The sproingy part of the plastic tongue on the buckle of my Ortleib panniers have broken. I'm figuring it's from the plastic getting brittle when it's cold. Has anyone else had this problem? Are there other panniers less prone to this?

One of mine broke this year. They made it through last winter.

Yep, happened to me. Hang on to the broken parts; Your shop should be able to get warranty replacements.

If you don't feel like the hassle of a warranty replacement, you can buy them for about $6.50.

The replacement ones I got are slightly different than the originals. I haven't broken a new one yet.

I saw them listed at Thrify Outfitters for $1.90....have to double check on the size (they had multiple).

Thanks for the info. I will have to get a few replacements. If they cost under $5 per year for a pair, I can live with it.

only when I stepped on them...

And I only broke one side, so I still use the buckle until the other side goes (unless I'm mistaken on the part that broke)

With that exception mine have made if through to and from work for 4 summers, 3 winters totaling about 15000 miles, so you should be good once you get some replacements.

If necessary, I'd spend the extra to make sure the tongue is the same size and style as the receiver. I've replaced those buckles on a computer bag with similar nylon webbing and didn't particularly enjoy to resewing of the strap (I used pliers to push the needle through if I recall).

EDIT:

Now I see what hokan meant about them being different. They are designed assuming you aren't going to cut and resew http://www.ortliebusa.com/CartGenie/prod-160.htm nice touch.

Actually, I meant that the springy part is a bit different. The Ortlieb USA catalog shows the old style.

Also, I didn't get the "with openings" style because I didn't need to replace the female half and it is possible to thread the strap through the "without openings" male half. I figure the "without openings" version is stronger and less likely to fall off the strap. I don't see the "without openings" version on the web site, but your shop should be able to get it for you.

Why can't they make panniers with the normal metal "hook", and then a wire gate similar to a carabiner?

Seems far more durable in Minnesota winters.

Hmmmm. I should write Ortlieb and tell them how they can redesign their product to accommodate the Minnesota winter cyclist crowd. Because that's where the money is at, eh?

you'd need three hands to get the pannier off the rack.

I have one Arkel pannier that I use for commuting. It is heavy as hell, but built like a tank. This will be it's 4th winter with no issues.

Did I mention that it is heavy???

My Minnehaha bags have leather straps with metal buckles. Canvas with two simple metal hooks on top and a d ring attached to an elastic cord on the bottom to keep it on the rack.

I have several Arkel panniers. Nothing has broken, though once a sewing seam on little strap holding a part gave way. The strap and part were replaced free with just a Photo and an explanation. Arkels are warranted for life to whomever owns them. Nice company, great customer service.
Bill.