Pannier advice

coolbeans

Hey everyone. I'm turning my Specialized Hardrock into a utility bike. Gonna be the main commuter, shopper, general dogsbody bike. Road tyres, muddies and a Tortec rack (rated at 45KGs) have been fitted and now I need panniers. Any suggestions? Ideally I'd like to be able to carry a dog, a laptop and a big shop...not all together obviously. Two bags at the side of the wheel would be nice with a smaller one on top. I don't know where to begin. Ideas?

PS: The dog's tiny. Really tiny.

72hundred

Wow, a dog. Well that's something new to carry on a bike!

Anyways, I'd recommend Ortlieb pannier bags. They're simple, work well, light and are of course completely waterproof. The "front" bags are what I use on my back rack and they give me plenty of room and functionality. I'd recommend avoiding pannier bags with combination of pockets / compartments. As what you really need is just a simple single volume to take various items.

Marvinthefish

How big is the dog?



OR

Ryaner

I've these guys http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altura_Dryline_56_Rear_Panniers/5360029300/ and they have worked great. Little heavy but there has never been any issues with anything even threatening to get wet inside.

blorg

I think most people tend to put dogs in baskets, where they can see them. You can get dog trailers as well. Never really heard of someone putting a dog in a pannier.

Doctor Bob

A few good pannier recommendations in this old thread.

Panniers would be fine for the shopping, but maybe not so much for laptops and certainly not so much for animals. Like blorg says, the dog should probably be out front in a bike basket, or in a pet box on a big front carrier like this one from WorkCycles in Amsterdam:



http://workcycles.com/workbike/bicycles/accessories/pickup-frame-mounted-front-carrier.html

Ortlieb does make dedicated briefcase-style pannier bags that might be more suitable for the laptop. On the rare occasions I take mine on the bike, I carry it in a satchel.

poochiem

please don't put doggy in a pannier

studiorat

ortlieb front rollers are perfect for my laptop. fits in in it's own case..


likewise, don't put the dog in a pannier.

coolbeans

Hmm...thanks for the replies. I wouldn't have put the dog in the bag and closed the lid on her; I just wanted her to be able to put her head out the side but secure enough that she's protected from the elements kind of arrangement. I'll check out all suggestions but it's probably best to have the dog upfront as many of you suggested.

sexpot

I'd suggest these

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Ortlieb_Bike_Packer_Plus_Panniers/5360041587/

Ortileb are by far the best, superior to any other pannier. They're also so easy to put on and take off. I use them for in and out of college and they fit loads. I usually put my bag within the bag. I highly recommend them.

72hundred

sexpot wrote: »

I'd suggest these

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Ortlieb_Bike_Packer_Plus_Panniers/5360041587/

Ortileb are by far the best, superior to any other pannier. They're also so easy to put on and take off. I use them for in and out of college and they fit loads. I usually put my bag within the bag. I highly recommend them.

€169 for panniers! holy jebus.

poochiem

72hundred wrote: »

€169 for panniers! holy jebus.

Dog Panniers...maybe you could put the laptop and the shopping in those?

sexpot

72hundred wrote: »

€169 for panniers! holy jebus.

It's worth it, you'll never have to buy any other panniers again

tomasrojo

I use Sporthouse panniers. Cost: E0. Found in a skip by a work colleague. Really rather good too. Excellent for the price anyway.

tomasrojo

I agree with the others: please don't put the dog in the pannier. Trailer would be a better option, if you can't put him up front.