These bags are well designed, engineered, and constructed, with what appears to be very good quality materials. The zippers operate easily and smoothly. All thread used for stitching is thick and strong. Overall, they appear to be very durable bags, but of course only time and use will tell if they are.
As for storage capacity, the main compartment is large and holds a respectable amount. Aventon includes one storage divider which can be used to divide the main compartment into two sections. Expanding the panniers triples the amount of storage capacity.
Would I select one of these bags for a cross country bike trip? No, as they are simply not large enough for such an endeavor. These bags are designed for daily commuting or day trips, and should perform in this capacity very well.
There are four hook and loops straps which secure the bag to a rack. Two of the straps are located at the front of the bag, and two are located on the bottom of it. The two straps on the front are sewn in at angles to align with the angled front bars of Aventon’s rear rack. The two bottom straps are long enough to completely route under the bars on top of the rack. When all four straps are used, the bag is tightly secured to a rack.
The main compartment of the bag is self-supporting. The sides are hard-sided enough so the bag retains it shape when empty. However, while the sides are hard-sided, they are also rounded so as to be comfortable when one carries the bag next to one’s body. A strap is included to allow for easily carrying the bag over one’s shoulder when away from the bike.
The sides of the main compartment are also thick enough to offer some insulating effect. However, Aventon doesn’t market the bag as an insulated bag, so one shouldn’t expect it perform like one. I just note that it does have some ability to keep cold items cooler than if they were out in the open. This is welcomed in the Arizona heat, especially as the bag is all black!
As for the expanding panniers, they work as one would expect. They are safely tucked away when not needed, yet quickly expand for use just by opening two zippers, one for each pannier. They are not so large as to be obnoxious or in-the-way when expanded, but significantly increase storage carrying capacity when needed. Unlike the main compartment, they have little-to-no insulating properties. There are elastic straps on the bottom of each pannier to secure them to the bike so they don’t flop around when extended. The material from which the panniers are made appears to be rubberized. so It should offer some level of water resistance, although I haven’t tested this yet.
On the top front of the bag, there is an elastic cord to allow for the storage of an item to which one would wish to have quick access. To the rear of the cord, sewn on top of the bag, there is sewn a small mesh bag. Connecting over both of these are two handles, which can be used to carry the bag with one hand should one decide not to use the carry strap.
On the underside of the top of the bag, there is a sewn pocket which is the perfect storage location for the included yellow rain bag.
There is an external storage pouch on the rear of the bag. This pouch has an elastic synch cord to help secure a thermos or water bottle stored in it, or whatever else one would want to store there. As with the panniers, this bag offers no insulation.
There are reflective horizontal stripes on the sides and back of the main compartment. There are also vertical reflective stripes on the panniers, visible when the panniers are expanded. All these stripes should noticeably increase one’s visibility to motorists when riding through traffic during hours of darkness.
When we purchased my wife’s Level 3, we also purchased one of these bags. After having it for a week, I was impressed with it enough to purchase a second bag for use with my Aventure 3.
Along with the purchase of the second bag, I also purchased two Quick Release Accessory Adapters for use with the bags. As of the time of writing this review, we haven’t received them. Hopefully, these adapters will prove to be just as impressive as the bags and compliment them nicely.
In conclusion, these bags appear to be high quality ones, and I expect years of service from them. Should you spend your money on them? Only you can decide that. However, I strongly suspect you will be happy with your purchase if you do.
