Panniers vs. Backpack for commute

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Originally Posted by jordanpattern

I actually found some cheap-ish panniers, so I may buy those for the commute, and get some baskets for groceries and other hauling.

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You can't switch back and forth between panniers and the baskets. The baskets bolt onto your rack frame (which is why they are so rarely stolen). There are some metal tabs that you will bend to fit. Once you get them on, those puppies are staying on.

Now, if you have a second bike that you want to set up as a hauler, the baskets could just stay on that bike.

Or you could do like Geonz suggested, and set it up with an Xtracycle and make it a dedicated super-hauler. http://www.xtracycle.com/cargo-bicyc...o-bicycle.html

Good reason to get another bike :D one for each hauling method ;)

Oh, I see! I figured the baskets were fairly easily removable. In that case, I definitely need panniers, since I have neither the space nor money at the moment for multiple bikes! (My apartment is 300 square feet!)

I vote "panniers" all the way.

Messenger bags and back packs are okay, but "sweaty-back" in the 3 seasons out of the year sucks.

Saying no, to back-pain - I went with panniers and never regretted it.

Some small rides I still break out my Chrome bag for.
(there's my two-cents worth ;) )

it's been a months-long process but Ifinally bought an ortlieb city shopper pannier today at REI using their 20% off discount and my dividend. Ortliebs are so expensive and never on sale, so I figured there'll be no better opportunity to buy one.

Several months ago I bought a pair of cheap-ish panniers from our REI equivalent, but the bags are small, and I hated the idea of carrying two bags. So, I carried on using my backpack.

I probably should've looked into the basket option, but I would still need to have invested in a waterproof bag as it rains so darn much here.

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Originally Posted by badger

I probably should've looked into the basket option, but I would still need to have invested in a waterproof bag as it rains so darn much here.

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I saw a rider with something like this in the Wald basket. Waterproof and a backpack. But you can always get another bike :p

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/4...l-Dry-Bag.html

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Originally Posted by Trek420

I saw a rider with something like this in the Wald basket. Waterproof and a backpack. But you can always get another bike :p

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/4...l-Dry-Bag.html

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yes, that is a fine option!! :D

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Originally Posted by badger

yes, that is a fine option!! :D

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The waterproof bag, getting another bike, or both? :p

I use the Arkel "Bug" which is a pannier that converts into a backpack.

I got some panniers!

I was visiting my family in Canada, where I had a chance to hit up Mountain Equipment Coop. I scored some of MEC's in-house line panniers for cheap, and I'll be trying them out soon!

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...34374302693397

One vote for saddlebags, although with a laptop you will have to get the largest carradice.
I use an Acorn med/large saddlebag, and it is awesome. All I need to carry is a shirt, pants, wallet, keys and tools though. I can also lash a jacket to the outside. If you're a minimalist it's plenty big.
The only problem is where to put my shoes. I currently wear my shoes (chromes) when commuting. One of these days I'm switching back to clipless, and then I'll have to leave a pair of shoes at work.
My bike comes into my workplace with me, so theft is not an issue. If it was I'd remove the seatpost and bring the whole thing in.
Carradice bags are huge, I can fit shoes, pants, jacket, food, tools, etc. with room to spare into a long flap.

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Originally Posted by jordanpattern

I got some panniers!

I was visiting my family in Canada, where I had a chance to hit up Mountain Equipment Coop. I scored some of MEC's in-house line panniers for cheap, and I'll be trying them out soon!

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...34374302693397

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how do you like it/them? I had a pair of those and returned them because they were a bit on the small side, and I really didn't want to carry 2 bags. Not to mention them not being waterproof (it rains a lot here).


I finally got my courage to put the Ortlieb Bike Shopper bag and LOVE it!! I stuff so much in it (lunch in heavy glass containers, clothes, books, groceries) and aside from feeling just a little bit unstable at times, it's been great not having anything on my back anymore.　Ortlieb really is the leader in panniers, so easy to put on, take off, and the fact it's waterproof is a godsend.