Carrying a Laptop for Work

[ironic_chef]

At the urging of a fellow cycling commuter, I'm looking at using panniers instead of my trusty (sweat-inducing) knapsack. My only issue is finding bags that will fit my laptop (13"x9.5"x1.5"), my clothes, and my lunch (no cafeteria at work).

I've read many of the bag threads here but haven't heard any specific references to laptop computers. The lbs near me doesn't have a lot of options to try with the laptop. Anyone have any recommendations?

[mudmucker]

This isn't a recommendation for a laptop bag but another alternative to carrying one. This obviously depends on your setup - if you already have a computer at home that has the same software as the one at work (or leave the laptop at work), etc etc and if you don't absolutely have to have the laptop with you the days you take your bike in.

I have a workstation at home and at work. I work with large relational databases in the GB range. I have a wallet size Maxtor 80 GB hard drive (that cost less than a 4GB mem stick, for some reason). I copy huge directories off the server at work with the latest updates in about 2 minutes with the USB port at the end of the day. Bring the hard drive home and transfer those server directories to the computer at home and I can work. Actually, I got a free synchronization software off the web and I just sync the directories whether I am at home or work. It works out great, and I just slip the hard drive into my Trek Interchange pack on the bike and off I go.

A guy at work who rides a motorcycle also does this.

[Becky]

Your friend is right- having the load on the bike is much less sweaty!

That doesn't seem like a very big laptop to me, so you should be fine with most panniers. DH and I both use the Transit Pro panniers sold by Performance (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23923&subcategory_ID=2312). They're nothing special, but the size and price were both right. If I were doing loaded touring, I'd want something better, and I wouldn't mind a easier-on/off retention system. But again, for 3-4 days a week of commuting, they're performing well. They easily hold shoes, clothing (packed in an Eagle Creek PackIt folder), lunch, and a small purse.

I'd probably buy a laptop sleeve for a little added protection and use whatever panniers suit your needs.

Have fun shopping!

[KnottedYet]

My iBook G4 (11 1/2 x 9 x 1 1/4) in its zippered neoprene case fits in my Ortleib Classic back roller pannier with room to spare.

My son's MacBook also fits.

There is room left over for a change of clothes, my repair kit, my lock, my lunch, and an extra bottle of water.

With more room leftover in case I need to put my jacket in there, or pick up a couple things from the store.

[tulip]

I find the Arkel Laptop Briefcase pannier to be very good.

google Arkel. They are a Canadian company in Quebec, and all their stuff is made there in a small operation. Very high quality.

[PrincessAna]

I'm not well versed in laptop panniers. If you are thinking of putting your laptop in a regular pannier, put it inside a padded sleeve or laptop case first! Then measure the case to figure out what size the pannier needs to be.

I don't blame you at all for not wanting to lug a laptop around in a backpack every day. I did that in grad school, and it wasn't fun.

Anastasia :)

[DebW]

My iBook G4 (11 1/2 x 9 x 1 1/4) in its zippered neoprene case fits in my Ortleib Classic back roller pannier with room to spare.


And my Ortlieb Classic Front Roller Pannier, without all the extra room. But then you can use the 2nd pannier for extra clothes and balance your load.

[PscyclePath]

I'll second what Muckmaker said wy up above... I've had to recently replace a laptop when it started getting HD problems, apparently from being packed around in a briefcase style messenger bag, so what I now use is a set of thumb drives. The office computer, home computer, and my laptop are set up with the same software suites, so all I really have to pack back and forth are the files themselves on a thumb drive.

[dex]

I'm also a laptop carrier. I have to be, since I work for myself and have to transport my computer to client offices with me when I work onsite (which I'm doing more and more lately). I was admiring an Ortlieb Office Bag at a bike shop this afternoon. I almost bought it, then decided to make absolutely sure commuting on my "new" bike agrees with me before I drop the cash. (See, I really can be a practical shopper...sometimes.)

But, I figure with that on one side and a (cheap) collapsible basket on the other, I can bike to the office in the morning, then stop to pick up dinner fixin's on the way home.

Here's the bag I'm talking about:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=36&cid=2

And they also have it in a larger size:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=79&cid=2

I'll also note that they suggest putting the laptop in a sleeve before putting it in the bag for some extra protection.

[KnottedYet]

Oooh, Dex, that's a very professional looking pannier/bag! I like it!
And waterproof, too. Very cool.

(but i don't need to look professional at my job, so I have no excuse to get it)

[F8th637]

I have ones very similar to these (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=23828&item=20-4786&slitrk=search&slisearch=true). They come as a pair. I just use a laptop sleeve and shove it in the bag along with my clothes, a towel, toiletries, and anything else I'll need at work. I think those should be able to work for you too just make sure you have a laptop sleeve for extra protection.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I have to drag my laptop around too because I work for myself. But I only go to one client. I wish I could pop the stuff on a stick but I can't.

I was looking at panniers and then realized that I can just bungee my backpack to my rack on the back. I use three bungees and really strap it down. It doesn't shift at all and I can put everything in it. I'm thinking about getting one of those baskets for the back instead but for now it works. I didn't want to drop the cash if I didn't really commute like I wanted. You have to tuck or tie up the straps though or they will flop down and get caught up in your spokes.

