Been out on your bike all summer? Thinking of getting it ready for the autumn and winter commute seasons? Axiom’s got a great collection of pannier sets in a variety of sizes, but we found two that caught our eye: the Monsoon Hydracore and Seymour Oceanweave, each with their own cool features and look.
Monsoon Hydracore 45+
This set of waterproof, Canadian-designed panniers will hold 45.2 L of goods using its Hydracore technology, keeping your gear dry through those wet and nasty rains we’ll eventually get on the wet coast. This bag’s got a pretty red interior and roll-down top with two sturdy side buckles.
The Monsoon Hydracore is super lightweight as well. Each side has a reflective triangular 3M Axiom logo as well as a loop to clip a bike light onto.
Cargo strap webbing on the outside is ideal for stowing a U-lock, tripod or other clippable item to.
Hyrdracore Technology
This dual-layer tech provides combined durability: 600D, 850D and 1000D polyester with a Hydracore waterproof liner. Rainy days are no longer an issue with these on your bike rack!
Rixen & Kaul® Mounting System
We’re big fans of Axiom’s quick-release hardware mounting system made by Rixen & Kaul®, fully adjustable for rack diameters of 6mm to 16mm.
This convenient system is a breeze: just click the two hooks onto your bike rack, then secure each pannier by lifting the center lock over to the middle position. On the bottom is a latch that secures over the bottom of the rack.
There’s a snap to secure the panniers to one another via their top handles.
Each bag can easily accommodate jackets, lunch, a laptop, camera gear, shopping or anything else you throw into it. A removable and adjustable shoulder strap comes with each set too.
A smaller version, the Hydracore 32+ (priced at CAD $159.99), will hold 31.6 L of gear. The Monsoon Hydracore 45+ retails for CDN $178.99.
Seymour Oceanweave P35+
In a major move towards environmentally-friendly cycling gear, the Seymour series uses discarded, recycled fishnet polyester combined with waterproof polyurethane coating to create its bag series.
Axiom is proud to be taking a small step in helping marine life by reducing the amount of plastic in our oceans. The Seymour is every bit as durable as the rest of the pannier lineup and has the same cool red interior lining as the Monsoon collection.
It has a similar mounting system (also by Rixen & Kaul®).
A series of red and black daisy-chain webbing loops help provide extra tie-down points while the bag closes with a drawstring and fold-over flap combo.
In front is a small mesh pocket; above it, a reflective Axiom 3M logo. One side has an elastic mesh pocket (perfect for a an extra water bottle or rain poncho) and the other, a zippered compartment for keys, ID and the like, a loop to clip on a LED light and another small 3M reflective logo. Both the Seymour and Monsoon feature a hard polyurethane backing plate for durability.
The Seymour Oceanweave comes in four sizes, ranging from 22 to 55 liter capacities.
Included in the range is the basic Seymour Twin set that attaches via velcro mounting straps and bungee hook mount. The Seymour Oceanweave P35+ retails for CDN $124.99.
Axiom guarantees their products against manufacturing defects for life. Both pannier sets are available around Vancouver (Reckless Bikes, Bicycle Sports Pacific, Bike Doctor and others) as well as online via the company’s Buy Local Now link.
We were sent both pannier sets for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, are our own.