Originally Posted by Kelly I

One advantage of riding with rain covers is that it protects the panniers from sun damage. I rode with Arkel panniers for a few years. Ultimately, the covers were worthless in the rain, but my panniers under the bottom looked brand new!

I have a friend who sews her own bright pink pannier covers. The bright color is important to her, she refreshes with a fresh set of covers about every six months.

Originally Posted by Tourist in MSN

A friend of mine has red Arkels, the panniers look brand new when the covers are off of them, he does the same as you, always puts the covers on. But there is no cover on his handlebar bag and it is badly sun faded. The red Arkels are the worst panniers I have ever seen for UV damage to the color.