Panniers designed for carrying groceries are better for shopping than are touring panniers. (Of course, your bike must be outfitted with a sturdy rear rack.) These Nashbar Townie panniers fold flat when not needed, reducing wind resistance. They open up in seconds, and are made more rigid with stiffened panels which swing out to the sides when the pannier is fully open. They’re sized to accept a standard brown grocery bag, and bright hi-viz rain covers are stowed in a zippered pocket when not needed.

A shopping cart corrals your gear as you move through the store. Bar bag, gloves, water bottle, tool bag, and helmet fit nicely into the fold-open kiddie seat. I clip the helmet’s chin strap to the cart to help insure against its being knocked out to the floor.

 

 

Load goods into the opened panniers