How to choose a bicycle bag?

Choosing a bicycle bag is both a delicate and personal choice to find the bag that will meet one's daily needs. Fixation, storage capacity, style, waterproofing, all criteria that cyclists and cyclotourists must take into account before making their choice. Thanks to our advice, you will therefore be able to choose a bike bag that will accompany you on a daily basis as well as in the morning to go to the office as during weekends and holidays.

For every need a bag

To choose a bicycle pannier, first of all you should define your most frequent need. So ask yourself in what situation you are most likely to need it or what your main use of the bike is.

Choosing a pannier for work

If you mostly use your bike to get to work, choosing a bike pannier will have to be based on this criteria. When cycling to work, a bag capable of holding fragile objects such as a computer or tablet will be the most common choice. It should have several compartments, potentially to organise your files in a more practical way. A waterproof model will also be appropriate to protect each item during the trip, whatever the weather. Finally, luggage that can be easily attached and detached will also be particularly suitable.

Choosing a bag for shopping

If you use your bike to go shopping in town, then we advise you to choose a bike bag with a certain capacity (most often it is in litres that the capacity of a bag is calculated). This will allow you to carry a maximum amount of shopping. A strong attachment system and a waterproof coating will also be preferable for rainy days when you will be heavily loaded.

Choosing a pannier for touring

If you enjoy mountain biking or road trips on holiday, then choosing a bike pannier to store your gear and belongings will be in order. Perhaps start by making a list of the essentials you need to carry when travelling by bike to see how much capacity you'll need. Then, sturdiness and waterproofing will again be the good criteria to take into account. When it comes to price, there will be many possibilities and we advise you to opt for a light and nice quality model that won't let you down after the first day of riding.

How to properly install your pannier on your bike?

Choosing a bicycle pannier can also depend on the type of attachment you want to use. Indeed, here too, there are many possibilities to find the right compromise according to your preference.

On luggage rack

First of all, there is the luggage rack bag, which is a must-have model for cycling enthusiasts. It requires a luggage rack (but it is one of the accessories that can be added to a bicycle). The carrier bag has a special attachment, which can be a clip for example, to save even more time when attaching and detaching the bag. It can then be carried by hand, on the shoulder or on the back, depending on the model. It also has the advantage of not taking up too much space for the cyclist. A bag can be hung on either side of the wheel at the rear, but also at the front which gives the possibility of choosing not one, but four bike bags.

On handlebars

Choosing a bike bag that attaches to the handlebars will allow you to carry very specific items such as a suit for example as there are suit covers that can be rolled up and hooked to the handlebars. For the more classic bags, they will generally be small and will mainly allow you to store your smartphone, keys and wallet for example. If you have very little stuff to carry, this type of bag can be useful, otherwise it's better to turn to another model.

On frame

A pannier can also benefit from an attachment to the bike frame. Most often, the bag will be rather long, as it cannot be too thick so as not to hinder the cyclist in his movements. Generally, people prefer to hang their accessories on the frame, for example their U-lock, their water bottle or even their bicycle pump.

On the saddle

Finally, choosing a bike bag with a saddle attachment is also possible. The bag will then be accessible behind the latter and its capacity can be more or less important depending on the type of bag chosen.

The different styles of bags

Finally, you have the option of choosing a bike pannier based on its style for added practicality and aesthetics.

Shouldered

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The shoulder bag is very practical for cyclists who make frequent stops. Hung around you, it still allows you to pedal unhindered and to easily access your belongings without having to remove it. For longer journeys, an additional attachment for hanging your shoulder bag on the luggage rack will be nice.

In a backpack

The backpack is the cyclist's essential bag. It does not hinder his movements and the cyclist, regardless of the types of journeys he makes. That said, on a long ride and to avoid getting hot, choosing a carrier bag that converts into a backpack or slipping the latter into the basket of your bike will be preferable.

Schoolbag style

The satchel-style bag is a very chic type of bag that allows you to store your things in style. It is a very chic type of bag that allows you to store your belongings in style, as well as your computer and documents. Beware, however, of leather models which are certainly very aesthetic, but which will not stand up well to rainy journeys in the long run.

Hand or shoulder carry

Finally, you can also consider using the hand or shoulder bag as a tote bag for example. To be attached to the luggage rack or slipped into the bicycle basket, this is a bag that can be favoured for shopping and which offers a large capacity thanks to its simple and practical style. However, it will be less practical to carry on your person on a daily basis or only for the time of shopping for example.