Commuting Panniers

[colorisnt]

Okay, so I am about to move house to a place that backs up to the Katy Trail in MO. It's going to be great for commuting. I used to commute to and from work occassionally. I started off as a big commuter, but I gave up on it after I had to do hill climbing on a road with no shoulder and was almost hit. This time, I'm able to get to/from work really easily on FLAT land.

I need some panniers, though, so you are going to have to help me shop! I figured you ladies would have a good idea what would work for me because I am clueless.

I need something that works as a briefcase or could carry my workbag with a laptop in it. It's be great if it was waterproof so I could do some rain commuting. Even a rain cover would be fine. I have a homemade pannier for the other side of my bike and a nice trunk bag already.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[WindingRoad]

Hey Color I just thought I'd let you know that since I bought my Burley I was thinking about selling my Arkel panniers. I have a green grocery Arkel and the 'Metro' bag they sell. Check out their website and see if it's anything you might be interested in.

[colorisnt]

Winding,

Thanks. Those are nice panniers Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to fit my laptop in the Metro. That's kinda what I'm after, but I need to be able to fit my 15'' PC in it.

[Melalvai]

Haven't heard from you lately, glad to hear you'll be commuting. I still miss the Katy Trail. Do you know about the Sept 8 ride with the vets? It's the Long Road Home Project to raise awareness about the difficulties vets have returning home after being deployed, especially mental issues like PTSD and such. I'm planning on driving up to Columbia, bike out to Rocheport and meet up with them at noon, bike back to Columbia with them.

Hope you find some good panniers that work for your laptop. I don't have experience with that but I know that a lot of people do commute with laptops. Ask at Walt's?

[colorisnt]

Yeah, when I get back to CoMo, I'll ask at Walt's for sure. I am still in Chicagoland, though. I don't move house until the start of the month. I was in Rwanda and the UK this summer, so I've been all over. Haven't been on the bike in ages and just got back to the US. Been dealing with a nut allergy attack and am just about to get back on, I guess!

I looked last time I was there for maintenance, but I didn't see anything waterproof that would do the job. I bet they could recommend/order something.

I hadn't heard about the ride with the vets, but I would be interested. I am hoping to train my butt off when I get back, but since I am not used to the heat of summer, it's going to be interesting. Is there any info? Feel free to PM me!

[WindingRoad]

My MacBook fits in it? What are the dimensions on your laptop?