Altura Panniers

[sjb]

Dear All,
Does anyone have any experience of Altura panniers - are they any good? Specifically I am looking at the Dryline range. Some decent discounts seem to be available on them, and my natural cynicism leads me wonder if this might be because they're not the best.

With thanks,
Simon

[tomjw]

I have a pair and I am really pleased with them. They were cheap but are well designed and well made and have waterproof covers. I am gald I didn't spend more because these are perfectly adequate. In fact I have a lot of Altura gear and really pleased with everything I have bought. Really good quality for the price.

[epa611]

They're okay, but pay the extra money and get Ortleib "plus" fabric panniers.

[GrahamG]

If they have the plastic clip on fittings on an plastic rail (secured with cross-head screws) then I would avoid them - the screws are simply not sufficient in holding the panniers firmly in place over rough surfaces. Mine ended up nearly falling off the back of the bike and are in the 'must ebay at some point' pile!

[axel_knutt]

I've got Altura's. I love the Rixen and Kaul quick release- real improvement over hooks and bungees.

The two gripes I do have are:
1. The retaining discs on the inside of the rail fixing screws are too sharp. They tear any maps you put in the map pockets, so I made some smoother replacement ones.

2. The proportioning of the lid pocket is badly designed. When you pull the lid down taut, the contents of the main compartment protrude into the lid and squash the contents of the pocket. You sometimes have to release the straps to give enough slack to get in the pocket.

[france tourer]

I have had a front and rear pair for the last 5 years. I have had no problems with them whatsoever. If ever i needed a new pair for whatever reason then i would buy altura.
As for the hook screw fixing i have had no problems with them.
I have had two racks break one front and one rear so the racks are breaking but the panniers stnd up to the bumps and alll else

[axel_knutt]

"As for the hook screw fixing i have had no problems with them."
Do you not use the map pockets?

[Neil8]

I have some Altura Dryline panniers. I have had to return them several times as the hooks keep snapping off. The shop is happy to replace them, but each new pair has the same problem. Is there something I am doing wrong with the Rixen and Kaul fittings? Can I perhaps use an alternative system?

[random37]

You could fix them in place permanently with a strip of aluminium and some bolts.
But IMO I wouldn't buy a pair, when for not that much more you can get Carradice. As I see it, any company that offers a repair service can justify charging a high price, whereas one that offers cheap, no quibble replacements is obviously making them for very little money.

[frank9755]

I've had a pair for about 10 years; use them daily for commuting, fallen off and skidded on them once or twice and they look almost like new. Had no problems with the fixings.

However, when I buy my next ones I'll probably go for Carradice as I just like the feel of the material. The Altura ones have been extremely functional but they do not give me the pleasure of ownership that, say, my Carradice saddlebag does.

[LowPlainsDrifter]

I have a set of Altura Orkney 34's and am really pleased with them. I have had no trouble at all with the plastic clip which hooks on the pannier and I have crashed into a few things catching the bag and was sure it would have ripped something off but nothing! The rixen and kaul click pannier fastener is top knotch and makesfor easy on and off.
They are well made, the reflective badge and piping is top class and they come with decent carry handles and shoulder straps.
The ONLY thing I dont like is the outside pocket doesn't have a zip or closure device so if you have the pannier a bit overloaded the lid doesn't cover it and it gapes open letting the contents prone to fall out or the rain get in. But thats me stuffing em full to bursting usually when shopping with groceriesetc.
I cant really fault them. They look good and feel good. I got them and had planned to take off across Europe to sunny climes, these where going to go on the front lowriders and I was going to ger Carradice Super C's for the rear but I got a job so that put payed to my plans for now. Only now when I do take off it'll be for a few years instead of a few months now I have been saving.

[Neil8]

I thinks that's a valid point about no quibble replacements. Does anyone know of a supplier of replacement Rixen & Kawl hooks?

[McVouty]

Anyone know if replacements for the blade things that tuck behind the rack tubes are readily available?

[Icicle19]

Replacement Rixen and Kaul parts are easily found via Google.

e.g. Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative does some spares, Simpsons Cycles also do the lower tab/hook thingy. St John Street Cycles are good for all sorts of spares and bits and bobs, tho postage and packing is steep! Spa cycles may be worth a phone call, as they are touring specialists.

[kevinn123]

I've a set of Altura Dryline 56 Rear Panniers - coming up to 6 months old now

I use one of them my daily commute - had a couple of "unscheduled stops" and the pannier is still as good as new

I liked the 56 as the seemed taller the others - and I could therefore get my pump in the bag vertically, and not have to leave it attached to the bike.

I also like the front pocket which means my tools and work pass stay seperate from my lunch and work clothes.

Don't seem to have a issue with sharp screws either - screws holding the clips go in vertically and don't protrude into the bag.

The only thing I'm am not sure will last 10 years is the rubberised handle - but I've no proof of that yet - ask again in 10 years time.