REASONS TO BUY
Sturdy
Large
Easy to install
REASONS TO AVOID
Non-locking mounting system
Not fully waterproof
Banjo Brothers Market Pannier Review
With a surprisingly low weight, this pannier is a solid option for hauling larger, bulky objects that don't require steadfast waterproofing
Banjo Brothers Market Pannier
Credit: http://banjobrothers.com/
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Our Verdict
The Banjo Brothers Market Pannier is a large, sturdy bike bag intended for hauling heavy loads back from the farmers market or grocery store. With features like a removable shoulder strap and additional pockets, this model has exceptional quality and is evidently geared towards the cycling enthusiast. It is large enough to carry a fully loaded grocery bag and durable enough to handle road rash from minor spills. Backed by a reputable bike brand, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this pannier to anyone looking for a way to use their bike to run their errands around town.
Our Analysis and Test Results
With Market as its namesake, this pannier is built specifically to carry bulky items like produce or boxed food on your way back from the grocer. While it could also be used to carry commuter items like a briefcase or computer, we feel it is lacking the necessary features to be a dedicated commuter pannier. The Market Pannier is an errand-running bag through and through.
Performance Comparison
The quick-installing Market Pannier was a good option for short jaunts to and from the store.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Mounting System
Similar to the Green Guru Dutchy, this pannier has a very simple mounting system. Consisting of two non-locking hooks and an elastic band with a hook at the end of it, it was very easy to quickly secure and remove this pannier from the rack. However, the hooks are fixed in place and the elastic strap isn't very easy to adjust without completely re-tying.
The hooks and bottom loop of the Banjo Brothers Market Pannier are simple to use but don't offer the greatest security. We wish that the elastic cord was sewn into the webbing somehow instead of knotted as shown here.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Thankfully, the hooks are located close enough together that it should work universally on differing rack sizes. However, this style of mounting hardware doesn't offer great security while riding on bumpy terrain. During our testing, there were multiple instances where the fully-loaded Market Pannier had lost hold of its bottom strap and began bouncing on the rack.
Storage
This model had the largest dimensions of all our townie panniers. We were impressed by how much we could fit into the singular bag of the Market Pannier. With a boxy profile, we were able to fit a 12 pack of beer, non-perishable cans, pasta, tortillas, four apples, and a cantaloupe with ease.
The Market Pannier was of the largest single-bag panniers in this review and easily handled all of these goodies from the mercantile pictured here.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
In addition to its large main compartment, the Market Pannier also came equipped with both an internal zippered pocket and external velcro pocket to hold smaller items or the removable shoulder strap so they don't get mixed in with the rest of your gear. We also liked how this pannier could be folded down and cinched tight when hauling a full load.
Durability
We found this bag to have exceptional durability considering it is only intended for quick day trips and not extended tours. Both internally and externally, the polyester fabric has a tight weave and seems to be of a very high quality that will resist abrasion. Furthermore, there is a strong HDPE internal frame to brace against sagging with heavy loads. Finally, the nylon webbing and plastic buckles are large and sturdy to keep your haul secure while you ride away.
With sturdy webbing handles and boxy storage, the Market Pannier was even capable of hauling power tools, decking screws, and scooby-snacks. Though, the poorly distributed weight was tough to ride with.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Weatherproofing
Ultimately, we were pretty let down by this model's weatherproofing. During the overnight rain test, water was able to soak through the fabric as well as find its way through the incomplete closure. It should go without saying that it also had a lackluster performance during the submersion test, leaving all the contents thoroughly soaked. However, the one redeeming quality was this pannier's ability to keep muddy wheel-spray from getting our fresh veggies all gross.
Lacking a complete closure, the Market Pannier left our groceries susceptible to rain but seemed to keep them clean on muddy roads.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Ease of Use
With large handles, a removable shoulder strap, and an easy-on easy-off mounting system, we found the Banjo Brothers Market Pannier to be a fairly ergonomic model. We would have liked to see some brighter colors or at the very least larger pieces of reflective material to increase visibility. But as a simple option for quick runs to the market or grocery store, it has all the tools you need to get the job done.
Value
This was the lowest-priced pannier in our lineup. Considering that it has quality materials, solid construction, and is backed by a recognizable bike brand, we think that the Banjo Brothers Market Pannier is a great value.
Conclusion
With a whopping 1500 cubic inches in a singular bag, the Market Pannier is a grocery-hauling beast. While it doesn't have the waterproofing we'd like to see in a touring pannier or the fancy features you might find in a commuting pannier, we think that it fits into the townie category very well. If you're looking for a bag that can carry a week's worth of groceries and won't break the bank, this is the pannier for you.
—
Rob Woodworth
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