Avenir Double Pannier Deluxe

A medium sized fixed double pannier, the Avenir Double Pannier Deluxe is best suited to commuting or around-town errands riding, although it’s also a rugged and inexpensive option for those who travel light or for weekend touring.

Made from tough 600D nylon, and weighing 1320g, this is not a lightweight pannier set-up. But, what it lacks in this area, it definitely makes up for in durability. This is a pannier that you could happily attach to the bike and leave in place for a season. Whilst not inherently waterproof, the fabric does repel water and road dirt nicely. Build quality is good too, especially for the price, with the exception of the slightly cheap feeling, non-free moving zips, which let the bags down slightly.

In addition to the main zipped compartment , there are three zipped pockets on each side, of varying sizes. Some are more useful than others. The main zipped compartments are a reasonable size, capable of accommodating a shackle lock or a pair of men’s shoes, and one side contains a small integral drawstring mesh bag. The volume would be insufficient for more than a weekend’s touring in my opinion, but would definitely cater for that length of time.

The panniers fix to any rear rack with ease, via hooks and six simple webbing straps with plastic buckles. They fix securely, in fact so much so that to remove them at the shops, or on arrival at work is fiddly and you’d be tempted to leave them be, removing your belongings from the bags instead. If you do decide to wrestle with the six straps and buckles, then there’s a comfortable carrying handle in the middle of the top, allowing easy carriage of the whole bag.

Masses of reflective tape and piping enhance the usability of the panniers for commuting and year round riding, and there’s a fastening point for a rear LED light on one of the pockets.

Verdict

Rugged and easy to use double pannier, ideally suited to commuting and errands. Good value for money, but let down slightly by the quality of the zips.