Panniers for MTB - Any Recommendations?

Lilly · Post by **Lilly** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:17 pm

Looking to get panniers for 17" hard tail for offroading (as opposed to commuting!)

Any recommendations on brands/products or advice on things to look for when purchasing would be much appreciated!

Tullio · Post by **Tullio** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:35 pm

Lisa,

I've toured on an MTB with Karrimors without any trouble. They clip on to a standard Blackburn rack. Have you got braze ons on your bike for a rack? If so I'd have thought any panniers woul be suitable so long as they stay on over the bumps.

Are you going far? Is this a one off? You can borrow mine if it's for a trip you're planning.

Lilly · Post by **Lilly** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:43 pm

Wow that's a really kind offer - thanks.
Doing some Munroes in Scotland at the weekend that are difficult to access, hence biking in. I'm hoping to purchase my own as would like to do the Coast2Coast so will be needing them again...
However if I run out of time I may take you up on the offer!!

barberj · Post by **barberj** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:25 pm

When looking for a rack its worth checking out your heel clearance. Some racks have a lower rail which allows you to move the panniers back a bit more to stop your heel catching. Also if you don't have the frame mounts then you can either use P clips to attach the rack to the frame or Tubus do some addons to their racks that attach the rack to the wheel skewer. Spa Cycles are a good place for them in Harrogate as they are touring specialists. They also do Ortlieb (German) and Carradice (English) panniers which are probably the most respected brands. Both these brands do bags that are waterproof so you don't need to put everything in plastic bags. Carradice also do some made out of cotton duck (as used to make sails) which should last a lifetime (maybe with a spot of mildew).

For touring it can be worth having a bar bag which can be used to hold snacks etc. The top on the Ortlieb ones can also be used to hold your map in a waterproof case.

Lilly · Post by **Lilly** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 7:59 am

Thanks indeed. Advice/comments much appreciated. Will look into it all further...