{"id":40756,"date":"2022-08-24T19:00:50","date_gmt":"2022-08-24T17:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=694585"},"modified":"2022-08-24T19:15:15","modified_gmt":"2022-08-24T17:15:15","slug":"buyers-guide-to-pannier-bags-and-four-of-the-best-bags-for-commuting-and-touring","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/buyers-guide-to-pannier-bags-and-four-of-the-best-bags-for-commuting-and-touring\/","title":{"rendered":"Buyer\u2019s guide to pannier bags \u2013 and four of the best bags for commuting and touring"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Jack Evans\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 24 August 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The best bicycle pannier bags and racks transport what you need for cycling to work<\/a>, or for longer touring trips, in a safe and secure fashion.<\/p>\n

Here are our top choices, as reviewed by expert BikeRadar testers, as well as a buyer\u2019s guide to help you choose the best pannier bags and racks for your bike.<\/p>\n

Why choose a rack and pannier bags to carry your luggage?<\/h2>\n

Whatever you\u2019re carrying, the best bicycle pannier bags keep their contents safe and dry. They add carrying capacity while unburdening your shoulders and don\u2019t ruin your bike\u2019s handling.<\/p>\n

All pannier bags are held by hooks on a pannier rack, which usually screws into eyelets on your bike frame\u2019s seatstays or dropouts.<\/p>\n

The most common kind are rear panniers, sitting either side of the back wheel. One or two of these pannier bags usually suffice for commuting or lightweight touring.<\/p>\n

If you need additional capacity, it\u2019s a good idea to spread out heavy loads. A front rack gives the option to add one or two bags beside the front wheel.<\/p>\n

Front and\/or rear racks often come as standard on many of the best touring bikes<\/a> and are designed specifically for the job of carrying luggage. If a touring bike doesn\u2019t come with a rack pre-installed, in all likelihood it\u2019ll have the required eyelets on the frame to add one.<\/p>\n

On that note, many gravel bikes<\/a>, endurance road bikes<\/a> and some mountain bikes<\/a> also often have fork eyelets to attach a front rack.<\/p>\n

Panniers vs cycling backpacks<\/h3>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A backpack works well for shorter rides but can become uncomfortable or sweaty on longer commutes or in hot weather.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The best cycling backpacks<\/a> are fine for short rides, but on longer commutes even the most breathable bags will make your back sweaty. When heavily laden, your arms, neck and shoulders will feel the strain too.<\/p>\n

Panniers vs bikepacking bags<\/h3>\n
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Bikepacking bags are versatile but capacity can be limited and you\u2019ll struggle to carry awkwardly-shaped items.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matt Orton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Bikepacking<\/a> is an increasingly popular activity and, when compared to traditional cycle touring, typically sees riders carry their kit and equipment in\u00a0bikepacking bags<\/a> strapped to the bike, rather than in pannier bags on a rack.<\/p>\n

Bikepacking bags are favoured due to their lower weight, the fact they can be fitted to almost any bike and because they are less obstructive on technical terrain.<\/p>\n

However, pannier racks and bags remain relevant \u2013 and popular \u2013 because they can often carry awkward objects bikepacking bags cannot. Trendy frame bags aren\u2019t cut out for carrying a laptop, for example.<\/p>\n

While the best bikepacking bags will combine capacity and stability, pannier bags attached to a rack often have more room to carry your gear, with everything fixed securely to your bike.<\/p>\n

Four of the best bicycle pannier bags in 2022<\/h2>\n

Here are four of the best bicycle pannier bags, as rated and reviewed by BikeRadar\u2019s expert testers. Carry on reading for our full bicycle pannier bags and racks buyer\u2019s guide.<\/p>\n

Altura Heritage 40-litre panniers<\/h3>
<\/div> 4.5 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>
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