[GLC1968]

I'm also a laptop carrier. I have to be, since I work for myself and have to transport my computer to client offices with me when I work onsite (which I'm doing more and more lately). I was admiring an Ortlieb Office Bag at a bike shop this afternoon. I almost bought it, then decided to make absolutely sure commuting on my "new" bike agrees with me before I drop the cash. (See, I really can be a practical shopper...sometimes.)

But, I figure with that on one side and a (cheap) collapsible basket on the other, I can bike to the office in the morning, then stop to pick up dinner fixin's on the way home.

Here's the bag I'm talking about:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=36&cid=2

And they also have it in a larger size:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=79&cid=2

I'll also note that they suggest putting the laptop in a sleeve before putting it in the bag for some extra protection.

Ok, I carry my laptop in a backpack, but I've been wanting a basket for misc purchases (I loved having one on the front of my mixte but I can't put one on the front of my current commuter). I'm thinking that if I got the collapsible basket for the rear, I could just toss my whole backpack in it if it's too hot to wear one day?

Dex - are the baskets big enough for that? I'm thinking the Wald one I saw locally might work...

[dex]

I'm thinking that if I got the collapsible basket for the rear, I could just toss my whole backpack in it if it's too hot to wear one day?

Dex - are the baskets big enough for that? I'm thinking the Wald one I saw locally might work...

I don't know yet. But I picked one up this evening, so I'll let you know after I put it on my bike. (Hopefully tonight...I just have to convince myself to get off of the sofa. Benadryl kicks my butt hard.)

[dex]

Ok, so I did manage to climb off of the sofa and install that basket. (And a new stem and handlebars, though the bars haven't gotten wrapped yet.) I don't own a backpack, but I pulled my old teardrop pack out of the closet and stuffed a couple of towels in for bulk. And then I snapped a couple of pics to give you an idea of size.

This is the Wald collapsible basket. The listed dimensions are 12.75"x7.25"x8.5" deep. It's pretty easy to install, with the only fiddly bit being getting the U-clamp fitted near the bottom of the basket to the leg of the rack--it's just a tight space to work in, not the fault of the basket hardware itself.

Anyway, a couple of pics... (pay no attention to any background apartment mess that may appear in the frame)

[GLC1968]

Oooh, thanks Dex! I think that might work for me!

At first I thought that the basket sat on an angle on the bike and then I realized that your bike is still on the stand. Duh!

Anyway, I appreciate the photos! I'm going to give this a try this weekend. :)

[ironic_chef]

Thanks for the input and suggestions. My work does not have indoor bike storage, so I will need something that is relatively easy to take on and off the bike. In researching pannier bags, I've noticed many different systems for attaching the bags to the rack. Are there a lot of proprietary systems, or will one rack suit all? I haven't bought the rack yet, either.

If it weren't for the laptop, I would be less persnickety about the whole purchase, but the laptop has work-specific software, so I do need to cart it about.

[Rai Sue]

Hi all,

I too have to lug my laptop. I hate that! Mostly b/c I hate having it on me if I don't go directly home after work.

I have the vaude waterproof panniers. They are very similar to Ortliebs, but harder to find (and possibly cheaper?). I would recommend them, or the Ortliebs. They are also adjustable and completely waterproof.

Anyways, these days I just put my laptop in a canvas tote, then put everything else I need to in, and have no problems.

Much fewer sweat and back problems than otherwise.

And, once you have panniers, you are that much more ready to go bike-touring!

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I did the round trip yesterday and I was trying to figure out a way to haul my stuff 34 miles round trip with room to stop at farm stands and the store. Right now strapping down the backpack gives no room for strawberries or local honey purchases. AND I can't access my pack very easily.

This looks like it will def. work. Thank you so much for posting it (and rolling off the couch!) now I will have to track em down but I think I have an idea where I can find em. Did you just install one? If you did, could you install two ? Not sure if there is enough real estate on the tray?

Thanks! Karin

[dex]

Did you just install one? If you did, could you install two ? Not sure if there is enough real estate on the tray?

I only put on one, because I'm still thinking I may go with the Ortlieb bag on the other side. You could definitely do a second one on the other side of the rack, though--they just attach with a couple of little clamp-y bits to the outside rail of the rack.

If you can't find them locally, they're definitely available online through a few different places. I know I've seen them from various sellers on Amazon.

I'm glad the pictures helped! :)

[ironic_chef]

I decided on the Axiom Kootenay bags http://www.axiomgear.com/product/bags/pannier_bags/product.php?id=63
They have a clip and elastic setup that is easy to put on and take off the bike. They also came with a shoulder strap, which is nice.

I used them on my ride to work today for the first time. I'm going to reserve judgement on them until I ride on a really hot day. I felt faster this morning, but it was also my first ride on my dedicated commuter setup, which is lighter, with skinnier tires! :)

My fellow bike commuters all ooh-ed and ahh-ed at my new setup. I did get teased a bit, though - the security guard at work told me I was going to get beat up, riding around on a bike with a rack! Ha.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

with putting a different pannier on the other side. I'm pannier clueless and none of my LBS carry them . Are there ones that snap on and come off easily of an existing rack? I am probably going to go online and buy them from Amazon (at least one of the wire ones) because the milk crate idea does not look like it's going to work. It's a little sketchy at best!