Trunk bag versus pannier

[Operator7]

Can y'all give me your feedback on a trunk bag versus pannier? I have a white bike, and pardon my vanity, but a white bag would look much nicer than a black one. I found a couple really nice looking white Ortlieb panniers, but no white trunk bag seems to exist. I really like the look of the panniers, and have heard that Ortlieb makes good quality products. Can a pannier serve the same needs as a trunk mount bag? I would very much appreciate your feedback from your experiences, or even just your thoughts.

PS If anyone knows of any extra-sporty bags out there, please feel free to share. I rather like Louis Garneau, and was considering http://www.amazon.com/Louis-Garneau...sbs_468_9?ie=UTF8&refRID=12VB8FF7X9K1NN0BT9P3 versus http://www.modernbike.com/product-2...f4gpCDQAVSccLctv2H2ClsNkzEY032d1pLhoCJTfw_wcB

thx

 

[Cameron Newland]

I've always found trunk bags to be more useful for carrying the things that I need to carry each and every ride (tire tubes, tire levers, backup headlight, U-lock, etc), whereas I use my pannier bags only when I need to carry some specific cargo (laptop, groceries, clothes, etc). Also, because my trunk bag has two zippers that can be locked using a luggage lock, I leave things in there and lock them when I go inside stores or restaurants. My trunk bag is also tethered to my bike's frame using a mini security cable, so nobody can remove it without cutting the cable or cutting through the bag itself.

You could get away with using one of your white panniers to hold necessities, and the other bag to hold whatever you need for that specific trip, but that'd give you less storage than two panniers + trunk bag.

If you really want to get creative, you could buy a black trunk bag and spray-paint it white. You'd just have to cover the zippers with painter's tape beforehand and you'd be good to go.

 

[Deleted member 803]

Ortlieb stuff is the ugliest product I have ever seen. However their quality is unsurpassed and I own a number of them including a tail bag for the racktime adaptor on the Stromer ST2. I prefer clean and simple but to each his own. I have a friend who carries his notebook and ipad with him everywhere and uses (1) ortlieb pannier as it mounts quickly/securely and removes just as easily.

 

[JoePah]

I have a white bike with black rack and black Topeak trunk bag.. I attach a black pannier for shopping.. Looks great, get lots of compliments.

You don't see white bags because they end up looking dirty very quickly

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I have a white bike with black rack and black Topeak trunk bag.. I attach a black pannier for shopping.. Looks great, get lots of compliments.

You don't see white bags because they end up looking dirty very quickly

@Operator7 ,
Fully agree with this point. White panniers are mostly sold to ladies .... (they love white frame, baskets.....talk about sex appeal )

I use Ortleib panniers and it's basically one big sack. Has held up really well. You can't go wrong with those.