Which on-bike bag is best for your needs?
Warren Rossiter
BEST ON TEST
Topeak Pannier Drybag 24L
£94.99
AT A GENEROUS 47CM tall x 31.5cm wide x 15cm deep, this can hold a full change of clothes, shoes plus my laptop and notebook on my commute. It’s also waterproof thanks to being fully welded with a Velcro-secured roll top (but not overly heavy, at 785g). The Handle Loc handle, when squeezed, opens the rack rail clamps (which fit 8/10/12/16mm rails) and clamps down on release. The stabilising hook also has a quick-release button and can be rotated 180° making this bag fit all the bikes I tried it on without using a tool. Clever details include: reflective panels front and rear, quick clips for closure, a hard back to keep the bag stable, and a very good shoulder strap. It’s brilliant for commuting, touring and errand running. It is pricey, though, with a cavernous black interior and no small valuables pockets.
Verdict A large bag that’s easy to swap onto different bikes
Brooks Scape Small Pannier
£110
THIS SMALL, STYLISH pannier has a max load of 13l and weighs just 630g. At 45cm tall x 25cm wide x 15cm deep (unrolled), it can take my laptop, notebook, and a change of clothes (not shoes, though). It uses thin 600D polyester to look like duck-cotton (see the Altura pannier) with PVC/PFC-free nylon for the straps. It has been quite resistant to scuffs, and the welded build gives great water resistance. When the pannier contained a few heavy shopping items, though, it deformed as the weight shifted, causing me to occasionally catch my heel on it. The Rixen-Kaul clip system is good, but you’ll need a Philips screwdriver to help you move it between bikes. The metal hook and strap closures will last and last but there’s no shoulder strap. Reflective details are neat and the storm-zipped outer pocket is useful.
Verdict Good looks but high price given its average performance
Oxford Aqua V 20 QR Pannier
£44.99
THE 20L CAPACITY OF this eye-catching (815g, 42cm x 32cm at widest x 17cm) roll-top pack fits my commute essentials. The external waterproof pocket takes care of valuables too. The stiffened back and chunky, hard plastic bumper at the base keeps it stable when full
