If you’re using your bike for city transport, it’s important to be able to carry stuff comfortably – grocery shopping, a change of clothes, laptop computers. A basket or pannier attached to a rack is a easy way to make your bike more comfortable and useful, and avoid a nasty big sweat stain on your back from carrying a heavy backpack.
For touring cyclists, we stock Ortlieb and Vaude panniers in a range of colours and styles. Touring panniers work well around town as well. They’re sold in pairs rather than individually.
We generally keep a small selection of products in stock in the shop. Special orders are mostly a day or two away. Please call for availability.
Brands We Stock
Basil are a Dutch brand who produce fashionable bags and baskets made for city and hybrid bicycles. They work well for round town and look fantastic. We keep a selection of colours and styles in stock. From left to right below are the Preston Shopper ($110), Blossom Twig ($100) and the Mirte Shopper ($115). You can browse the full range online here
Ortlieb bags have the deserved reputation of being the best cycle touring pannier available. They’re waterproof, capacious, simple, well designed and extremely durable. We’ve met customers with sets that are 15 years old. One of their best features is the wide availability of replacement parts – the hooks, straps and buckles are all available, should anything be damaged or lost.
Ortlieb panniers are available in two sizes: front and rear; two fabrics: classic and plus; and two styles: roll top / “roller” and lid top / “packer”; and a range of colours: red, blue, yellow, black and white, depending on style. Prices start from $260 for a Front Roller Classic, and $360 for a Back Roller Classic.
Specifications and details are available for the full range of Ortlieb products at Ortlieb.com. Contact us for Australian prices and availability.
Here’s a fully laden Surly Long Haul Trucker, kitted out for a ride from Sydney to Perth, with Front Roller and Back Roller Classics in white, and a white Ultimate 5 Classic handlebar bag with map case.
The handlebar bag is a great addition for any bike, either for day rides or long trips. It provides easy access to cameras, wallets, phones, snacks and other sundries, without having to stop, get off the bike and dig through a pannier. It also provides a convenient platform for a waterproof map case.
Ron D Swan bags are one of our favourite city / commuting panniers. They’re made in Melbourne with as much recycled material as possible, they’re a perfect size for everyday use, they’re available in a fantastic range of colours, and they’re designed to be especially comfortable and convenient when they’re off the bike. Panniers are $170 each. You can read more at RonDSwan.com.
Vaude are big German outdoor brand who make a range of backpacks, tents, camping gear and bike luggage. Their Roadmaster panniers and handlebar bag are a good value alternative to Ortlieb.
Our favourite Vaude products are these two: The Cycle 25 pannier backpack and the Freiburg pannier briefcase. Both attach to the bike with a solid secure attaching system but can be used comfortably off the bike as well.
