Hi, I am looking for hard panniers and the ones sold by Off The Road look quite strong (rack). Does anyone know if these panniers are designed to come off the racks in case of a fall or crash so that the sub frame isnt damaged? Thanks!

I looked closely into getting a pair of these and very nearly bought a set, but in the end went for a Holan setup which just seemed to tick more boxes for me (no pun intended!)

My decision was made on the basis that: (1) The OTR boxes are bare aluminium, so would need lining or bags using or everything gets covered in black oxide dust (Holans are powder coated). (2) The attachment and release mechanism is a bit Heath Robinson having to insert a long steel rod and fixing it under the catch (it's going to get bent/lost and it's fiddly). (3) Whilst strong, the OTR frames (IMHO) look a bit sh!t when the boxes aren't fitted. (4) To get the same volume as Holan panniers you need to have a much wider box (wider than the handlebars) as all three sizes aren't very tall, so capacity has to be made up by width. (5) Cost.

See here.

In answer to your question about crash damage, the OTR panniers are very unlikely to detach in an accident. I would say that the boxes would just crumple and bend as they are the weakest link. The frames and mounts are strong.

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The OTR pannier frames are the dogs ******. Tough like you wouldnt believe, mine have been modified too take a tow bar. They are that strong...... Also the "Heath Robinson" attachment is awsome, fast and uber secure. Ive had 50+kg in each of my panniers and they are super solid. Plus panniers off or in under 10 seconds.

As for panniers find a local sheet metal worker and ask the question. Mine worked out ridiculously cheap. But i did call in a favour. then you can have them whatever size you want.





Steel panniers



I have also been down the road (30ish mph)with panniers fitted acted like big crashbars no damage to bike whatsoever. Little graze on the box. Solid.

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To boldly go where no Tenere has gone before.

Thanks jon, sent you a PM!

Thanks Pleiades, saw the Holan webpage, cases look great, but unfortunately they don't ship to my country!