What panniers?

[kiroh]

I'm looking for a set of panniers for my AT. Candidates so far:

- Oxford throw-over fabric panniers. They are light, no installation, 45l each, cheap;
- Givi plastic panniers. Look good, 41l each, lockable;
- Aluminium boxes (Zega or similar). Lower CG then the others, 41/35l, lockable.

It's seems that most of the owners go for the aluminium boxes as the most practical option, but what puts me off is that they are not symmetrical, which can be bad for the balance and high speed stability. Also, they are smaller than any of the other two.

Personally I like the Givi boxes most, but from what I've heard the pannier frame is a-symmetrical because of the exhaust, and this will cause the same problems as above.

As usual the cheapest option - fabric panniers - seems to be the best. The only problem is that they cannot be locked securely.

What's your experience? Can you post any pictures?

[landyandy]

Have a look at this thread for some good pics of Givi luggage on an AT ...

http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtop...257&highlight=

[iswoolley]

I've had both soft and alu panniers on my ATs. The softies were pretty good; expandable when needed, almost waterproof, clipped on and off fairly easily, practical in a crash. The alu boxes are easier to pack/unpack (with an inner bag), more secure (theft and mounting), and totally waterproof. I imagine that plastic panniers are going to be similar in characteristics to the alu boxes, but probably featuring a much better locking mechanism.

I wouldn't worry about the symmetry thing. With assymetrical panniers the bike ends up being symmetrical in terms of dimension. With regard to weight, if it's that big a deal you distribute the load to keep the weight even.

In my opinion the sort of use you put your bike to will help decide which panniers to go for. If you're biking on a budget, go for the soft bags. If you're commuting and want waterproofness and single key locking, then a set from Givi will do the business. If you're setting off around the world and want something you can bash back into shape on the Karakoram Highway with a rock, go for the aluminium panniers.

Iain



[My experience with other forums is that this thread will degenerate into a religious flamewar... but maybe AT riders aren't like that! Anyway, nomex suit donned, just in case!]

[landyandy]

Iswoolley,

Have decided to branch out on a last minute adventure this weekend with swmbo .. think I need to invest in a set of soft luggage - what ones did you have, as, when I looked at the Oxford website, they only seem to list 'sports' panniers.

Thought I'd be better off getting a recommendation from someone before melting them onto the exhaust.

Thanks.

[kiroh]

In my opinion the sort of use you put your bike to will help decide which panniers to go for. If you're biking on a budget, go for the soft bags. If you're commuting and want waterproofness and single key locking, then a set from Givi will do the business. If you're setting off around the world and want something you can bash back into shape on the Karakoram Highway with a rock, go for the aluminium panniers.

Iain

Which aluminium panniers did you go for? Was it easy to fit? Are they hard to put on/remove?

It looks that my bike used to have hard panniers fitted, but I cannot figure out what type. There are two "mushroom" type mounts on each side under the luggage rack and two square cuttings in the side panels. Can anyone recognize these?

Touratech brochure says that with the exhaust modified, identical 41l boxes can be fitted on both sides. I still can't get used to the wonky look of the standard set and I've got an oval Remus can, which is at least 2-3" slimmer than the original, so this may be an option.

[gibbo]

I have also had both soft panniers (givi expandable T421) and hard (touratech). Both have their advantages, and disadvantages. I was originally put off touratech by the cost - but I think they are worth it in the end. I thought the soft bags were great but they were not as good as boxes for carrying heavy items so we tended to pack them with clothes etc, & put heavier stuff in the top-box. With hard cases / boxes, you are able to distribute the weight better (ie heavy stuff down low). Also, we tend to take more stuff when we travel with the hard panniers - which isnt necessarily a good thing. It makes the supermarket trips much easier though. Hard panniers are also very handy around the campsite for chairs, tables, plates etc.

[gibbo]

Touratech brochure says that with the exhaust modified, identical 41l boxes can be fitted on both sides. I still can't get used to the wonky look of the standard set and I've got an oval Remus can, which is at least 2-3" slimmer than the original, so this may be an option.

The exhaust mod they talk about is a new link pipe (by african queens I think) which runs the exhaust under the pannier. I have seen a photo of this set-up somewhere, will see if I can find it again.

[fewtrees]

I went for ZEGA aluminium panniers in the end after spending a lot of time looking at soft panniers etc.. For me security was important as I'll park up somewhere and need to know my valuables aren't likely to go missing! Plus the ally ones look good.

[Chris J Barrett]

In my experience I find soft luggage more practical. If like me you like to adventure off the beaten track, you will have the odd unplanned get off on your bike , Guaranteed! If you have fitted super expensive aluminium panniers or worse still, plastic ones, chances are they will bend , break or not fit properly if at all. When you are miles from home this can spoil your trip BIG style. I've used good old Oxford Panniers,tank bag & tail bag for years & 1000's of miles, plenty of spills but they are still good as new!
Best of all I got the lot for around £100! If you need anymore luggage just strap on extra Ortlieb sacks!
Chris.

[KEIFER]

I fitted a set of hard luggage, Krauser luggage. Very good ... although they do stick out a bit. Both side cases are the same size. Can post some pics if want to see.