Product reviews
Words by: Jarrad Clatworthy
Storing items on your bike has always been an issue for many – not due to a lack of choices but due to the many variables including weatherproofing, size and space, safety and security to name a few. After reviewing Basil’s Hoga Bicycle Rain Jacket, I was keen to see what other touches of innovation they have imparted on to their other products. This brought me to their extensive pannier bag range. Options on offer included your traditional clip-on pannier bags, back pack and casual tote pannier bags, waterproof options, secured pannier racks (using Basil’s MIK lock on system), and a specialised female focused range amongst others. On the daily I use a front bike basket to transport most of my goods and supply (including laptop and a change of clothes) – so it was a great to switch it up to try out something different in the form of rear pannier bags to see if this was a worth switching to this option fulltime. The first range of pannier bags I tried out from Basil were their MIK compatible bags. MIK which is short for ‘Mounting is key’ is an easy to use and install adaptor plate that connects seamlessly to MIK compatible products. MIK is more widely being used and integrated into existing brands racks (without the need of an adaptor), including Giant, Specialized, Trek and Focus amongst others (please note that MIK is compatible with other brands via their adaptor – which I used in this review). The first range of pannier bags I tried out from Basil were their MIK compatible bags. MIK which is short for ‘Mounting is key’ is an easy to use and install adaptor plate that connects seamlessly to MIK compatible products. MIK is more widely being used and integrated into existing brands racks (without the need of an adaptor) – brands include Giant, Specialized, Trek and Focus amongst others (please note that MIK is compatible with other brands via their adaptor – which I used in this review). To install the MIK system you simply attach the adaptor on your pannier (took me a couple of minutes and was compatible when tested on an e-bike with a rear batter pack). Once the MIK system is attached it is a simple click in and it’s secured – then you use a special key to unlock it – so you can leave your bags or rear basket attached without worrying about anyone stealing them (check out our video below to see how it works). The MIK system is a big draw card for someone in the market for a new pannier bag due to it giving you flexibility to switch up between different bags or baskets. The ease of taking off your bag or basket to bring items inside and the security factor of having it safely secured (only to be removed by using the special key). This is a great simple and innovative design that surpasses options that have clunky adaptors, non-easily removed brackets or zip ties… Across the range I was impressed with the waterproofing on a number of Basil’s pannier bags, particularly the Soho Backpack and the Soho Double bag which had a nice clean design with a backpack and pannier bag option – something I hadn’t seen before. With Basil’s huge range they’ve added in a wide variety of colours and designs to meet a range of tastes and preferences. Including the popular floral designs such as the Ever-Green Backpack and the Bloom Field Double Pannier Bag. Overall, Basil’s range is great – with several colour options and designs, different sizing options, unique features throughout every option – from laptop sleeves to integrated pockets, backpack straps much, much more. It would definitely be worth checking out their full range to find an option that suits your individual needs. If you can stretch your budget, I would recommend checking out one of the options that is MIK compatible for extra security and flexibility. For purchase in Australia visit basilbags.com.au, bikechain.com.au or these select retailer stores.
Innovation meets practicallity
MIK (Mouniting is Key)
The verdict
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