Axiom

Champlain Rear Panniers Black and Gray

Pictures do not do these bags justice, because the bags are quite aesthetically pleasing. They use a quality fabric and are designed well for touring. These are one of the largest capacity bags I have seen, in my searches, which is why I chose them. I was able to get my 0 degree bag into one of these bags with some room to spare (a lite jacket or small items could be added). They also have loads of pockets which can help in organizing your gear. I could even get a light weight tent and sleeping pad in each of the rear pockets using a strap to secure them, giving me room for a trunk bag should I need the extra storage! Some reviews say the bags portrude into the heel clearance while riding, however, I am a size 9.5/45m and have no clearance problems. My heel clearance is around 1-1.5in, using Axiom's Journey series rack and Champlain bags. The mounting system is adequate for their purpose, if you are a weekend warrior. However, if you are planning on long distance touring, requiring repeated mounting and dismounting, I would recommend purchasing a set of quick release mounting systems offered by companies like Ortlieb or Arkel, since the locking mechanism on the Axiom bags are a bit cumbersome to engage and disengage. Additionally, going this route can save a ton of cash while getting a great bag. Most of the time, while on the road, I don't even bother with the locks, because they stay on quite well witout them. I also have the Lassale bags for my school commute. I have been using these bags now for two semesters commuting two to three times a week, they hold the weight of my books, and other gear while showing little wear at all. Can't say enough good things about these bags. I am more than satisfied thus far.

I bought these for daily use after deciding to go car free. So far (almost one month) they have served me well. The bungee hooks gave me trouble at first. One vanished and I replaced it. The other pierced through the middle of it's fabric loop, which I fixed with some pliers. I have been more careful when I hook them to my rack, and have not had any further problems. The plastic coating on the top hooks has split open, leaving bare metal to scratch my rack. I like all the pockets, and the rain covers worked well in a heavy downpour. I can haul a week's worth of laundry in these panniers. These are a bit wide for my bike, so I have to place them further back on my rack, and wheel, than the optimal spot to avoid kicking them as I pedal. With smaller loads, I have to cinch the compression straps to prevent the back corners of the panniers from flexing into my spokes over bumps. All in all, I am happy with these panniers. Eventually I will pick up a smaller pair for lighter loads.