Homemade Bike Panniers

For urban and rural bicyclists alike, bikes are remarkably efficient and convenient modes of transportation. Able to transport the rider two or three times faster than walking, bikes require minimal maintenance and are not reliant on expensive gasoline to function. However, one downside to the average bicycle is the lack of storage. Commercial bike panniers can cost a pocketful of cash, so make your own using a few tackle boxes and some basic hardware supplies.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle with bike rack (featuring spring-loaded rack arm)
  • 10 corner braces with screws
  • Pliers
  • Permanent marker
  • 2 plastic tackle boxes
  • Electric drill with bits
  • 10 locking nylon nuts
  • 10 wide washers
  • Lock (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the bicycle upright in an open work space.

    • 2

      Insert three corner braces on each side of your bike rack between the main rack frame and the spring-loaded rack arm. Bend the braces with pliers so that each brace rests securely under the rack arm, while still providing a vertical surface on which to bolt the panniers.

    • 3

      Space the braces evenly along each side of the bike rack. Hold the tackle boxes up to the braces and mark the location of each screw on the plastic with a permanent marker.

    • 4

      Make small starter holes where you marked using a small bit and an electric drill.

    • 5

      Remove the braces from the bike and attach them to the tackle boxes using the screws provided with the braces. Insert a wide washer over the tip of each screw on the inside of each tackle box and secure in place with nylon lock nuts.

    • 6

      Hang the panniers from your bike rack using the newly attached braces. Adjust the braces as necessary using the pliers.

    • 7

      Bend two more corner braces for each tackle box so that one half will attach to the lower portion of each box and the other will hook around a section of the lower rack assembly. These braces will prevent the tackle boxes from bouncing out to the side while you ride.

    • 8

      Attach the braces to the tackle boxes as before. Drill small starter holes, insert the screws, insert wide washers and secure with nylon lock nuts. Reattach your homemade panniers to your bike rack and take them for a ride.