Custom Built Panniers

For reasons that will take too long to go into here, I'm looking into getting a set of custom panniers built for my commuting bike. I've gotten a recommendation for this place:

 

www.builtbyswift.com

 

They ain't cheap, but they do have the option to use the Arkel attachment system for their bags, and it appears I have the option to get a bag without zippers and that is reasonably waterproof.   I'm figuring that if they last somewhere between 5 and 10 years, they'll more than pay for themselves over time.

 

Anyone ever used them, bought from them, know someone who did?  If so, would you give them a thumbs up or down?

 

My needs are for a set of rear rack commuting panniers to carry a laptop, set of work clothes (summer and winter) office files, lunch, etc. but I want something waterproof and that DOES NOT have zippers.  In my experience, zippers wear out after 2 years, long before the rest of the bag is ready to retire, and the cost to replace exceeds the original purchase price (and then some).  I'd go with Ortliebs, but I've run into some issues with their attachment system (it does not play well with rear fenders) and retrofitting their bags with something like the Arkel system is complicated and more trouble and expense than one should have to go for a set of bags that cost as much as most of their products do (typically over $100). 

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Lugo on September 13, 2011 at 1:02am
Not sure about the brand you're looking at, but I love my civia panniers for all the same reasons you are looking for. http://www.civiacycles.com/components/civia_ortlieb_back-roller_cla...
Permalink Reply by SlyRed on September 13, 2011 at 1:59am

Before you buy check out Philosophy Bags:

 

Philosophy Bags

 

American made!  They contructed mine per my instructions and delivered them fast!

 

Red

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on September 13, 2011 at 3:00am

What's the problem with Ortiebs and fenders? I've never had a problem with fenders, and I switch my ortiebs between a few different racks. I actually really like their versatility in that regard. They are ugly though...

 

But if you're worried about the panniers lasting 5 to 10 years, I'd think twice about the funny colors Swift uses, they'll look extremely dated in a decade. Maybe you can get custom colors?

Permalink Reply by Alice on September 13, 2011 at 3:37am
Jim, just go with Arkel.  I've had mine for over 10 years and they are going strong.  I had a problem with them a couple of years ago where an outside pocket started to fray.  I sent them to Arkel and they fixed it for free, sent it back to me for free, and even CLEANED it for me!
Permalink Reply by Jim Adgate on September 13, 2011 at 1:43pm

Thanks for the alternatives, I'll look into them.  I have a Planet Bike Ecco Rear Rack, which is a pretty standard size and fits most panniers.

 

Alice, I'm glad the Arkel's worked out for you.  They've gotten more pricey for a set now with the Canadian dollar being stronger against the US (a set will run you well over $200).  I'm also not crazy about the fact that they have zippers.  Their attachment system is supposed to be quite good, however.  It also annoys me that no one carries them locally for you to check out - "dealers" don't carry them in stock anymore so you can't go check them out before buying them.    I realize that this is an issue with a custom built bag that isn't local, but at least you can get it built to something closer to your specs.

If Ortliebs work for you, great.  I had a nasty experience with a Q2 attachment system bag - my bike went over a bump and the flipper and or bag did a number on my rear fender and turned it inside out and caused it wrap around my rear tire, probably because the flipper or bag messed with the guidance rods for the fender. It was not pretty, and also dangerous.  I wasn't traveling at a high rate of speed or in traffic, but if I had been, it could have been a much more serious situation.  No pannier that fits properly on a rear rack should be the cause of accidents or bike malfunctions, esp. not one costing what they do.  The Q3 system is a good alternative, but only available for bags in their line that don't fit my bike and rack setup (the bag its available for comes into contact with my left foot during pedaling).  I've heard that Tubus racks they sell might fix that, but then a $100 bag turns into a $350 bag, which is an expensive fix to a design flaw.

 

I'll look into the Civia bags, but the attachment system for them is not clear from their web site - if its a variation on the Q2 system, that's a non-starter.

 

Later,

 

Jim

 

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Alex on September 14, 2011 at 3:01am
I have a set of Swift roll-top panniers, have had them for about a year and a half and use them for touring and commuting. They're not totally waterproof, but I've never had more than some slight dampness by the stitching, even when riding with them for hours at a time in the rain. I keep stuff organized in plastic bags anyway, so it's not an issue for me. The Arkel mounting hardware is solid and makes it easy for me to switch between racks/bikes and get a good, solid fit. They were not cheap, but I'd rather pay more for something that will last (mine look pretty much like they did when I got them) and is made by hand by people who seem to care about their work. And for what it's worth, Martina at Swift was always very quick about replying to my emails, and I got the bags on exactly the day I was told I would - and those things aren't always the case.
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on April 20, 2014 at 4:12pm

the Arkel hook kit, man, THE HOOK KIT!!!! It ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categories/bicycle-accessories/cam-l...

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on April 20, 2014 at 4:20pm

America is a great country. I had no idea  you could get custom made panniers. I had no idea anybody would want custom made Panniers.

I will go on saying that Ortlieb panniers are the brilliantly designed product I have "eva" used in my life.  They are just so..so German.  They never  fall off, they are a cinch to remove, and I can carry what seems like two bags of groceries in one pannier.  

But I don't know how they play with fenders so I will take you at your word.

That is all..carry on.

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