Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Aluminium panniers,best ones,opinions please Aluminium panniers,best ones,opinions please
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Like Tree12Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 62
I wanted alluminium panniers for a long time. They look great and I thought it was something you can buy once and then use it for the rest of your life.
I didn't bought them because they are expensive. I was just waiting for the moment were I really could not keep living without them...

I have done many kms with soft bags, but they don't look that cool, do they?


My opinion changed after travelling for some months through Indochina with some 25USD Vietnam-made soft panniers.
I liked them so much I sent them home after the trip.

Now it's time to adapt them a little bit, do a frame for my bike and also two waterproof inner bags that I can take to the hotel room while the panniers stay allways screwed to the bike.

Material is "truck-canvas" (Is that the correct name in english?), so pretty bombproof.

25USD the pair of bags:








long 35cm, wide 18,5cm, high 38cm. Some 25lts each. And leightweight.
__________________
___________/)____/)___/)____/)/)___/)___/)________
"Cosas que escapan a los que sueñan solo de noche..."
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Jan 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
Quote:
Originally Posted by vander View Post
I wanted alluminium panniers for a long time. They look great and I thought it was something you can buy once and then use it for the rest of your life.
I didn't bought them because they are expensive. I was just waiting for the moment were I really could not keep living without them...

I have done many kms with soft bags, but they don't look that cool, do they?


My opinion changed after travelling for some months through Indochina with some 25USD Vietnam-made soft panniers.
I liked them so much I sent them home after the trip.

Now it's time to adapt them a little bit, do a frame for my bike and also two waterproof inner bags that I can take to the hotel room while the panniers stay allways screwed to the bike.

Material is "truck-canvas" (Is that the correct name in english?), so pretty bombproof.

25USD the pair of bags:








long 35cm, wide 18,5cm, high 38cm. Some 25lts each. And leightweight.
They look PERFECT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd buy a pair of them in a second !
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Yep.
Look good for purpose, but would need a hole in the bottom to let water out reasonably quickly.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Jan 2010
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
A thief would have your stuff before you could say "knife ".
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 62
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger View Post
A thief would have your stuff before you could say "knife ".
I know cases of whole bmw panniers beeing stollen in seconds. I better pay attention rather than trust a locked pannier only because it's locked.

I'm happy with my bags, as most of us are with ours, soft, hard or whatever
__________________
___________/)____/)___/)____/)/)___/)___/)________
"Cosas que escapan a los que sueñan solo de noche..."
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Metal Fool
MM have an advert at the top of this page - presumably they cared enough about their product and image to pay for it to be there.

Yet they have not the interest or concern to respond to my post numbered 8 on the first page in which I reported my experience with their expensive product.

Says a lot doesn't it?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Jan 2010
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Quote:
Originally Posted by vander View Post
I know cases of whole bmw panniers beeing stollen in seconds.
Ha ha ,that's really no surprise !
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Jan 2010
holodragon's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Back in Blighty
Posts: 171
Thumbs up
As the OP for this thread I just want to say that no one should apologise for expressing their opinion about the boxes/bags they prefer,I originally asked about Alu boxes but after receiving some posts concerning the merits of soft luggage it was me that encouraged the debate,I have found it very useful to hear the pro`s & con`s for both types & hopefully others will find these posts useful too.
To have first hand accounts of peoples experiences & how they came to prefer one luggage style over the other has been invaluable,exactly what the HUBB is for I believe.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has posted on this thread.
By the way after leaning very heavily towards Happy Trails Teton panniers I am now seriously considering Steel Ponys Gascoyne bags,the jury is still out at the moment though
__________________
Andy L

From the midnight sun to the silk & rhubarb roads, 2014
I am not an adventure rider, just a biker that has adventures.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 62
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony P View Post
Yep.
Look good for purpose, but would need a hole in the bottom to let water out reasonably quickly.
They actually have.
I rode for a week under a typhoon, they worked pretty well. Very little water inside, allthough it will depend how fast you're going.
__________________
___________/)____/)___/)____/)/)___/)___/)________
"Cosas que escapan a los que sueñan solo de noche..."
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Anyone know the cheapest aluminium panniers??? Alexlebrit Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 12 22 May 2009 19:35
Aluminium Panniers wanted in UK sunflowers TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 12 Sep 2006 16:15
Givi panniers v aluminium panniers simonandmags Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 2 13 Mar 2004 01:09
Lining Aluminium Panniers StevieG Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 28 21 Jan 2004 04:46
Aluminium Panniers pmtsg Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 3 12 Jul 2002 19:22

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:05.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top