Hey, I was wondering if you all had any recommendations for panniers. I was planning on mainly using it for commuting (I use a leather brief case now) and relatively small grocery/store runs. It’s pretty rainy where I live so I was thinking something more waterproof. I’ve been reading the wirecutter, etc reviews but it seems kinda hard to narrow down for a first time buyer
Additionally can I get away with just one or do you really need two for balance issues?
Thanks!
I can’t recommend Banjo Bros enough. I have the Market Pannier and the convertible backpack. It’s high quality and, for me, affordable.
Just one is fine, and has never thrown me off balance. I love Ortliieb panniers (love the build quality), but really anything will do if you like and it works for you.
You can get away with one, and I certainly do most of the time. The 2nd one really only gets tossed on the bike for grocery store trips and touring.
Edit: more thoughts
For commuting purposes, it can be nice to get one with organizer pockets, just so keys/wallet aren’t always disappearing all the way to the very bottom
Thank you everyone for your recommendations!
any cheap pannier off amazon is fine for this.
what you want to get is a proper rack that can support 50lbs or so. the rack is way more important than the pannier. too many people get cheap crappy racks and their bags fall off or the rack breaks when they overload it.
you do not need to drop $200 on ortlieb panniers for grocery getting or commuting. those are for touring. wirecutter is for yuppies that have more money than sense, that is their market.