Rear bike panniers. After three months of heavy-duty use on the European leg, here's Rebecca's verdict on how they performed.
Used:
Daily
Performance:
Still smart and the wipeclean reflective strip on the back of the pockets is intact after three months' constant use.
All the fixings are still present and correct and the zips haven't failed.
I like the Klikfix stystem of attachment. The bags don't spring off but I can remove them with one hand and the minimum of fuss in a jiffy if, for example, the train arrives and it has only single doors...
The compressing straps don't trail in the dirt/wet when undone and the drawstring closing cord is, unusually I think, at the back of the compartment. This strikes me as affording additional security without adding hassle, but I can't prove it!
The zips on the pockets have cord on them making them easier to open/close when you are wearing gloves or your hands are wet, cold or sweaty!
There is one big design problem... the carrying handles are fixed. This means that unlike the Karrimor designs, for example, when you transport the backs by hand they hang at an extremely awkward angle and take chunks out of your legs.
Verdict:
Capacious, hardwearing and with handles amended as described, my bag of choice for commuting, touring and shopping.
