Shopping for bike bags? Choose from over 2000 bike bags and panniers!

What makes a good bike bag?

What makes a good bike bag depends on several factors, like the type of bike bag and brand. One of the things that’s a decisive factor in your choice of bike bag, is usually the type of bag. You may prefer having a large pannier that can carry lots of things or a compact bag that fits under your saddle or on the handlebar. Compact bags are often seen on sportive bicycles (mountain bikes, road bikes).

A lot of people opt for the convenience of a backpack or single/removable pannier that is easy to mount and remove, like a bike bag with space for a laptop, that fits their commuter bike. Bicycle baskets and crates are quite popular too, being both functional and available in many different colors and designs.

Beside the type of bike bag or pannier, there are the individual specifications of a bag to consider. For any regular cyclist, the bag's water resistance is an important factor. A water-resistant bike bag keeps your things safe and dry during a rain storm, while waterproof bags can also cope with really bad weather.

Brands known for their water-resistant bike bags and panniers are Ortlieb and Thule. Basil, Gazelle and FastRider also manufacture great high-quality bags.
 

Bike bags and panniers - what size do you need?

What size bike bag you need may differ widely depending on what you intend to use it for. A single pannier fits fewer things than a double pannier. Still, both offer many possibilities: 

- 35 liters: A frequently seen model is the 35-liter double pannier (with somewhat rectangular bags), a model that offers a lot of space despite its modest design.
- 40 to 45 liters: Double panniers with a 40-45 liter capacity are great for longer cycling trips where having a dry change of clothes and camping equipment is essential, while you can also use them for groceries, transporting textbooks or a shopping trip.
- 65 to 80 liters: If you’re looking for a real power pannier, try the 65-liter pannier, or go one step up with the 65-80 liter version. This size is ideal for people who depend on their bicycle for delivering orders or packages every day.

Cyclists looking for a sportive pannier with less capacity will be happy with a single 20-liter pannier. You’ll find bicycle bags and panniers of different sizes in our range, with calm solid colors as well as lively prints.
 

How do you mount panniers?

There are several mounting options, depending on the type of pannier. Most are easily fastened with straps or a convenient click system, without tools. A removable single pannier is usually equipped with hooks or a click system, while double panniers can often be fastened with straps or buckles.

There's also the MIK system (Mounting Is Key), which was introduced a few years ago and lets you switch bicycle accessories quickly and transport your things with unprecedented stability. Parents often ask us whether it's possible to use a certain bike bag or pannier with their rear child bike seat. The answer is yes!

Of course, there are some limitations. For one thing, you can only do this with child bike seats that are mounted on the seat tube, and the luggage carrier's minimum weight limit has to be at least 25 kg (anything lower than that means you’ll need to take all extra weight on the carrier into account (like the child's weight and that of the panniers).

All double panniers should, in theory, be suitable for use in combination with a child bike seat. If your luggage carrier is too short and there's a risk of your little one's feet getting caught in something, a luggage carrier adapter is a great solution.
 

What panniers to use for a cycling holiday?

When you're going on a cycling holiday, always go for waterproof panniers to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Ortlieb and Thule are known for producing waterproof panniers that are also impact resistant and sturdy; in other words, they can take rough treatment.

We advise limiting the number of things you take along (essentials only) and distributing the weight of your luggage over bike bags located by the front wheel and rear wheel (front and back, left and right). Keep valuables like your bank card, smartphone and laptop, as well as items you’ll need while traveling, in the front where you can keep an eye on them at all times and nobody has access to them but you.
A spacious bag leaves plenty of room for a snack and any spontaneous purchases you might make while on the road.
 

Buy your panniers at Hollandbikeshop

Get your affordable, high-quality bike bags and panniers at Hollandbikeshop.com! On our website, you’ll find a wide range of bike bags, baskets and crates. Orders in the Netherlands are delivered within 2 business days. Hollandbikeshop.com is the number 1 bike shop for all your bike bag and pannier needs. We have the widest range of bicycle parts (over 100,000) available from stock.