BROOKLINEBIKER

Hi all,
From what I read in this forum, people that are seeking to tour often invest in certain pannier makers (e.g., Arkel & Ortlieb) and models (GT54 & Bike Packer Plus). Right now I own a pair of Jannd “Commuter Panniers.” I bought them to serve as briefcases for work & panniers for riding to work. They have survived many miles of brutal weather and carried enormous grocery loads without issue. When I ultimately tour, it is likely I will need to travel on the heavy side so I would like big bags. So is it a good investment for me to buy Arkel GT54s (1750 cubic inches of volume for one bag) or Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus (1221 cubic inches volume for one bag) if my Jannd “Commuter Panniers” are larger (1995 cubic inches volume for one bag), seem pretty rugged, and can use rain covers?

Thanks,
Neil

FYI-My goal is to eventually engage in cross-country touring. I ride a Surly Long Haul Trucker.

prathmann

They should be fine. I've been using some rather flimsy old Nashbar panniers (actually Bike Warehouse which is what Nashbar used to be called) since 1975 and supplemented them with some slightly less flimsy current Nashbar Waterproofs so I have a set to give to any touring partners. Haven't had any problems with them while touring and they're considerably less durable than the Jannd set you have.

The only question is whether a single set of panniers will be sufficient since you say that you plan to travel on the heavy side. I've been using only a single set of rear panniers but I like to travel pretty light (around 20 lbs.). Bikes do tend to handle better with some of the load carried in front panniers - especially as the total load gets heavier.

pasopia

Nope. Ride with what you got, replace it if it ever breaks.

jwbnyc

Nothing wrong with Jandd commuter panniers. No reason to upgrade.

fietsbob

Just know if they have been in the sun a lot,
the UV and other parts of solar radiation, breaks down the synthetic fibers .
then it tears much more easily.

MichaelW

Smaller panniers discourage you from over-packing which is a Good Thing.

wahoonc

My first tour was with a canvas backpack...sleeping bag was rolled up and strapped to the handlebars! Run what ya brung! As long as they are in decent repair and you aren't losing things out due to holes, go for it.

Aaron

VT_Speed_TR

I'm still using my Cannondale panniers that I purchased in 1973!! Ride with what you got, no need for fancy, expensive stuff.

LeeG

they're large panniers, you want large panniers but better yet you already know how the bike handles with them loaded. Only reason I could see changing is if you want to distribute that size of load to two sets of smaller panniers,,in which case you're looking at four new bags.

Tourist in MSN

While on tour a couple years ago, I talked to another cycle tourist that went on a tour each summer of about a week. He had steel baskets instead of panniers. I do not know how many years he had been touring, but he was 85 years old so I suspect that he had at least a decade (or two or three) of experience. Don't assume you need the latest most expensive equipment.

Another reason to use what you have, you already know that there is no manufacturer defect waiting to fail after the first week or two of use. Also you already know that it attaches to your rack well without bouncing off when you hit a bump and you know that it works well without causing heel strike problems. You have proven your current gear to be extremely reliable which is something that a lot of people can't say.

RB1-luvr

run anything you have, and if you want them to be waterproof, pack your stuff in plastic bags.

I have a set of panniers that date back to the 70s.

BigBlueToe

I've used just about everything. I even went on one weekend tour with an external-framed backpack! (I don't recommend it.) For my first "real" tours I made my own panniers out of blue pack cloth I found in REI's bargain basement. I didn't know how to sew zippers in, so I used black straps to hold them closed. They were primitive, but cheap, and they worked, and I MADE 'EM MYSELF! (Hah!) I had some great tours when I was young, and those panniers allowed me to take just enough stuff to be comfortable.

Of course, now I have a little more money, and have a bad habit of buying bike stuff. I had a perfectly good rig - bike, panniers, racks, tent, etc. - but wanted to upgrade, so I replaced almost everything with the latest and best. (I gave the old rig to my nephew, who wanted to ride from Vancouver, B. C. to San Francisco.) I love my newer stuff, and I'm glad to have it. But I don't "need" it.

Your Jandd panniers are way above what I started with. Buy new if you want, and you'll probably appreciate the upgrade, but don't feel as if you have to.

FunkyStickman

If you wait till you have the perfect setup to tour, it will never happen. Just roll with it, and see what happens!

Thulsadoom

If you have to ask, then you probably need those nice new pans. No way you'll be able to tour without them.

BROOKLINEBIKER

Thanks everyone for your replies!
Neil

Booger1

Nope.......you only need fancy stuff if you need bragging rights on the internet.....

Vernon Huffman

If you can afford Ortlieb, you'll never regret the purchase. They hold the bike like nothing else, but you can take them off easily with one hand. No bungees to stretch out of shape and totally waterproof.

fietsbob

Inspect the seams, for any nearly coming loose, holing, and having stuff fall out.

BROOKLINEBIKER

Hi Vernon, fietsbob, and booger, Thanks for your replies. I am tempted by Ortliebs but am likely to hold off on purchasing for a bit. I may just splurge for a trailer. Best, Neil