UPDATE: 7.15.2009

Just a quick update about these panniers. I had chance to take them on our mini tour and a found out a few more things about them.

First, I used them as front panniers and I know they're rear, but they're a pretty good size for a front in my opinion. One of the problems I saw, and I'm not sure if they do this on front panniers or not- is the handles. There is one on each pannier and they snap together. In theory, a great idea- but when you're going 24 mph down hill and you see those handles flapping dagerously close to your spokes, you start thinking about cutting them off pretty fast.

Second, the bottoms need some extra support. When loaded with some stuff, nothing major- the bottom sags to the outside pretty bad. The outside was a clear two inches lower than the inside. As commuter panniers, I wouldn't worry so much, but if your thinking of using this as a touring pannier, these are things I would consider.

-Cole

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Original:

Axiom sent us a good selection of urban commuting/ touring gear. First up it the set of Monsoon LT Panniers. This seems like a decent pannier. Its basic design is like the Ortlieb Back Roller that I know a lot of touring people love.

This bag is basically a dry bag that has rack mounts. The bag rolls close and locks, and then you put the outer flap over the top and clip that shut. I used these in moderate rain and had no leaks. I'm very confident you could use them in a monsoon as the name says and be fine.

The panniers are a good size at 24.8L, but I'm not sure they're big enough to use on a long tour. A few days, or just around town and you'll have enough space. The Monsoon has two pockets to stash you stuff- one on the outside flap and a mesh one on the inside of the flap. They're pretty good sized and would hold your important stuff.

The mounting system is really nice- rubber coated hooks and an elastic bottom strap to keep them from flying off when hitting bumps. They mounted to my J&D rack with no problems, and I'm sure it will mount to pretty much any rack with out problems. I have heard of Axiom bags not being the most durable out there, but so far no problems- but I have only been using them around town. I'm heading out on a small tour soon and will give them a better test then.

As of now, I'm impressed with the Monsoon. lf I was looking for a set of panniers for a commuter I would definitely give these a good look. I know I see a lot around here in Chicago... I'll report back after the tour and let you know what happens.

-Cole