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Novara Commuter Pannier - Single

Novara Commuter Pannier - Single

Item # 748088
!
This item is currently sold out or unavailable online.

For your reference, this page contains historical product information.

Simple, smart and elegant! This commuter pannier, with its insightful design, will have you looking for excuses to commute by bike.

  • Designed to allow quick and easy access to items you might need during the commute without exposing or disturbing your ''destination'' contents
  • Main compartment is sized to hold clothes, shoes, laptop and files—items you don't want to expose to foul weather
  • Main compartment features a water-resistant zipper and can be partially opened to stash a jacket without exposing the entire contents
  • Toggles inside main compartment secure Laptop Pod (sold separately); toggles hold laptop suspended inside compartment
  • Zippered internal mesh pocket and mesh divider keep contents in place and prevent content spillage when opened
  • Top pocket offers quick access to commute necessities; features a water-resistant zipper and a key clip
  • Roomy side pocket features inner mesh pocket and bike pump sleeve; tool logo makes this pocket easy to identify
  • Opposite side pocket holds a built-in raincover; raincover is seam-sealed for bomber weather resistance and features a reflective Novara® logo
  • Compression straps cinch down pannier for jostle-free carrying
  • Quick-deploy shoulder strap makes easy work of transporting pannier; it's always attached and lives its own pocket
  • KLICKfix® attachment system is quick, easy and secure without the use of straps or buckles
  • Built to accommodate a variety of rack diameters from 8 - 12mm
  • Abundant reflective piping provides excellent nighttime visibility; Hypalon® loop can hold a flashing LED safety light, sold separately
  • Optimized size can be used on either front or rear racks; built to accommodate a variety of rack diameters from 8 - 12mm

Imported.

Item 748088

Novara Commuter Pannier - Single Specs

Specification

Description

Average weight2 pounds
MaterialNylon
Dimensions16 x 11 x 8 inches
Volume1,400 cubic inches

Novara Commuter Pannier - Single Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Novara Commuter Pannier - Single
 
3.9

(based on 21 reviews)

80%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (11)
  • Lots of storage (11)
  • Adjustable (8)
  • Versatile (7)
  • Rugged (6)

Cons

  • Uncomfortable strap (7)

Best Uses

  • Commuting (16)
  • City bikes (9)
  • City biking (5)
  • Road bikes (3)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Avid cyclist (6), Office professional (5), Commuter (4), Bike commuter (3)
  • Primary use:
  • Personal (12)

Reviewed by 21 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Jun

19

2008

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

 
3.0

good while it lasted

By jaimeS

from Northern VA

About Me Daily bike commuter

Site Member

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Lightweight
  • Lots of Storage

Cons

  • Wears Easily

Best Uses

  • Commuting

Comments about Novara Commuter Pannier - Single:

I used this pannier on my daily round trip commute of 28 miles. I carry a pair of jeans, t-shirt, s/s polo shirt, wallet, phone, 3 cliff bars, digital pns camera, keys, cell phone, hand towel and various other little things needed for work. The many pockets on this bag are great for keeping all this stuff organized.

Some have complained about the zippers being cumbersome, which they are if you don't unclip the cinch straps first, when opening the main compartment.

The fabric is light weight but I wonder about the long term durability. After using mine for roughly a month, the fabric inside wore away where the bolts where covered which hold the fastening hooks and slider clasp to the back plate.

The waterproof cover works well but doesn't prevent water from contacting the back support which gives the bag it's rigidity. I'm not sure what material this is made of, but I found that my bag developed a bow after a month of use, which brought the bottom of the bag close to the spokes of the rear wheel.

Today while sprinting from a green light, the back bottom corner of the bag got caught in the rear wheel spokes and ripped the rain cover side pocket open, destroying the zipper. I had to bend the bag in a C shape opposite to the bow, to get it straight again and keep it out of the wheel.
It's as thought the back support board became warped with rain water.

All that being said I think I'll exchange the bag for another, because I really like the versatility of this bag. I'll just have to find some way to re-enforce the back panel to prevent it from bowing.

