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 On: 2008-01-04
Ok, these bags arent waterproof, so thats why I didnt give five stars. But when I had these bags, I went everywhere and carried everything in them- no hassle (I put things in plastic bags if they couldnt get wet). Since they were stolen, I went out and bought an Ortlieb bag thinking it would be awesome, and I keep wishing I just bought another pair of these Appalachian bags. They got room. Theyre simple, easy to open and close (unlike my new bag). Oh, and if they do get stolen, youre only out thirty bucks instead of a hundred. I felt like they were simple and handy and good for someone like me who bikes around the city, bikes for shopping, and bikes with kids (all those water bottles and extra clothes actually fit!).
On: 2008-01-03
Ok, these bags arent waterproof, so thats why I didnt give five stars. But when I had these bags, I went everywhere and carried everything in them- no hassle (I put things in plastic bags if they couldnt get wet). Since they were stolen, I went out and bought an Ortlieb bag thinking it would be awesome, and I keep wishing I just bought another pair of these Appalachian bags. They got room. Theyre simple, easy to open and close (unlike my new bag). Oh, and if they do get stolen, youre only out thirty bucks instead of a hundred. I felt like they were simple and handy and good for someone like me who bikes around the city, bikes for shopping, and bikes with kids (all those water bottles and extra clothes actually fit!).
 On: 2007-10-13
This pannier set is a fairly inexpensive option but it is also not the best as to versatility or fit. I have a Topeak rack (hardly uncommon) and this set of bags can just barely be made to stay on. The Velcro straps intended to hold the front and back securely to the rack are too short for my rack. When I pull tightly I can get them to bight with about 1/2 inch of Velcro grabbing. This will certainly be a problem after the Velcro ages a bit. The hooked bungee straps for attaching the bag to the vertical rack brace bars is a very awkward way of doing so. It takes bending down, reaching into tight spaces and much dexterity to secure/unsecure the bags when taking them into the grocery store. I have found myself just leaving them on all the time because they are a bit of a pain to detach and reattach.
Also, and this is not directly a knock on the product, they are fairly small for those grocery store visits. These marketing photos would be more helpful were they taken while secured to a bicycle for perspective in sizing. I can get a loaf of bread, cheese, and some vegetables and a bit of fruit inside but not too much more.
This being said, they look decent, seem to be of decent quality fabric and the reflective stripe is appreciated.
Were I to choose again, I would opt for another product over these. What I thought I would prefer (the two sides being permanently attached to one another) I now see as a detriment. I would prefer a set of independent panniers with hooks for attaching to the rack as opposed to these hooked bungees. Ill keep them and get some use out of them but there were certainly better options for my situation.
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