Know any good bike shops (or other stores) with a large selection of panniers?

I'm looking to upgrade/replace my detours pannier. Apparently I'm a little too rough with it. Both the hooks have lost their bolts and I have had to screw new ones on. Now, they are getting loose again, not to mention the strap is all torn up. Basically, I'm looking for somewhere that I can compare a few different types of panniers in person and make sure my laptop will fit and they are easy to carry.

Tags: bike, pannier, shop

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Permalink Reply by Matt AKA Jimbo/BMXican on June 30, 2010 at 7:17pm

Come in to kozy's we have detours and banjo bros whole panniers line. We also have the topeak trunk bags with the fold out panniers on both sides as well. we're on 3255 n milwaukee ave. it's the mega store with 4 floors

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Permalink Reply by Craig S. on June 30, 2010 at 7:37pm

Arkel. Don't even waste your time looking at anything else. I have the T-42 and they are expensive but the adage "You get what you pay for" is extremely relevant with regard to Arkel. I can't recommend them enough.

http://www.arkel-od.com/

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Permalink Reply by Duppie 13.5185km on June 30, 2010 at 8:23pm

I'd say Ortliebs are the way to go. Completely waterproof and built to last a long time. If you want to look at them first, REI typically has them in stock. Then buy them at TheTouringStore.com. And they have great warranty. I used my Ortlieb Commuter bag daily for two years and the clasps to secure the roll-top broke (from repeated bending. I'd say that is simple wear and tear). He send me free replacements, because they apparently were still under warranty

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Permalink Reply by Tyler G on June 30, 2010 at 10:09pm

I've been looking for a rack and panniers, pricing them on REI and what not. The touringstore.com is amazing, $40 cheaper than REI. Thank you.

Duppie said:

I'd say Ortliebs are the way to go. Completely waterproof and built to last a long time. If you want to look at them first, REI typically has them in stock. Then buy them at TheTouringStore.com. And they have great warranty. I used my Ortlieb Commuter bag daily for two years and the clasps to secure the roll-top broke (from repeated bending. I'd say that is simple wear and tear). He send me free replacements, because they apparently were still under warranty

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Permalink Reply by Kelvin Mulcky on June 30, 2010 at 10:18pm

I'd stay away from kozy's; Detour and Banjo Bros are low quality. Arkle and Ortlieb will last you a years of everyday use and they have plenty of replacement hardware and good warranties.

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Permalink Reply by Christie on July 15, 2010 at 12:12pm

Thanks for the responses! I looked around, checked out the selection at a few stores and online and settled on an Arkel. Got it earlier this week and so far so good!