  • Primary use:
  • Personal

Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

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Apr

21

2008

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

 
2.0

Very disappointing "hardward"

By Deb in Northern MN

from Duluth, MN

About Me Mom with teen students

Site Member

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Lots of Storage

Cons

  • Plastic hardware fails
  • Uncomfortable Strap

Best Uses

  • Commuting

Comments about Novara Commuter Pannier - Single:

My teenage students like the design of this bag for biking to school with homework, laptop, lunch and some clothing. The compression straps allow you to accomodate a variable volume.Unfortunately the hardward is primarily plastic and we have experience failure of the top hooks that attach the bag to a rack within the first few uses. The inconvenience for a commuter to have to find an alternative way to carry the bag (with the already reviewed uncomfortable strap) while still getting to school on-time has us seriously questioning the value of this bag.[...] the failure is still very inconvenient and we may still return the bags if it happens again soon.

  • Primary use:
  • Personal

Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

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Feb

2

2008

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Highly Recommended Pannier

By mosier

from Madison, Wisconsin

About Me Every-day commuter, Long weekend trips

Site Member

Pros

  • Easy on-off
  • Lightweight
  • Lots of Storage
  • Rugged
  • Seperate waterproof cover
  • Waterproof zippers

Cons

  • Uncomfortable Strap

Best Uses

  • City Bikes
  • Commuting
  • Road Bikes

Comments about Novara Commuter Pannier - Single:

This is a GREAT pannier. This is one of the only items I've ever paid full price for and it's well worth it. I researched a lot of panniers, decided on this one, and have loved it. I use it every day as I ride to and from work. It holds my wallet, other essential items, a change of clothes, a change of shoes, and also my lunch. I've also used it on longer trips (60 miles) and it held up great, very firm and secure and kept out the dust and elements.

The only slight downside to this pannier is that it's not very comfortable to wear with the strap over your shoulder when your load may be heavy (light loads are fine). But, the only way to get around this would be to add a thicker, bulkier strap, which I wouldn't want. I like how this one is tiny and is comepletely hidden in the pocket when stored.

The upsides are:
*sleek, nice look
*good reflectivity
*roomy, with nice pockets
*holds all the essentials but it's too bulky or big
*lightweight waterproof cover is included and folds up small, stored in a side pocket (removable)
*waterproof zippers
*lightweight
*very easy on-off!
*when not packed full it is very slim

  • Primary use:
  • Personal

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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Jun

24

2008

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

 
3.0

If you have a road bike, forget this bag

By RomanNYC

from New York, NY

About Me Office Professional

Site Member

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Lots of Storage
  • Rugged

Cons

  • Not enough foot clearance

Best Uses

  • City Bikes
  • Commuting
  • Mountain Bikes

Comments about Novara Commuter Pannier - Single:

Great looking, clever design, very much adjustable. Unfortunately, the bag is wide and leaves very little foot clearance, especially if you have a road bike (which have shorter wheel base.) With regret, I have to ship it back.

  • Primary use:
  • Personal

Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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Mar

27

2008

(3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

 
2.0

Weak hardware and useless watercover

By evblazer

from Dallas, TX

About Me Commuter

Site Member

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Uncomfortable Strap
  • Wears Easily

Best Uses

  • Commuting

Comments about Novara Commuter Pannier - Single:

Barely used for 300 miles of commuting. Both times it has rained everything inside was soaking wet even with the rain cover. The only thing hte raincover protects is things in the top pocket.
I like the top pocket and the side pockets. It is annoying unzipping the main compartment because of the way they have straps placed so I rarely do that.

The main grip is the adjustable bottom mount track is completely bent out of shape now. I carry a change of cloths (slacks/shirt/undergarments), credit card, id, 3 keys and my alternate pair of glasses so there really wasn't that much weight going on in there.
The water I could live with but with the hardware failing so quickly it is going back.

  • Primary use:
  • Personal

Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

(3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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Jan

9

2008

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Functional Bag

By Commuter13

from San Francisco, CA

About Me Office Professional

Site Member

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Uncomfortable Strap

Best Uses

  • City Bikes
  • Commuting

Comments about Novara Commuter Pannier - Single:

I use this product to carry papers, occasionally a laptop, to and from work. It has several excellent features. The clip design is very clever, and secure. It is infinitely adjustable, so that you can work the pack as far back on your rack as possible (important if you have long feet). It also looks to be replaceable if the plastic components break. Going off curbs has never jarred the bag loose, although initially I worried about this. The inside of the bag is well-designed, with pouches for pencils/phones/glasses/etc. in addition to a decent main compartment. I can cram an extra pair of shoes in, but not too much else. However, it is fine for office supplies, books, etc. I use the Novara computer case, but don't often put my computer in--mainly loose papers, folders. Laptops do not do well on the back of bikes (too jarring, even with great padding), but the case is as secure as it can be. Great features are the quick on/off, and smart design of pockets. Weaknesses (minor, in my opinion) are relatively small space, the stiff zipper, and flimsy shoulder strap (seldom used), although it is easily deployed. It is true that one side pocket is dedicated to a rain cover, but I thought that was cool, and you can definitely take out the cover if you want to put other stuff in the pocket. Definitely glad I have this bag, and have been getting great use out of it. Would buy it again in a minute.

