Vaude panniers - any experiences?

Stole the words right out of my mouth. :-)

Anyway, Vaude is just an option. I'm really open to ideas and there's
still plenty of time before the laptop arrives. :-)

EuanB said:

Snuffy on BV's tossing up whether to get Vaude panniers over Ortleib.
Any Vaude using cyclists out there? How do they rate (in your opinion)
against Ortleibs.

Intended use is for 30km each way commute carrying a laptop and all
the other associated stuff.

Snuffy said:

Stole the words right out of my mouth. :-)

Anyway, Vaude is just an option. I'm really open to ideas and there's
still plenty of time before the laptop arrives. :-)

Welcome to a.b Snuffy :-)

For the info of regulars, we've already been through the panniers v backpack routine ;-)

"Snuffy" wrote

Quoted message said:

Stole the words right out of my mouth. :-)

Anyway, Vaude is just an option. I'm really open to ideas and there's
still plenty of time before the laptop arrives. :-)

EuanB said:

Snuffy on BV's tossing up whether to get Vaude panniers over Ortleib.
Any Vaude using cyclists out there? How do they rate (in your opinion)
against Ortleibs.

Intended use is for 30km each way commute carrying a laptop and all
the other associated stuff.

Have got a Vaude backpack, and Vaude handlebar bag. Love both of them, very
good quality and well thought out design, although a bit [censored] that one
end of the handlebar bag's double-ended main zip has busted. Zippers are a
bit of a bugger on bags that have stress on them or get dirt/dust on it.

I have Ortlieb panniers and am also very happy with them, but no experience
of Vaude panniers. These guys have given both brands a good workout in their
travels over the last 3 years or so:
http://www.downtheroad.org/

and they come out recommending Ortlieb as better quality
http://www.downtheroad.org/Equipment/Bikes/Bicycle_Touring_Panniers.htm

I can't argue with the extent of their travels.

Cheers
Peter

Thanks for that link.

As bad as Melbourne's weather can be, I get the feeling those guys
punish their gear a little bit more than I will. Anyway, I've done a
bit of googling about Vaude panniers and the mounting hardware failure
seems to be a common fault.

I guess Ortlieb will probably be the way.... with my Deuter backpack
whenever I need a bit of extra capacity.....

Snuffy said:

Thanks for that link.

As bad as Melbourne's weather can be, I get the feeling those guys
punish their gear a little bit more than I will. Anyway, I've done a
bit of googling about Vaude panniers and the mounting hardware failure
seems to be a common fault.

I guess Ortlieb will probably be the way.... with my Deuter backpack
whenever I need a bit of extra capacity.....

For what it's worth I've yet to have a capacity issue with my Ortleibs in day to day commuting. They are *capacious* Heck when I cared about my laptop I used to put the laptop in the laptop bag it came with then that in to the pannier. It fit, just.

EuanB said:

For what it's worth I've yet to have a capacity issue with my Ortleibs in day to day commuting. They are *capacious* Heck when I cared about my laptop I used to put the laptop in the laptop bag it came with then that in to the pannier. It fit, just.

Speaking of capacious, my old Campros just won't die! They're faded to a pale lilac, survived numerous misadventures and incurred several DIY repairs. One day I reckon, they'll gently expire and dissolve into dust ..

Snuffy said:

Thanks for that link.

As bad as Melbourne's weather can be, I get the feeling those guys
punish their gear a little bit more than I will. Anyway, I've done a
bit of googling about Vaude panniers and the mounting hardware failure
seems to be a common fault.

I guess Ortlieb will probably be the way.... with my Deuter backpack
whenever I need a bit of extra capacity.....

If they're being usede to carry a laptop you should be fine. I have the
Bikepacker Classic bags that have a drawcord throat and top flap over it.
They are plenty big enough to carry the laptop, in its carry bag, and shoes
in one, various books and papers lunch and a few clothes in the other (I
don't do a change at work - no practical facilities). I have ridden in
pouring rain a couple of times and those bags keep everything dry. The
mounts are very sturdy, and so easy to fit and use.

If you really need extra capacity get a drybag to strap on top of the rack
with an ocky strap and avoid the 'sweaty back' phenomenon.

Cheers
Peter