Looking for new panniers

I would really like to purchase a couple of grocery panniers for my commuter. I am finding the panniers I have now are such a pain to take on and off I would like something that's a bit easier to use that I can actually take in to the grocery with me. I've been looking at several brands: Advenir, Blackburn, Brontrager, Giant, Jaand etc but still not sure. I like that the Blackburn ones have handles on both sides, some don't. The shop down the road has the Advenir ones but they are made a little funky, they have little poles that fit in pockets, kinda like a tent, to support the shape of it while its loaded? I dunno maybe they would work okay? If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them. I'm trying to keep the cost down too, some of these are very expensive I'm finding out:eek:

Oh snap, I just saw the panniers on TE! :D Anyone have the Detours Toocan's? They look very sweet just wish they had those in the cool designs b/c those would also make an awesome clinic bag. Only concern I have is would they stay on well enough, doesn't look like there is any attachment down low?

Stay away from the Sunlite Grocery Getter Pannier. It's a POS. I've heard the Arkel is the one to get, if you have the coin to spend.

I have the Detours Toocan. It's bigger and bulkier than I expected. And heavy. And doesn't hold a lot of weight. I don't like the fact that you can't open it unless it is FULLY unzipped, and even then, it's sort of awkward to open and access. I'd rate it 3 stars out of 5 - a "fair". Okay for quick trips around town where you don't have to carry a lot, but not as a dedicated grocery getter.

where I live, the choices are smaller. I have Ortleib bags, they are ridiculously expensive but they last forever and are waterproof..

Timely thread....I'm looking for new panniers as well.

Does anyone have any experience with RackTime panniers? It looks like they're part of the Tubus family...

I have a Detours Toocan "juicy" and really like it. Easy on and off. There isn't an attachment at the bottom, and that hasn't been a problem for me, but my grocery store is a short, flat ride away. It has 2 attached short handles, and comes with a shoulder strap as well. It also comes with a rain cover.

I think the one on TE would be a nice work bag.

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Originally Posted by 7rider

Stay away from the Sunlite Grocery Getter Pannier. It's a POS. I've heard the Arkel is the one to get, if you have the coin to spend.

I have the Detours Toocan. It's bigger and bulkier than I expected. And heavy. And doesn't hold a lot of weight. I don't like the fact that you can't open it unless it is FULLY unzipped, and even then, it's sort of awkward to open and access. I'd rate it 3 stars out of 5 - a "fair". Okay for quick trips around town where you don't have to carry a lot, but not as a dedicated grocery getter.

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That Arkel looks very nice! If I get that I can only afford one though. I wonder if that would be safe loaded up with groceries? I looked at the weight on the Toocan, 3 lbs! Yeouch that's truckster! I'm not a weight weenie but dang, with 2 that would be an additional 6 lbs not counting groceries!

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Originally Posted by WindingRoad

That Arkel looks very nice! If I get that I can only afford one though. I wonder if that would be safe loaded up with groceries? I looked at the weight on the Toocan, 3 lbs! Yeouch that's truckster! I'm not a weight weenie but dang, with 2 that would be an additional 6 lbs not counting groceries!

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I think that Arkel could handle quite a bit. I have their commuter bag and it is rock solid. Awesome bag. The grocery bag has the same top hooks (easy on/off) but no bottom bungee. But as they say in that video - you won't be doing any touring with it. Plenty stable for a pile o' groceries.

I'm ordering the Arkel that is really what I've been looking for. Only ordering one so I hope it isn't too lobsided feeling but I suppose I can get used to it. I also like the fact that you car order replacement parts for the attachment pieces if need be. 7rider thanks so much for your input on this I appreciate it! I can't wait to try it out. :D

I'm late to the discussion, but I *LOVE* my Detours Toocan!!! I use it to commute and to grocery shop. I was worried about not having a lower attachment, but it hasn't been an issue at ALL! It's heavy, but my commuter bike isn't exactly a lightweight, speedy bike to begin with, so I don't mind it- plus the bottom is heavy duty rubber and it won't wear out as I use it everyday.

The Arkel looks sweet, tho! I was looking at that one when searching for one, but I found the Toocan for $35 so I went with it because $ was an issue at the time. I've not been disappointed.

OMG the Arkel bag IS sweet! This thing is stupid easy to get on and off and go from bike to bike with. Already love it! I will see how I can manage the one sided pannier business. This should really save me some time in the mornings. I was getting really tired of moving stuff from pannier to portable bags. It's pretty big, it's grocery bag sized but with all the books, food and stuff I carry I think it's gonna be nice. You can put a 3 ring binder in it sideways to make it sit upright.

My cool new pannier! :D:D:D

LOVE the color!!! So glad you're happy with it! :)

IMO panniers are worth *investing* in (but I really use my bike), ... so I ended p getting an Xtracycle. Now Trek has a longbike with really kewl panniers, but it can't make the margaritas my bike can (www.bikeblender.com) so there's no real danger...