocery Getter Pannier, but it lacks a shoulder strap and nevertheless costs nearly $20 more than the Banjo Brothers Grocery Pannier. (It's also currently out of stock.)
Other styles
The Ortlieb Downtown 2 shoulder bag is the most effective briefcase/pannier hybrid we've constitute, just it's bad-mannered to carry, every bit the handbag and the base are stiff.
The Northward St. Numberless Route Seven Pannier, which converts into a well-designed shoulder pocketbook, would piece of work for any state of affairs when you might ordinarily bring a tote bag—going to the java store or the gym, or running errands. Its smaller capacity (17.v liters) and minimal attachment system create an ergonomic fit when you sling information technology over your shoulder, which is not something panniers often practise well. Unfortunately, Northward St. Bags has discontinued the Route Seven, replacing information technology with the Route 24L pannier. We'll be testing the new version to come across if the larger size makes information technology less comfortable to deport.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-rack-basket-panniers/
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