  • Primary use:
  • Personal

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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Feb

28

2008

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Nearly everything it should be

By Joshua Honeycutt

from Plano, TX

About Me Commuter

Site Member

Pros

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • City Bikes
      • Commuting
      • Touring

      Comments about Novara Commuter Pannier - Single:

      I bought a couple of these for a short tour. I also use one wherever I go to carry my locks, pump, a few tools, and whatever else I want.

      I think the mounting system is probably the best thing out there. It holds on securely (although sometimes it needs a bit of a push to lock in place). It's also easy to adjust to fit whatever rack you have. The multitude of pockets makes organizing stuff pretty easy. If you want more REI even has organizer inserts that install and then stay out of the way. At first I thought the compression straps were kind of useless, but they're rather handy on tour for holding wet or dirty items you aren't ready to shove back in the bag with your other stuff.

      The only major fault I found with the bag is the carry handle on top seems to be attached poorly. I think I only didn't break it yet, because I was afraid to carry heavy loads using it. A quick work-around is to use a some webbing, double over and sew the ends then sandwich it with the mounting hooks (easily removable). Occasionaly I wish the bag stood up on it's own which might be achievable with stiffeners between the main and outside pockets.

      • Primary use:
      • Personal

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

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      Jan

      6

      2008

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      Works great, and fills out nicely

      By jinks

      from Irvine, ca

      About Me Avid Cyclist

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Adjustable
      • Lots of Storage
      • Rugged

      Cons

      • Waste of a side pocket

      Best Uses

      • Commuting

      Comments about Novara Commuter Pannier - Single:

      I use this pannier a few times a week to get to and from work. I have a 26 mile round trip and carry clothes, coffee jug, 12.1" notebook, and sometimes shoes and lunch (not to mention repair kit). Everything fits fine. The bag is really rugged. I've had it for over a year, and haven't felt the desire to replace it, which says alot.

      My only complaint, is that one side pouch of the bag is dedicated to carry the water proof cover and bike helmet. It's a waste of space for me, as I never strap my bike helmet into the bag. Oh well, I still have plenty of space and compartments, so it doesn't but me that much.

      • Primary use:
      • Personal

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

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      Jan

      3

      2008

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

       
      3.0

      Pretty good. Not great

      By dctoms

      from raleigh, nc

      About Me Avid Cyclist

      Pros

      • Adjustable
      • Comfortable
      • Lots of Storage

      Cons

      • Uncomfortable Strap

      Best Uses

      • City Bikes
      • Commuting

      Comments about Novara Commuter Pannier - Single:

      I've been using these for about a month. They seem sturdy and work well for me except for the terrible shoulder strap. It's flimsy and tucked away in a side pocket, so you have to go through a zipper and velcro to access it. Then the bag hangs sideways. That's not good if you're carrying something you want to keep upright, like your soup lunch. As mentioned in another comment, the zippers are slightly awkward because of the many curves they round. The top pocket for keys, etc. Is zippable with one hand.

      On the good side, there is plenty of room for lunch, laptop (I use my own padded liner, not the novara), and full change of clothes. I can sqeeze in a pair of shoes too. With two bags, I also have enough room to carry a bag of groceries. A paper bag will not fit as in a grocery pannier, but the volume is similar.

      • Primary use:
      • Personal

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

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      Nov

      30

      2007

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

       
      3.0

      Decent enough, could be improved

      By sping

      from Boston, MA

      About Me Avid Cyclist

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Lightweight
      • Lots of Storage

      Cons

      • A little wide
      • Limited reflectivity

      Best Uses

      • City Bikes
      • Commuting
      • Road Bikes

      Comments about Novara Commuter Pannier - Single:

      Seems decent enough, but rather lackluster compared to, say, a daypack of the same price. Zips and straps are awkward to open/close (impossible one-handed), and it somehow just doesn't add up to a great experience. I feel that a clever designer could improve it in dozens of small ways.

      For a commuter bag, I'd like to see more reflectors

      As others noted, with the side pockets, it's quite wide, so can foul your heels. Just about works for me.

      • Primary use:
      • Personal

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

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