If you need to carry cold food or beverages on your bicycle, you’ll want to check out the Local Cooler Saddlebag Pannier from Blackburn. These new insulated panniers are more than just a couple of plastic-lined panniers. We haven’t gotten a set for testing yet, but they were nice enough to provide some details on them, so we’re sharing that with our readers, since today is the last day of Bike To Work Week.
Blackburn starts with 210D Honeycomb Polyester that has a water resistant treatment and backing. This makes for a tough bag that looks good and will last for many happy miles in all sorts of weather. From there, they added a few nice features that make them easy and safe to use, no matter what your mission is. For those picnics at the beach, park, or wherever your ride takes you, they have included some mesh pockets inside for utensils and napkins. Blackburn’s buckle system helps keep your groceries safe if you need to make any pit stops on the way home. Picked up some bottled drinks on the way to your friend’s house on a Friday night or sunny Saturday afternoon? No worries! The Local Cooler Saddlebag Pannier set even has a built in bottle opener. If you have a Blackburn Interlock rack on your bike, you can secure both bags with just one key, for a little extra peace of mind. Because you don’t want anyone stealing your ice cream or beer. Of course, if you don’t have an Interlock rack, that’s ok too. They are compatible with all standard racks.
If you’ve ever sweated it out on your cross-town ride with a backpack full of anything, then the Local Cooler Saddlebag Panniers are going to bring a whole new kind of happiness to your rides. You’ll be cooler in the summer, you’ll have less neck and back strain, and your bike will even handle better with that weight down lower. For anyone already rockin’ and rollin’ with a set of panniers, having them insulated means you can get a pint of your favorite ice cream, and not worry that it will melt on the ride home. Your fruits and veggies will stay fresher, not arrive half-baked. You can take the long, quiet way home now, and not the short route with all the traffic. And, these bags just look great too. They work as regular panniers as well, so if you’re commuting to work, you can throw your shoes, pants, and other stuff in them. Plus your lunch. Versatile. Sexy. Undeniably cool.The MSRP is a very reasonable $79.99. Find them at Blackburndesign.com
– Brian