Bicycle panniers are gear bags you put on your bicycle's cargo racks, allowing you to carry significantly more weight on errands, day trips or long-distance bike tours without the back strain of a backpack. Panniers can be expensive equipment, costing $100 to $200 or more for a set of two as of 2010. If you're purchasing new panniers, remember that durable waterproof panniers can cost more up front but save you money and time in repairs and maintenance. However, all panniers last longer if they're properly protected from the weather.
Step 1
Cover non-waterproof panniers when it rains; purchase the complementary rain cover made by your pannier manufacturer for best fit and performance. For a quick and cheap solution, cover your pannier in a plastic garbage bag and make small holes for the rack attachments. Alternatively, line your pannier with a plastic garbage bag to keep the inside dry even if the outside is wet.
Step 2
Apply a fabric waterproofing spray as needed for extra rain protection or to restore the waterproof quality of your pannier. Typically, panniers are made from canvas or coated nylon, so ensure the spray will treat your pannier's material. Apply waterproofing sprays only in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.
Step 3
Pack weight evenly in the panniers, and don't pack them to bulging. Overpacking or unevenly packing can bend the mounting system, particularly on a lower-quality pannier, as Tim and Cindie Travis noted early in their multi-year world cycling tour. Wrap sharp items in foam or put them in sturdy containers.
Step 4
Check the mounting system regularly for sturdiness. Using Allen wrenches or screwdrivers (whichever is recommended by your particular pannier manufacturer), adjust the position of any components as needed to secure the pannier to your bike rack, and tighten loose nuts or bolts.
Step 5
Wash your panniers by hand; do not machine-wash unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it. To remove surface mud and dust, pannier manufacturer Arkel recommends you spray a little water on the bag and brush it with a plastic bristle brush. For a more thorough cleaning, scrub the pannier inside and out with a sponge or rag and some mild soap, rinse it in cool running water and hang it to dry.
Step 6
Apply a few drops of silicon oil once a year to each length of zipper to keep it operating smoothly. Open and close the zipper a couple of times to spread the oil.
Step 7
Repair any holes in the pannier material as soon as possible. Use waterproof patching material, such as the patch kit that may have been included in your pannier purchase, nylon self-adhesive patches, fabric attached with epoxy glue or, in a pinch, duct tape. Note that some manufacturers will do the repairs for you within or after your warranty period.
Things You'll Need
- Rain covers for non-waterproof panniers
- Plastic garbage bags
- Waterproofing spray
- Allen wrench set
- Flathead screwdriver
- Philips screwdriver
- Mild soap, such as castile soap
- Plastic bristle brush
- Silicon oil
- Pannier patch kit
- Nylon self-adhesive patches
- Fabric patches
- Epoxy glue
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