Top Eleven Pannier Systems for Commuters

Gas prices are hiking and maybe as a cost cutting option, you’ve turned to your trusty bike to get to work. Our European friends laugh because gas prices are still cheaper in the States, in comparison with their astronomical prices.

Anyone who has tried to ride with a bag that is not a tight-fitting backpack knows how hard it is to get around without having the pack roll around and throw off your balance, having you eating a big chunk of pavement. So the safest thing to do is to get panniers. There are all sorts of brands out there (believe me; I’ve checked EVERY SINGLE ONE) and so I’ve put together a list with their main particulars and what kind of products they put out.

Now, I know eleven isn’t a normal number but I ain’t normal. Plus each one of these companies offers something that the other guy doesn’t and since I believe in choice, I offer eleven. Most of these brands do provide left and right side panniers as well so check it out and see which one fits your needs. I made my selection based on the number of commuter options each company offered, the uniqueness of the products and how sturdy they looked. They are listed in alphabetical order.

Axiom

This is a company that makes a whole variety of bags and carriers that you will be spoiled for choice, including seat tube bags, handlebar bags, frame bags, trunk bags, as well as pannier touring bags. Axiom has also been involved in sustainability for a very long time so all items were built to last or have easily replaceable parts so you don’t have to throw out the whole item. The fabrics are also free of heavy metals and toxic dyes so when you open the box with your product in it, all you smell is cardboard.

Axiom Atlas 4.5

Axiom Monsoon LX30

Axiom Rackbook Pro

Axiom Smartbag Touch

Bontrager

Besides making tires, you can also find a good selection of shoppers and item-transport bags and even a messenger option from this popular brand. The transport bags vary in shape and capacity and they even carry handlebar bags for adults and kids. Their shoppers are a colorful affair with modern print that can pass for an urban tote. There is even one line called Eco, which uses recycled materials, including inner tubes and cycling event banners and though there is only one pannier option (a small handlebar bag), it is worth a mention.

Bontrager City Double Pannier

Bontrager Handlebar Hip Pouch Eco

Bontrager Interchange City Shopper Pannier

Bontrager Vella Vana Messenger

Brompton

The folding bike company also makes a series of bags that are actually made by Ortlieb, especially for the size of the Brompton bike. They are waterproof and constructed so that if you are caught in the rain, the contents of your bag are protected. The touring bag is notoriously known for its spaciousness and rugged quality. All bags double as messenger bags.

Brompton Bike and Mini O Bag

Brompton C Bag

Brooks

Originally a leather goods store, it is more known for its hand-crafted bike saddles that have changed little since its first appearance in the 1880s. Following in its leather crafting tradition, Brooks also offers a series of canvas and leather bags for your bike. You can even find a wire basket option with handle that you can detach. There is a feel of countryside picnics and rolling grassy hills when you look at the details of the bag, like the roll-top closure and the thick canvas or leather materials.

Brooks Brick Lane Roll Up Panniers

Brooks Cornwall Handlebar Bag

Brooks Devon Rear Panniers

Brooks Hampstead Holdall

Brooks Saddle Challenge Tool Bag

Carradice

For all of you looking for something a little more old skool, the British company, Carradice, has saddle bags that are a throw-back to the days of yore, when you could find men in derbies and paperboy caps, ladies that wore gloves on a regular basis and a traditional charm that is unmistakable. They offer waterproof saddlebags, rear panniers and handlebar bags, as well as commuter bags and options for your Brompton foldable bikes.

Carradice Original Bags

Carradice Relative Bag Sizer

Carradice Zipped Roll

Delta

The same company that makes storage for bicycles, Delta’s design for their bike bags consist on putting them on the back, either like regular panniers or by attaching a tube on the seat post so that a small bag can float on it. Their luggage systems are basically trunk-oriented and the seat post ones are a step away from the options that other companies offer.

Delta Compact Pannier

Delta Quick Bag

Detours

This is an interesting brand in that it offers solely bike bags and its accessories. Due to the fact that it is a Seattle-based company, the waterproofing as well as coffee are key. Out of the more interesting bags, you can find a top tube bag with a waterproof compartment for your smartphone as well as The Coffee Bag, which is basically a food-grade coffee bag in which you can anything small, as well as real coffee, if you so desire.

Detours Fremonster Flap Pannier

Detours Roadie Stem Bag

Detours The Coffee Bag

KLICKfix

This is a German company and is a bit on the pricy side but it is well worth a mention because of its practical products for the city dweller who needs to get to work, the store or just around. Among the many items, you can find shopping bags that are expandable. For those pet owners, there is a waterproof basket for little Fido, which comes with zippered windows, a reflector in the front and washable floor padding. For your work needs, there is also a messenger bag for your lap top which you can hang conveniently on the back rack and has a removable carry strap.

KLICKFIX Doggie Basket

KLICKFix Doggie Basket

KLICKfix Cita Plus GTA

Ortlieb

Out of the list, this is the better known brand in the world of panniers. And with good reason. With very modern styling and colors, you’ve got a series of luggage options that would not embarrass when you walk through the doors at work. They are water resistant for those annoying splashes that could happen on the way to work or to the store. There is a variety more of colors that you can choose from. There are also reflective material pieces on the luggage itself so that you can be sure cars can see you and they can fit standard letter-sized folders.

Ortlieb City Biker QL3

Ortlieb Downtown QL2

Ortlieb Office Bag OL3

Thule

Aside from making bike racks, Thule makes luggage of all sorts and panniers are among the collection. With the typical rugged look that the company is known for, the products are made out of muted-colored canvas with thick straps, cool enough for either end of the gender spectrum. No risk of getting stuck with pokey rack and hanger bits with a special vanishing hardware system. There are also special pockets in some of the models where you can clip on blinker lights and the material is weather resistant.

Thule Pack n Pedal Commuter Pannier Right

Thule Pack n Pedal Tote

Topeak

Topeak makes a whole array of bags for any sort of need you should have. With your smartphone bags that are waterproof and can be mounted onto your stem as well as the FoamShell bags that can attach to the seat post, this company offers an interesting look to on board bike cargo space. Trunk bags slide onto the QuickTrack system, which assembles over the back tire.

Topeak DynaPack