How to Prevent Pannier Abrasion

How to Avoid Damaging Your Tern Cargo Hold Panniers

If you own our Cargo Hold Panniers, you may have noticed that they’re built for the long haul. But while they can handle quite a few challenges, they need some TLC, too. Read on to learn more about what you can do to avoid external pannier damage, also known as pannier abrasion.

1. What is pannier abrasion, and how does it happen?

Pannier abrasion is the external wear and tear that occurs due to repeated friction, and it often looks like this:

Damaged Tern Cargo Hold Pannier 1
Damaged Tern Cargo Hold Pannier 2
Damaged Tern Cargo Hold Pannier 3

Most times, abrasion happens when the pannier straps are not properly tightened, and the weight of the cargo can cause the pannier to sag and drag. This can occur especially when making sharp turns or going over speed bumps, which may cause the pannier to come into contact with the road. The severity of the damage will largely depend on the weight of the cargo inside the pannier and how often the dragging happens.

2. How can I prevent pannier abrasion?

Buckle up and tighten the straps

First and foremost, please read the pannier manual carefully to learn how to properly fasten the pannier straps on the bike’s rear rack. Ensure that the buckle is always secured, and do not leave any straps loose or dangling.

Know how to use the three pannier modes

All Tern Cargo Hold Panniers have three modes. Here are some valuable tips for each mode:

Pannier Mode
Tern Cargo Hold Pannier Bucket Mode
Tern Cargo Hold Pannier FlatFold

Pannier Mode

Bucket Mode

FlatFold

  • Make sure the straps are secured and adjusted. Properly tightening the straps will help prop the panniers up.
  • Be aware that full panniers will make the rear of your bike almost as wide as the handlebars. Make sure there is enough clearance when riding.
  • Avoid parking against a wall.
  • Fold the panniers flat when not used to save space and prevent scratches.
  • Secure the strap using the built-in strap clip.

Be extra careful when parking vertically

The panniers may add extra length to your bike. When maneuvering the bike into the vertical parking position, the panniers may come into contact with the ground. Be cautious to avoid scratching.

HSD pannier vertical parking clearance 1
HSD pannier vertical parking clearance 2
HSD pannier vertical parking clearance 3

The pannier can add a bit of length to your bike, so please be careful when parking vertically

3. What can I do to prevent further pannier damage?

If you've noticed pannier abrasion, we recommend determining and addressing the root cause, so that you can prevent it from getting worse. While our warranty covers manufacturing defects, it does not cover damage caused by dragging the panniers on the pavement, for example, or using the product in ways it was not designed to be used.