My old Sherpa’s were showing their age. After a long day in wet weather I’d reach camp with my clothes, food, and gear soaking wet (sigh). Drying everything overnight is annoying. I needed new panniers.
Criteria for good panniers :
- 100% waterproof
- Abrasion resistant
- Strong attachment system
- Repairable
- Tough enough to survive years of being used
After some research I chose Ortlieb.
Pannier Set (see pic above) : Front and rear panniers, a rear top-bag (medium), and a handlebar bag.
Personal note : I bought these panniers while riding across Europe (they’re made in Germany) and paid only half the price I would’ve paid here in Australia. They became my souvenir from that trip too.
- Upper and lower hooks
- Hooks can adjust horizontally
- Scratch plate
- Bottom edge protector
.
- Roll top
- Reflective patches
- Shoulder strap
- Hook for shoulder strap
.
Handlebar Bag
- Handlebar bracket
- Shoulder strap
- Map sleeve
PROS :
- They are 100% waterproof
- Made from tough hard-wearing material
- Hooks have a spring-loaded clasp so they don’t jump off
- Roll-top for easy access and weatherproofing
- Front and rear reflectors
- Available in different colours
- Rear top-bag available in S, M, and L
- Spare parts available
- Patch kits available
CONS :
- Handlebar bag bracket could have a better attachment to handlebars.
- Handlebar bag doesn’t have internal dividers
- Spare parts and patch kits not common in Australia
- Bottom hook may rattle on rack, requires something wrapped around rack leg
- I added a piece of leather inside so none of my gear would poke a hole in the bottom.
Would I recommend them ? I’ve had this pannier set a few years now and used them for at least 10,000 km’s. They’re still in good usable condition. There is no question that these are expedition-quality panniers that a bike rider can trust on a long trip across foreign continents. That’s what they were designed for and they do their job well. So yes, absolutely.
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