Panniers

Abbotsford Cycles stocks a wide range of front and rear panniers, from those suitable for the occasional trip to the shops, up to touring the World.

Panniers used to be woven wicker baskets slung over the sides of a donkey, now they are bags of various sizes designed to hang on the sides of your bicycle rack. Front panniers are just smaller size - generally a front pannier will fit on front or rear racks, but a rear pannier won't fit on a front rack.

The more expensive panniers have more positive systems to hold them securely on the rack and are heavier duty material.

Waterproof panniers are not always better. They have fewer or no pockets; because they are sealed, food or dirty clothes will sweat in hot weather; and they cannot usually be stuffed overful like more flexible models. Non waterproof panniers these days often incorporate a cover, which while not fully waterproof can be pulled over the pannier in wet weather, and shed most of the rain, or splash from the road. The covers are also often brighter colours than the bags themselves.

Panniers are normally sold as pairs.