Quote Originally Posted by zencentury View Post
If it weren't for the fly-in-the-ointment laptop I'd say get a medium sized handlebar bag.

And no, it never pays to be cheap.
I was thinking the exact same thing.

Would you consider a handlebar bag (Topeak has a nice quick-release type) for most of the uses, and then perhaps a laptop backpack for commuting when you need to carry the laptop? I have the small Topeak bag that Veronica has on her bike in her avatar (I believe) that works GREAT for long rides. I can stuff clothes, tools, food and a camera in there...and I can get to these items without dismounting, too.

Then I keep a Timbuk2 laptop backpack with my laptop so that I can just grab it when I need to ride anywhere with it.