Pronounciation...

[ronnie421]

I apologize if this is not where it is supposed to be, but im wondering... I have heard the word "panniers" pronounced several different ways. eg... pan-NIERS, PAN-iers, pani-AYES. Is there more than one way to pronounce this word and still be correct? I can go to one bike shop here in my city and have the attendant call it one thing, then go to another store 3 blocks down and have that attendant call it something else, then go to REI 2 hrs from my home and that attendant will call it something different than the other two. Any input?

[indyfabz]

You say toe-may-toe, I say toe-ma-toe. I don't think anyone cares if you are slightly off from the "official" pronunciation. But FWIW, I say usually "pan-yeas," as in Yea! We won!

[staehpj1]

I don't think I even say it the same way all the time.  Sometimes I say "pan yurs" and sometimes, "pan ee yurs".  I have heard others say "pan nears" or "pan yeahs" fairly often.

[jamawani]

"Saddlebags" is easier to pronounce.
And for non-cyclists - - easier to understand.

[ronnie421]

Oh then... I guess I'll just call them "those-bags-that-go-on-the-racks-that-are-mounted-on-both-sides-of-the-front-and-rear-wheels-that-carry-all-your-stuff-when-you're-a-long-way-from-home".

[newfydog]

Interesting that the French don't call them panniers.  i can't remember what they do call them, but while they understand pannier they use something else.  If you buy something from Amazon France the online shopping cart is a pannier.

[geegee]

The French will call them panniers if they are basket-like, such as the open top bags used for shopping. In French Canada, the closed saddle bags are called "sacoche".

Just like the derailleur/derailer pronunciation, it somehow depends on where you are from. My region with its strong French presence tends towards "pan-yay".