As a consequence of my shopping trip last Thursday I got myself a new set of pannier bags for my Raleigh. This set, which retailed originally for around £16-£17 (I got it at a reduced price because it was the last one on the shelf) is a triple bag one, with two side panniers and a top, removable one.

The side pannier bags are slightly smaller than the ones I had before, probably because they are a bit more rigid (they sort of maintain their shape even when nothing is inside them). Still, I could fit a box of 2x frozen pizzas and 2 pints of milk in there without any issues, and for everyday use the two side ones are perfectly fine to carry some groceries, waterproof gear and personal items. I also liked the fact that there are two bottle holders on the back of them, along with some reflective material. In addition, the two side bags are locked in place using the rack’s spring – so if you want to put anything on top of the bags and secure it with the spring (eg a basket), you can! 🙂

The top one is a different business altogether. It is really big, has additional storage on the sides and some bands on top to fit some extra things outside. The main idea is that you can take it out and use it as a “regular” bag, since it has a big comfy handle and also included a shoulder strap. Fitting it in and out is also effortless – 4 quick-release plastic fasteners and some velcro to help keeping things steadied.

Apparently the set is not waterproof, which is why they include a plastic cover to put over the bags when it is pouring hard – but that kind of rain is rare around here, and with misty weather the regular protection is just fine!

This was a “spur of the moment” buy, as this set was not even advertised on last Thursday’s promotion (seemed to be old stock), but for £15 it seemed a really good deal, as I struggled whenever I needed to carry stuff which would simply not fit in my old side bags – I had to remove them altogether and then use straps with hooks to fit a bag in there. Normally that would happen with my gym bag. With this triple set I can simply ditch the gym bag altogether and put all the gear in the top bag! And it also works great for carrying extra groceries, too!

All in all, a very good buy, so far I’m very, very pleased with it! 😀