This review will be for 3 items that were purchased to work together, and I will post it as a review for each individual item. Photos show the bags all the way opened and all the way closed in all configurations.
Ibera IB-RA5 Touring Carrier + for disc brakes
Ibera IB-BA14 Expandable Commuter Trunk Bag
Ibera IB-BA9 Panniers
My husband and I bike a lot, and we camp for many weeks during the summer. The bikes always go to the campgrounds with us. We often use them to ride to the beach, other park attractions, or to the store to pick up a few items. I was getting tired of using plastic shopping bags hung over my arm to carry things to the beach or home from the store, and I often wished we had a way to carry snacks or cold drinks with us. Besides, carrying those swinging plastic bags never made me feel very safe. We also usually have our dog along with us on a break-away leash, and we carry our back-pack style folding chairs with us. It is quite a load, and we needed to be able to take it all safely.
This rack and the bag/panniers will be the answer!
The rack was easy to install on my 26” bike, and we like it so much that we might get the same rack for my husband’s 29” bike. Since it is adjustable, we are hoping it will fit his bike, too! We bought this particular rack, because it was compatible with the bags we wanted to purchase. It provides a nice frame to add accessories to the bike, and, with a little jury rigging, it even accommodated the attachment needed for my existing clip-on red tail light. The tail light is ever more visible on the frame than it was when attacked to the bike itself.
We are always looking for flexibility that will allow us to use things in multiple configurations as we need them, and these bags fit that bill! We can use any one of them, two of them or all 3 as long as the bike stays in balance.
The panniers are roomy, and there is stiffening for the bottom and sides that either folds or removes to allow the bags to be flattened to take up less room for storage. They will carry our beach towels, other paraphernalia, or a few groceries with ease! Couldn’t be happier with the size! The large pocket in the main compartment has a pull tie to close the inside bag down before closing the top over it, and the straps that hold the top down are adjustable. In addition to the main compartment, there is a smaller pocket on the outside at the top. These panniers will be perfect for beach towels, water floats or a few groceries, and the top pocket will help keep smaller things like books separate and within easy reach. The panniers come with a handle to carry them when off the bike and a nylon rain cover. Great idea!
The Expandable Commuter Trunk Bag lives up to its name! The main compartment can expand at the rear to be about 2 inches taller. It has a solid bottom and foam stiffening that would also act a bit like insulation. This main compartment is perfect for taking along some water bottles, snacks or some lunch – or anything else that will fit. There is a smaller top compartment both inside and outside of the bag to help keep smaller items from getting jumbled in the main compartment, and there is a bungee cord on top to keep items like a jacket or (leakproof) water bottle within easy reach. There is another small pocket at the back of the bag for keys or a wallet. The side pockets can be used as they are or unzipped to expand into a longer inner bag that are like small panniers. The bag also comes with a shoulder strap making it easy to take it along when it is off the bike. The one thing I wish it had is a rain cover. Ibera makes one for this model, but we have not been able to find anyone who sells it.
The pannier-like side bags of the Commuter Trunk Bag can be used with the regular Pannier bag, although they will lay on the top of the panniers on an angle. I don’t anticipate using the side bags on the Commuter Trunk Bag as pannier extensions when the Panniers are also on the bike anyway, because it would be a bit of overkill, but the pannier extensions will be great when I need a bit longer space but not enough to put on the panniers.
These bags are really flexible, and they will let us use just the bags we need while accommodating every use we can think of.
As for the quick release feature on all of the bags – OMG! These bags go on and take off within seconds! So easy! We will see whether or not they come off too easily after we have used them for a while, but for now we love the idea and the design!
The one drawback? I am at the shortest safe height to use a 26” bike, and the trunk bag will make it harder for me to swing my leg over onto the bike. I can do it by tilting the bike to the side quite a bit, but I won’t be able to bail off quickly. Shorter riders beware! You might need to try this bag on your bike to see whether or not you will be able to get on or off. The panniers are not problem for getting on or off.
| Size | One Size |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ibera |
| Material | Nylon |
| Vehicle Service Type | Bicycle |
| Pattern | Solid |
| Mounting Type | Handlebar Mount |
| Strap Type | Adjustable |
| Closure Type | Zipper |
| Handle Type | Web Handle |
| Pocket Description | Jetted Pocket |
| Shell Type | Soft |
| Model | Ib-ba |
| Item Weight | 2.35 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 15.8 x 8.5 x 8 inches |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Item model number | IB-BA24 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | IB-BA |
| Special Features | Adjustable |
