Bike bags for pannier racks: how big should they be?

Created: 04/07/2022 15:24

By: Omer Kayali

Panniers that are mounted directly on the bike are far more comfortable than riding with a backpack on your back.

© Eisend/Imago

Bags on the luggage carrier are extremely useful for longer bike tours.

You can find out here which sizes are available and what they are suitable for.

Note to our readers:

Tired of shouldering heavy loads in your backpack while riding your bike?

Especially on longer trips by bike, the additional weight can be very annoying - even if you are only transporting a drink bottle and a lunch box in it.

And since you mostly ride a bike in sunny weather in the heat, it can be a very sweaty affair.

Bicycle bags that are attached to the luggage rack are much more practical.

They are available in different sizes and different uses - for example, if you regularly commute to work by bike, like to go on longer bike tours, or simply want to transport your groceries by bike.

The luggage bags differ in size and material.

Which size is suitable for which occasion?

Panniers for pannier racks: choose the right size

• Luggage racks above the rear wheel are usually designed

  for loads of up to around 20 kilograms

  .

• If you

  commute to work by bike and need a pannier bag, then a smaller

  15 to 20 liter

  bag should usually

  suffice.

  This size is also recommended for short day bike tours.

• If you

  are planning

  a longer tour ,

  including overnight stays

  , you will certainly take more luggage with you.

  In this case, panniers

  with a capacity of 40 liters

  are recommended - or even more, depending on how much you want to take with you.

Does the extra weight affect balance on the bike?

In contrast to bags that are attached to the front wheel, pannier bags do not normally affect driving.

But that ultimately depends on how high the additional weight is.

Make sure you distribute the content as evenly as possible.

Northwind single pannier - 16 litres

Northwind pannier.

© Northwind

Northwind bicycle bag for €39.99 - view it now on Amazon

Forrider single bike bag – 22 litres

Forrider bike bag.

© Forrider

Forrider bicycle bag for €32.90 - view it now on Amazon

Mivelo single bike bag – 25 litres

Mivelo bike bag.

© Mivelo

Mivelo bicycle bag for €59.90 - view it now on Amazon

Vaude Aqua Back Single - 24 liters - the bestseller

Vaude Aqua Back pannier.

© Vaude

Vaude Aqua Back pannier for €56.17 instead of €75 - view it now at Amazon

Hongyea double bag - 35 liters

Hongyea bike bag.

© Hongyea

Hongyea bicycle bag for €46.69 - view it now on Amazon

Vaude Karakorum Pro bike bag - 68 liters

Vaude Karakorum Pro bike bag.

© Vaude

Vaude Karakorum Pro bike bag for €139.95 instead of €190 – view it now at Amazon