On my March 11-12 ride, I used my Banjo Brothers Panniers, Rack Top Bag and Handlebar bag, as well as the underseat bag for storage of tools and tube. The feature about the handlebar bag I found to be extremely useful was the clear map case that is located inside a top flap that can be secured folded back to keep the map exposed. This was very handy, as I was doing a lot of riding on unfamiliar back roads. It also was a great lace to keep my sunglasses, cellphone (there's a little side pouch just for that purpose), and other odds and ends I needed to keep handy, like my Clif Bars and rain poncho and headlight.

The Rack Top Bag, I used for overflow and cold weather stuff, I mean after all, it was March, in Indiana, and the weather can be unpredictable. The mounting Straps, as I have mentioned before are very secure, and the back of the bag has a very convenient strap to clip my rear LED light to. The side pockets are large, and very useful, with plenty of space for all manner of things. The Shoulder Strap attachment rings also make great tiedown points for my sleeping bag and sleep pad! How cool is that?

Now we get to the panniers. I was truly impressed with the capacity and security of the mounting system. I was also using a set of front panniers from another manufacturer, and while I was dodging the hay bales north of Delphi, my right front pannier actually detached from the bike due to the violent maneuvers I had to do. The Banjo Brothers Panniers, however, performed magnificently, didn't shift a millimeter. I would recommend, however, that you line the inside of the panniers with a plastic bag, and I also put my items of clothing inside ziplock bags as well. This is actually something you should do whatever set of panniers you use. Thanks, Eric, you guys make a great set of bags! I also use the panniers when commuting back and forth from school, and I on occasion carry as much as 25 pounds of textbooks, and they serve admirably!

I would still like to suggest that Banjo Brothers make a full set of expedition panniers, and if they do, I can guarantee, I'll be interested! In summary, the bags performed their purpose quite well, and I would happily recommend the fine products of the Banjo Brothers for weekend touring, commuting, whatever you would like to do with them.

All I can say is WOW! My Banjo Brothers panniers arrived today. I was particularily impressed with several features of the Pannier set.

1) First, it mounts like a saddlebag, with a sturdy strap lock system
2) I like the size, they are larger than I expected, and well designed ergonomically for mounting on even a compact frame like a mountain bike. The front edge of the bags are angled so I don't bang even my gunboat sized size 14's into the pannier bags while clipped into the pedals!
3) The construction is sturdy and of very high quality! All in all, and excellent pannier set!
4) They just plain look cool as hell! Great accents and they make my bike look good! For a midpriced bag, Banjo Brothers just keeps astounding me with their quality!]

I'm looking forward to using the panniers and other Banjo Brothers bags on the tours I have planned for this spring and summer. Eric at Banjo Brothers told me when he sent me these panniers that they aren't Expedition bags, but man, they'll do! The space in the bags is quite sufficient, the mounting system is very universal and sucurely attaches the bags to the rack.

The only suggestion I might have for the Banjo Brothers Company is this:
Make some Expedition bags! If your commuter bags are any indication, a full on touring set from the Banjo will be the cats meow!

 

I'll have pictures in the morning of my bike FULLY loaded with the Banjo package I'll be using on the tours, so you'll have an idea of what I'll talking about

This is the Banjo Brothers Trunk Bag that Banjo Brothers sent me! I talked a little about it earlier, but I am going to go into it a bit more.

First, the Velcro Mounting straps to mount it to the rack: These straps are a good 2 " wide, and very well attached. They mount the bag very securely to the rack and I am duly impressed with the construction and quality of this bag. The seams are very well stitched and the side pockets are roomy enough for my punmp, some tools and an inner tube in one pocket. There are clip rings on the front and back of the bag for a shoulder strap and it will zip open an expansion that adds signifigant volume for storage inside. The back has a strap to mount a clip mounted light to and it is sturdy! Banjo also places reflective highlights on their bag, as you will see from how my flash reflects off of them. I have another trunk bag from another manufacturer( Matches a bicycler company's name) that cost twice as much as the Banjo bag listed for and it's not as well made! As I said, Banjo doesn't make expedition bags, but they make the best mid-pricerange bag on the market, and they are great for commuting.

  The Banjo Brothers manufacture a great handlebar bag, and the product number is #01060. It contains among other things, an integral map pouch, and will tie down to the forks at the eyelet. No more flopping handlebar bags! Two well made side pockets for those little necessities like the cell phone, or other small items that you need to grab quickly. My experience with this bag is nothing but positive, and am looking forward to using it this spring on a short unsupported tour here in the Hoosier State. Construction is excellent, and while not an expedition bag, it's not intended for that! Drop by and visit their site, I have a link over there on my left sidebar. Tell'm The Amazing Shrinking Man sent ya! More on this and other Great Banjo Brothers bags later.