Best Panniers (Ortlieb Back Roller Classic, £75) |
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 A design classic - no other pannier even comes close. Don't worry about getting caught in a downpour on the way home, you could throw these bags in a river and the contents wouldn't get wet. They also look great, are very easy to take on and off and will last forever. Now you just need the bike to match. |
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These German-made panniers are made of Cordura polyester fabric, which you soon realize is the kind of material you could coat a spaceship with. The panniers have unique roll-top closure and welded seams, which means they are seriously waterproof when closed. The bags have reflective 3M Scotchlite patches on the front and back.
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As round-the-world biker Tim Travis explains on his website: “Only one brand of bags exceeded our needs and performed beyond our expectations: Ortlieb Bicycle Panniers.” One review on Epinions.com, a shopping review website, said: “The BEST product I have EVER spent money on. More precious than my bike.”
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Design Classic |
 They are not only designed for long, arduous trips. Ortlieb panniers are great for shopping trips or for a carrying a change of clothes on the daily commute. They are the badge of an experienced commuter cyclist.
The Back Roller Classics have a capacity of 40 litres, a harness system for easy carrying (which means you can sling them over your shoulder), and are compatible with standard bike racks. They do not have pockets, but it’s a small price to pay. The price quoted above gets you not one - but a pair.
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Pros:
- Totally waterproof
- All but indestructible
- Easy to fit, remove and carry
- Good choice of colours and sizes
Cons:
- Nothing obvious |
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