A pannier, by definition, is “a basket, particularly one in every of a pair carried by a beast of burden.” And in our expertise, there is no higher solution to really feel like a pack mule than to strap a pair of poorly designed panniers onto a motorbike. However pannier (or a pair of them) just like the Beyonder Saddlebag Panniers from REI Co-op could make carrying all the things from laptops to groceries a breeze—and with far much less noticeable pressure than slinging on a backpack. One of many best to make use of panniers (pronounced pan-yer, in an Americanization of the French phrase) we have examined, the Beyonder enabled our Ohio-based tester and his two teenage sons to pack meals, bike instruments, tubes, chain lube, spare clothes and a hammock on quite a few day journeys on native rail trails and to swimming holes with out the packs banging into their legs or inflicting undue pressure.
Whereas barely smaller than others we examined, the Beyonder luggage had been nonetheless roomy sufficient to suit a few six packs in every pannier, or a modest haul of groceries. These panniers are perfect for most riders on the lookout for a modern, low-profile storage system that is simple to make use of—and at an ideal worth level. There are bigger, waterproof panniers on the market (we’re taking a look at you, Ortlieb Again-Curler Free Panniers, one other tester favourite, although greater than twice the worth). However the Beyonder strikes a compelling steadiness between worth, ease of use and sturdiness. The outside is made from bluesign®-approved nylon with a aspect pocket to simply stash a motorbike lock or jacket. It is waterproof, not waterproof, however one in every of our testers famous that the panniers held up effectively to the on a regular basis rigors of commuting and adventuring. So, in case your commute is mostly dry and also you’re on the lookout for a system that simply detaches out of your bike, the Beyonder panniers are wager.
Our testers discovered the mounting system extremely versatile, swapping the Beyonder panniers amongst three totally different bikes: an ’80s mountain bike-style touring rig and two road-touring bikes, every with totally different bike cargo racks. The Beyonder labored effectively on all three, and our lead tester appreciated the “amazingly easy” but safe mounting system, which depends on two buckles to mount the pair to your bike. And, as a result of they’re comparatively petite and mount as a pair, our testers hardly ever apprehensive about uneven weight distribution or—worse—undergo the annoyance of a bag bumping towards a foot or leg whereas pedaling.
Our lead tester, a longtime pannier consumer, says he has at all times prevented the drape-over fashion saddlebags as a result of so many had been of poor high quality and mounting was much less safe. “With good supplies and the underside anchor straps, these luggage have modified my thoughts,” he says. “These held as much as all the things we used them for, they usually’re spacious, handy, sturdy and accessible.” And with their easy-access roll-top closure and a tote strap that makes tossing these panniers over your shoulder a breeze, it’s possible you’ll even end up shouldering your burdens willingly—each on and off your bike.