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Recommendations for a good small (< 20 L) pannier bag?

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  • October 1, 2018 at 7:41 pm #29005
    fixedwhip

    I’ve recently started using a pannier bag used for touring as part of my normal commute as an alternative to my backpack, and am really enjoying it. However, it’s much too big for my needs and as a result ends up half empty and a bit flappy.

    Can anyone recommend a small (less than 20 L) pannier bag. I looked at the Carradice Super C A4 – https://road.cc/content/review/94677-carradice-super-c-a4-pannier – and it seems to be everything I want, but I was wondering if I could go even smaller, or if there are any similarly good / even better options out there. For reference, my backpack is only 15 L and is more than sufficient for a jacket and lunch so I really am happy to go as small as possible, within reason!

    Thanks in advance!

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  • October 3, 2018 at 1:44 pm #928229
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    aegisdesign

    Carradice use different hooks

    Carradice use different hooks on different bags and change them occasionally. I’ve some spare hooks from the 90s from a Carradura bag that don’t have a securing latch. Back then though they used an elastic on the bottom of the bag. Later bags use the same shape C hook but with a latch that you clip through. That’s what I have on my Super C bags and they’ve thousands of miles on them without coming loose.

    I’ve also got a Carradice Bike Bureau Pannier which is enormous which uses their Quick Clip clips. Two old style, non-latch hooks with a sprung locking clip in the middle. That’s worked fine for me and before I moved had many a test on ‘Rochdale Road Roubaix’. It’s so enormous the rail runs at a diagonal so that it clears your heels. You can get a 17″ laptop in there.

    They all use the same aluminum rail though so if one hook system isn’t right, they have another and they’re all compatible.

    They do Super C front panniers which are 14L each those will work on a rear rack too if you already have the rack.

    If you’re only going to have one small pannier though, I’d be tempted to go the saddlebag route – either something traditional from Carradice or a bikepacking bag from Alpkit. Your sandwiches will get squashed though in the Alpkit bag.

    October 2, 2018 at 11:26 pm #928227
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    Anonymous

    You could buy a front pannier

    You could buy a front pannier SJS do a cheap set with a single being about 15L https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CYCLE-PANNIER-BAG-SET-PAIR/163287634558?hash=item2604b3927e:g:Im4AAOSwhdRYWpuK (they relist these often) or consider a saddlebag like the 9L carradice nelson junior currently on sale via an ebay seller doing them for £40 posted. I don’t think you’d need a bag support for that size either unless you wwere putting something really heavy in it.

    Just found the old Carradura front bags which are 10L, these should work fine on a rear. £40/pair so cheap as chips https://www.carradice.co.uk/ranges/carradry/carradry-front-universal-panniers-old-design

     

    October 2, 2018 at 8:22 pm #928225
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    Stratman

    If you don’t need a laptop, I

    If you don’t need a laptop, I’ve used an Alpkit seat pack for commuting, big enough for tools, a pump spare underwear and light waterproof. Otherwise I use ortleib sport roller (20l).  I’ve also used Arkel Dry Lites, but their fixing is a bit awkward as it uses Velcro straps, so I just left them on all the time and just kept my stuff in a little bag that I took out when I arrived

     

     

    October 2, 2018 at 3:27 pm #928223
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    fixedwhip
    Rod Marton wrote:
    It didn’t seem to take any damage from all of this – it really is bombproof –  but eventually I got fed up and replaced it with an Ortlieb, which might not be quite as durable but does at least stay in place.

    Which Ortlieb did you replace it with? I was looking at their range and couldn’t see anything on the smaller end.

    October 2, 2018 at 12:44 pm #928221
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    ChasP

    Decathlon also do a 15l

    Decathlon also do a 15l messanger bag with hidden pannier mounts https://www.decathlon.co.uk/900-cycling-messenger-bag-black-15l-id_8385332.html or if a pannier bag is a bit much how abot a rack pack? seen a few cheap lately maybe as bikepacking bags are becoming more popular. https://www.merlincycles.com/altura-night-vision-rack-pack-89196.html unclips from it’s base for quick removal.

    October 2, 2018 at 12:18 pm #928219
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    brooksby
    Rod Marton wrote:
    I had one of these panniers, and whilst it is bombproof, the fixing system is poor. There are two hooks, which simply hook over the rack, then a central locking mechanism between them which is supposed to keep it in place. Unfortunately it doesn’t work very well, and many times after hitting a pothole or speedbump I had to come to a rapid stop and rescue the pannier from the middle of the road. It didn’t seem to take any damage from all of this – it really is bombproof –  but eventually I got fed up and replaced it with an Ortlieb, which might not be quite as durable but does at least stay in place.

    Really? Mine both have just two clips, which hook over the rack and then you push them closed. A bit fiddly to undo one handed, but they d@mn well stay where they’re supposed to!  Maybe mine are older (or newer?) than yours?

    October 2, 2018 at 11:51 am #928217
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    Rod Marton

    I had one of these panniers,

    I had one of these panniers, and whilst it is bombproof, the fixing system is poor. There are two hooks, which simply hook over the rack, then a central locking mechanism between them which is supposed to keep it in place. Unfortunately it doesn’t work very well, and many times after hitting a pothole or speedbump I had to come to a rapid stop and rescue the pannier from the middle of the road. It didn’t seem to take any damage from all of this – it really is bombproof –  but eventually I got fed up and replaced it with an Ortlieb, which might not be quite as durable but does at least stay in place.

    October 2, 2018 at 9:40 am #928215
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    brooksby

    I’ve got the Carradice bag

    I’ve got the Carradice bag you mention – the A4 Pannier (actually got two – one for each side, when needed).

    Its (cliche alert!) “bombproof”, and I find it great for day to day commuting type stuff (though I’ve just started going slightly smaller again with one of their transverse saddlebags).

    I find the external mesh pocket great for coins and keys.  My only real gripe is that the pannier is a complete and utter black hole – because its relatively tall and slim, and black like the pits of Hades at night, its very easy to lose stuff (you wouldn’t think it was possible, but I once had to basically empty it to find a light I *knew* was in there…).

    The cotton duck waterproofing started giving out after about five years of pretty much daily use, and I had to reproof it.

    Heartily recommended yes

    October 2, 2018 at 8:13 am #928213
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    kil0ran

    I’ve got a B’Twin 20l rolltop

    I’ve got a B’Twin 20l rolltop – waterproof, reflective, light mounts, adaptable hook size, and universal (i.e. mounts to either side – there are light clips front and back. 

    https://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-waterproof-rear-pannier-bike-bag-blue-20l-id_8385323.html

    It’s just a single bag without any internal compartments – available in multiple colours – and rolls down pretty tight when not full. 

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