How to choose a  pannier on handlebars

This text will help you to get a basic orientation in the selection of bike handlebar panniers, if you want to ask for further details or consult your choice, we will be happy to help you directly in our brick-and-mortar shop Ski a Bike Radotín.

Bike handlebar panniers can be divided into four main categories:

- Rolling handlebar panniers
- Two-piece rolling handlebar panniers (bag + straps)
- Handlebar panniers with access from the top
- Snack Bags for snacks, food accessories or a bidon

In our shop we specialise in these goods and have in stock panniers from the best brands on the market such as Restrap, Apidura and Rapha. You can find more suitable models in our handlebar panniers section.

a/ Rolling handlebar panniers

These panniers are probably the most popular at the moment. You can think of them as a fabric cylinder that can be filled with cargo from both sides. You then roll up the bag to adjust the width to the handlebars and load and close it. The material is usually waterproof, so things are well protected in the bag. The pannier is then attached to the handlebars with straps that are permanently placed on the pannier. No carrier is needed for attachment, which is why these panniers are classified as carrierless. Occasionally this pannier has additional lugs on it for attaching another complementary smaller pannier, or bungee cords for carrying, for example, a cycling jacket.

Benefits
+ Simple yet practical design;
+ light weight;
+ wide choice on the market.

Disadvantages
- if you need to take something out of the pannier, it often needs to be completely removed from the bike frame;
- more difficult to handle.

b/ Two-piece rollable handlebar panniers (bag + straps)

These panniers are very similar to the previous category of panniers. They also have a basic waterproof drybag, but this is separate and completely detachable from the straps. The pannier then clamps into the straps (or fabric clamping parts), which can remain stably attached to the bike. The whole thing makes it easier to handle at stops and overnight stops. Simply detach or clip the pannier whenever you need it. All without complicated manipulation of the clamping mechanism on the bike frame.

Benefits
+ Handling, easier and faster clamping and removal of the pannier from the bike.

Disadvantages
- more weight.

c/ Handlebar panniers with access from the top

These bike panniers are especially popular by cyclists and are the oldest category of panniers on the market.

They are most often offered with a front carrier attachment and/or made with a solid construction and a click-on system. The closure is not rolling, but the pannier has a top opening flap on it. The shape is therefore usually not cylindrical but square. Bags of this type also often have padding for carrying a camera or camcorder. Inside, you will also sometimes find separate pockets or organizers to better divide things in the bag.

The top flat part of the bag is sometimes used as a map holder to hold a map.

Benefits
+ Easy to get into the pannier without taking it off the bike;
+ usually easy to attach/detach thanks to the click-on system;
+ often padded to protect electronics and other cargo;

Disadvantages
- highest weight of all handlebar panniers categories;
- despite the size of the bag, it often has less volume for cargo due to the padding.

d/ Snack Bags for snacks, food supplements or bidon

A specific category of bags that can sometimes be attached not only to the handlebars, but also to the frame or front fork of the bike.

They are used to store food items such as snack bars, nuts or a bidon. Thanks to their position, they can also be accessed while riding and can be used for refreshments without the cyclist having to stop. A must for long endurance bike rides.

What to look for when choosing

Size and capacity
When looking for a bike handlebar bag, it's important to consider its size and capacity. A large pannier can be useful for longer trips or when carrying larger items, but it can also be impractical if it is unnecessarily large and vice versa. Thus, many cyclists have two panniers. One pannier for shorter one day trips at most (we have them in the small bike panniers category) and a larger one for bikepacking with overnight stays and multi-day rides (you can find these in the bike panniers on handlebars section).

Weight
A lighter pannier is always a plus, but not always possible given your other requirements. So choose a sensible compromise. Low weight must never be at the expense of build quality and material.

Material and durability
Another factor you should consider is the material and durability of the bag. The bag should be made of durable material that protects the contents from moisture, dust and damage. If you plan to carry a camera or camcorder, for example, additional padding to protect the items inside may also be useful.

Attachment and ease of use
Attaching the bag to the handlebars should be simple and quick so that it can be easily attached and removed. Some panniers have Velcro or similar closure systems that make it difficult to access the items inside. This needs to be considered and the appropriate bag choose accordingly.

Accessories
Some panniers come with additional functions such as reflective elements, map holder, pockets for mobile phone or sunglasses and more. Some bags have eyelet on them, bungee bands for attaching another smaller bag or perhaps clothing. Consider whether these things are important to you.

Quality of workmanship
Always choose a good quality design, don't just go for the low price. Nobody wants their bike bag to rip at the seam or get wet. That's why we've tried to include panniers from the best brands on the market that specialise in this range, such as Apidura or Restrap.

If you are not sure about the right choice of a bike pannier on handlebars, we will be happy to welcome you in our Ski and Bike Radotín shop, where our expert sales staff will help and advise you. You can take advantage of our 60-day return guarantee in our e-shop. If the bag does not suit you after delivery, simply return it to us.