At first glance these Canyon Prestige waterproof panniers look good. Unfortunately they are let down by cheap fittings and a lack of pockets.
The pannier fabric is a rubberised material that looks almost identical to the PVC-coated polyester that's used for Ortlieb's Back Rollers. Construction is sturdy, with welded seams. Closure is via a roll-top, plus two straps to keep the top snugged down. There's a detachable carry strap and a thick rubber grab handle. So far, so good.
The pannier is just one big compartment. No inner or outer pockets, internal dividers or organiser pouches. I usually carry fiddly stuff like keys and money when I'm out and about. Most panniers make some allowance for this, providing a pocket of some sort or another. Here all your stuff is dumped in together.
Where these panniers really fall down is the fittings. The bags themselves are decently made, but these hooks look and feel cheap and nasty. The top hooks are very basic, just plastic clips. The lateral stabilising hook is no better. It's just a tightly closed clip. As the back of the pannier bows inward, unless you have it fully loaded, getting the lower hook to snag the rack while manoeuvring the top hooks into position is a fiddly business.
A quick trawl of the interweb suggests that Canyon make cheap cycling accessories that look similar to better known designs but sell for less. That might explain why they look a bit like Ortlieb Back Rollers but don't have the quality or performance to match. They're available through a dealer network of about 100 bike shops across the UK, as well as online.
They're not completely horrible. You can just get much better panniers for the same sort of money. The spiffy-looking Carradice Carradry waterproof panniers (complete with pockets) or the waterproof Ortlieb Bike Shoppers are both on Wiggle for a whisker under £60 a pair at the moment.
Verdict
With better fittings and a pocket or two these would be worth considering. As it is, you're better off looking elsewhere
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Canyon Prestige waterproof cycle pannier
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Blurb - "This CANYON PRESTIGE single pannier is made from waterproof materials, all seams and fittings are waterproof sealed. With careful and correct use, it should provide you with a virtually waterproof storage system for your cycle."
Rate the product for quality of construction:
6/10
Material and welds are good quality but the fixings are poor.
Rate the product for performance:
6/10
Waterproof but awkward to use.
Rate the product for durability:
6/10
Cheap fittings don't look built to last.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
Pretty lightweight, but that may be a relection of the very basic design.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
RRP is £66 and you can get them even cheaper online.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Carcass of pannier is good.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Horrible cheap fittings.
Did you enjoy using the product? Not really
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Needs better fixings and a pocket.
Age: 41 Height: 5' 8 Weight: er....86kg
I usually ride: Kona Dew Drop My best bike is: Guess SC1 scandium
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, Audax and long distance solo rides
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Great to read about someone who knows their own mind. Well done Stu!