I've had panniers with zippers that eventually broke or always got stuck, panniers that were not roomy enough, panniers that came off the bike, panniers that were a pain to get attached, and the big sin, water proof when in reality, they were not. In essence, I never had any that were pain free!
I bought these online, as my bike shop has a limited stash. I immediately liked them so much. They have an aesthetic appeal, hefty, strongly made, and easy to fit on the rack. I haven't checked them for rain yet, but they're supposed to be water proof. They include a "tarp" or "rain coat" that fits over the panniers as well which is extra protection. I live in Oregon, so the importance of being "water proof" is first on the list if you ride a bike in the winter. So, that's cool they included that.
These are ROOMY as all get out. You could fit a small child in one of them, a puppy in the other. I love the two smaller pockets on the back end where I store the rain tarp, a protein bar, a pad and pencil (I'm a writer) and hair spray (for helmet hair), etc, a small book, The Tao Te Ching (I know, I know) but those two pockets are so handy cuz you don't have to open the big bags and search and search. They're a great plus if you ask me. And you aren't, but here I am.
The shoulder straps are there, I probably won't use them, but it's a thoughtful feature. I took mine off as they are long and got in my way. That's me, but maybe others will make good use of them if they don't want to leave valuables in their panniers.
The only issue I have (cuz I love these) is that the strap to secure the pannier hangs way down under the bag. So, it's totally out of sight once you unhook it, and thus, out of mind. I urge you to keep them snapped together after you unpack your panniers as I did not and in the morning rolled the bike out the front door and the strap that was not snapped in got caught in the chain/derailleur and I had to work really really hard to undo it. Even though I succeeded at freeing the strap, later in the day, SOMEHOW I sheared it slick and clean off. And I have no idea how that happened, but it did. So please be careful. Darn. When you're finished unpacking, snap the straps together...Don't make the mistake I did and let it hang down.
The side missing that strap will be secure because the velcro is really strong. It's not necessary to strap it closed even.. My smart, detailed bike guy at the shop even noted that before I ran into trouble.
I love these. Period. Don't let this stop you from buying them if you're dissatisfied with what you have had in the past. These are quality bags for a good price, the color is good (like nature), the way it attaches to the bike is solid and secure and a snap to put on. I have to go over railraod tracks every single ride and they stay put.
The reflector strips on the back and sides, of course, are welcome, we need anything and everything to keep us safe.
Overall, these panniers are the best I've used. I hope this helps.
P. S. One day pannier designers will make the insides WHITE so we can see what is in there. I have to use the light on my phone at times to search for stuff that has fallent to the bottom. One can dream. Meanwhile, we have these!
Safe biking!
Meanwhile, these are dreamy panniers!
Happy Wheeling!
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