Blackburn Central Saddle Bags - Waterproof Bike Panniers for Commuting & Touring - Perfect for Cycling to Work, School or Long-Distance Adventures

I was really excited to get these bags. It was a hard choice to make because there were not a lot of reviews on the product. I am disappointed with this product and I have not even ridden with them yet. For starters, Blackburn never shows you or implies that one of the bags has all the cool pockets and compartments while the other is just one big bag. Not a show stopper, but in the interest of full disclosure, it would have been nice to know that before I purchase them. The second issue for me is that I was expecting that this bag would also have the third point of contact with the rack like their barrier series. Instead they provide Velcro straps. Why should I have to pay a premium to use that feature on the rack. The third issue, and this is the biggest one, I can't image (even though I read the directions) how to actually secure the bags the way they market the product. The locking buckles are too big and I had a hard time closing the main latch. Perhaps I am missing something, but I don't see how it works with out possibly breaking the plastic buckles. Some good things: The bags material seems pretty good. I wanted these bags because I needed more storage capacity and they deliver on that point. The rain covers are nice too. To be honest, if I had seen these in person, I may not have purchased them. I will see how they feel when I ride with them; I am a little concern as I don't like anything flapping around when I am riding.Update 4/30I have ridden with the bags and I am very disappointed. The bags tend to bounce around too much for my taste even with the velcro straps. It really would have been nice to have a lower anchor point of some kind that attaches to the rack.