[David9694]

Trying to get back into cycle commuting, back in the 1980s I had a zip together pannier bag arrangement from Freedom Bikepacking. Looking around for something similar, blanching at the price of the Carradice Bike Bureau and Ortleib, Vario I’ve got a Decathlon a zip-together pannier and rucksack.  I have to carry my bike over a stepped pedestrian bridge, so I figured having my stuff on my shoulders, not on the bike would help. 

The smaller of the two bags, which includes the backpack carry straps nicely swallows a laptop. The mobile ‘phone pocket in the bigger roll top bag is right down the bottom.  I do wish makers wouldn’t use black material for bag interiors. 

The tension of the pannier hooks is adjustable according to the thickness of your rack’s tubing. There’s a catch that turns 90 degrees to secure the bags. Unlike Carradice or Ortleib, the hooks are not on a rail to allow fore-aft adjustment. There’s no anti-sway hook down below – I’m thinking of adding one, to the main bag at least. 

When separated, the rusksack straps are on the inside, exposed – a big improvement for this product would be a zippable panel to contain them. Although as you can see in the picture they have included a loop for the rucksack straps, I’m resorting to a bungee wrapped around the bottom of the small bag, which puts a dent in the convenient mode-switching and style.  I’ve only got 3 miles to go each way, but anything not 100% tied down is bound to misbehave.

They’ve included a loop for a rear light per the picture, but it’s too tiny to be of use for anything I’ve got. 

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/27-l-cycling-double-pannier-rack-backpack-green-grey/_/R-p-347894

For another £100 or £130, the Ortlieb Vario looks like it addresses all the Decathlon’s shortcomings

 https://uk.ortlieb.com/products/vario

£85 for the 26l Carradice Bike Bureau https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m5b0s74p827/CARRADICE-Bike-Bureau-Cotton-Duck

Topic

[Beatnik69]

I got the same one to use on

I got the same one to use on my BTwin Tilt 500 folding bike. unfortunately because the wheelbase is so short, my heels bang on the bag as I dedal. I still use it as a backpack and latop bag though.

[quiff]

I’m enjoying this one which

I’m enjoying this one which appears to be literally just an IKEA bag with a Klick n Fix pannier attachment!

[Steve K]

Have a look at this range –

Have a look at this range – https://goodordering.com/

I have their messenger bag, and it’s great.

[Tom_77]

I’ve got the previous version

I’ve got the previous version of this. It doesn’t have the rolltop closure and the interior is red (grey exterior). The side with the rucksack straps has a velco pocket with a cover in it, never bothered with it as I didn’t have any problems with the straps flapping about.

Compared to the alternatives, I like the way the bag splits the weight more evenly instead of having it all on one side.

[David9694]

Here’s the Ortlieb Vario with

Here’s the Ortlieb Vario with its flap to cover whichever side you’re not using. 

[David9694]

Showing the shoulder straps,

Showing the shoulder straps, the securing loop and rear “lamp bracket”

[Author]

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