Panniers- EZ on/off

[dombrosk]

In U.S. touring, my panniers always stay on the bike... seems like I'm either camping or in a budget motel where I just wheel the whole bike into the room.  The fact that my Jannd attachment system is not quick and easy has never been an issue.

BUT, in my first European tour recently...  every lodging I stayed at happily provided a secure place for my bike, but then I needed to unpack-repack my panniers.  My Jannd expedition panniers simply were not designed to come on and off easily while loaded.

I envied the local cyclists who simply lifted their rear panniers off the bike at the hotel and carried them in as their luggage.

Any recommendations for rear panniers with a large capacity that will easily and repeatedly go onto and off of a bike with a Jannd Expedition rear rack?

Thanks in advance!

[rvklassen]

The Arkel GT54 is designed so that, once the mounting system is adjusted to fit your rack, they are quite quick and easy on/off.   This appears to be the unit of the Arkel offerings that best matches the size you're looking for.

The other commonly recommended brand, which is also easy on/off, is Ortlieb.  I only have experience with Arkel, but Ortlieb has a similarly sterling reputation for quality.   The key difference is in design philosophy - Ortlieb specializes in one big compartment where you impose your own organization (or not); Arkel has pockets; Ortlieb is truly waterproof (and hence hard to dry once wet inside); Arkel is water-resistant and has an optional rain cover, more like the JAndD.

[biased bohemian]

I have a pair of front and back Ortlieb Roller Plus panniers.  The bags come off in one step, simply by grabbing them by their top strap and lifting (the strap is connected to a mounting system that opens when the strap is pulled but that close around the rack bar when pressure is released, so the panniers remain secure when riding).  A secondary latch is included on the back of the bag to further secure it to the rack, but this can be set in a way that doesn't restrict it from easy removal from the rack.  Also, if you are concerned about theft I believe Ortlieb sells an anti-theft system for the bag.  The panniers come with straps so that they can be worn as messenger bags.  As previously noted, they are waterproof.  Though I have never tried another brand, I have immensely liked these Ortlieb Roller Plus.  You can go cheaper with the Roller Classic and sacrifice the nice fabric look of the Roller Plus for a more traditional vinyl appearance.  Also, I think the Classic cannot be used with the anti-theft system.

[vanvalks]

I have Axiom Champlain panniers.  They mount using two hooks over the top rail, a bungee cord with hook to the bottom, and a turn-button to lock them on.  They have a carrying strap to lift them with, and a shoulder strap.  Putting them on or taking them off takes less than 5 seconds.  They have a large capacity--65 liters--and are very water resistant with waterproof covers.  I got mine new over the web for $90 for a pair of them.  They are of the "one big bag" type of design, but each has two smaller outside zip pockets and a third zip pocket in the top flap.  I just returned from a two week self contained tour and had no troubles with them at all.

Bob

[Pat Lamb]

As bohemian noted, Ortliebs can be lifted off.  Dropping them on takes an extra 2.31 s per bag to jigger the lower hook to catch on the rack.  Highly recommended.  (Wish I had insisted on my daughter getting some.)

[waynemyer]

+1 Ortlieb.  I think the aforementioned 2.31 second figure is swinging about a second wide.   

[nhhillbilly]

I have Ortliebs and use them every day as I commute to work. I bring my equipment to work with me. Last week I filled them up with magazines and transported them to the recycling center. Handled all that weight with out a problem. Very easy on and off. I purchased my in bright yellow. They are very visible.

[pptouring]

Another vote for Ortlieb bags.

Two European tours, several local tours, and daily commuting with them! Great bags and wouldn't hesitate buying another set if we needed to.

[whittierider]

The fact that my Jannd attachment system is not quick and easy has never been an issue.

BUT, in my first European tour recently...  every lodging I stayed at happily provided a secure place for my bike, but then I needed to unpack-repack my panniers.  My Jannd expedition panniers simply were not designed to come on and off easily while loaded.

I envied the local cyclists who simply lifted their rear panniers off the bike at the hotel and carried them in as their luggage.

Do they not have the same system as the Jandd Mini Mountain pannier?  Our son commutes with those, and I've seen him many times take them off in a second and bring them in the house when he puts his bike in the garage, then put them back on when he goes to work.  His are about five years old.

[Tourista829]

We both have Ortlieb Roller Classic Panniers, front, back & handlebar (my girlfiend). The Germans know how to make a quick release. I would switch out the racks to Tubus,(steel) they go perfect with the Ortliebs although the Jandd (alumium) will work with the hardware Ortlieb supplies. They are also waterproof and the roll design adjusts to different volumes. I would contact www.bikebagshop.com in Flagstaff, they do multiple purchase discount and free shipping. It will be expensive but well worth the investment. These bags also can be used for Kayak Bags, they float.

[cyclocamping]

95% of long distance bicycle travelers use Ortlieb Panniers. The bike roller model is a popular one. Arkel is a good and more expensive option, people like the fact that they have more compartments that the Ortlieb bags. The big downside with Arkel bags is that they are not waterproof which is the reason why I would not use them. Pacific Outdoor Equipment are newer in the pannier industry but they came up with excellent panniers with great features. Vaude also came up with a DryBag series of panniers that are perfoming well too. When it comes to easily take on and off the bag I don't think any bag beats Ortlieb. The best deals for bike touring panniers can be found here: Save on Bicycle Touring Panniers

[rvklassen]

95% of long distance bicycle travelers use Ortlieb Panniers.

And you get your statistics where?

[Tourista829]

I agree, although we use Ortlieb bags, I find 95% may be pulled out of thin air. I too am curious where you obtain your statistics, maybe in Europe but even that may be high.

I may dispute Cyclocamping as the lowest price on Ortlieb Bags. I can only speak for the bags we have. At the Bike Bag Shop of Flagstaff, Az Back Roller Classics $135 Front Roller Classic $115, Ultimate 5 Classic Medium Handle Bar Bag $79.00 They took off 5% for multi bag discount purchase or $16.45, free shipping over $100.00, and no sales tax if you don't live in Arizona. Total price $312.55, very competitive and truly waterproof.

[pptouring]

I don't know... just about everyone I've seen out there has been riding with Ortlieb bags; of course, I have yet to ride around the world, so my experience is limited! 

Ortlieb bags are definitely water tight! On our last tour it rained on us every dang day (3 weeks), but our stuff stayed dry!

[Tourista829]

Ron, in my travels around in the U.S. 35-45% and in Italy & France 50%-60%
I haven't been to Germany or the Czech Republic of late. I also see Arkels, Lone Peak, Axiom, Vaude and other assorted panniers, I am not quite sure of. Like you, I like our Ortlieb, because they stay on, easy to get on or off, in the roller classic design, I can adjust the size of the pannier and take longer objects, and very waterproof. However I have friends who swear by their Arkels. It really doesn't matter if it is 95%, like you, I do see alot of them.