panniers

[badger]

I googled basil bag, and came across the animal basket. If/when I get another dog, I'd love to train him/her to ride with me. Depending on its size, either in a basket like that, or in a trailer thingy. I recently saw this guy with one of those dutch cargo bikes, one that looks like it's got a big wooden box in front, with 2 golden retrievers in it. Looked so cool.

back to topic at hand: I guess my snobbishness was that I didn't really want to look like a commuter (I'm weird). But I've turned over a new leaf and I'll be getting it all decked out tomorrow.

And good to know about sides, I'm a lefty when it comes to feet so left side will be just fine to put my bag.

thanks for all the info!

[badger]

ha, I love this cooky guy and the bag he designs

[susan.wells]

When I commute to work I use the Detours Toto Urban Pannier. These are easy on and off the rack yet ride securely. The handles make it easy to carry into work. I haven't used them in rainy conditions so I cannot attest to how they would perform in the rain. They do come with rain covers. I don't feel unbalanced with a single pannier. I use two panniers only when carrying extra items to and from work. Most of the time a single is all I need.

[PscyclePath]

It's best to put the weight on the bike instead of your body, if you can... Makes for a much more comfortable ride, and a lot less wear & tear on the rider.

I usually use a pair of Ortliebs, and try to balance the load. I'm a left-foot-downer, so if there's only one pannier (occasionally, and I have a little briefcase that clips to my rack) it goes on the left side.

[KnottedYet]

I'm a right-foot-downer, and have always put the pannier on the left side.

[Trek420]

I'm a right foot put downer too. The basket is fine on the left. And did I mention that Wald baskets are made right here in the good ol' USA

I haven't used them in rainy conditions so I cannot attest to how they would perform in the rain. They do come with rain covers. I don't feel unbalanced with a single pannier.

For the benefit of the board and this thread won't you put the lap top in the bag and take them in the shower?

[NbyNW]

Arkel makes some nice bags for commuting, that have nice straps for carrying around off the bike.

Arkels are really well-made. Perhaps not as impervious to the elements as Ortliebs, but I'm also unlikely to be cycling in extreme conditions. Never say never, tho!

I have the Shopper for grocery trips. For commuting I use one of their front rack touring panniers on my Dahon. I put it on the left side, and I like that I can adjust the hooks to avoid heel strike.

[Grog]

By the way another good place to shop for not-too-pannier-looking panniers might be Bike Doctor (across from MEC on Broadway).

[badger]

thanks for the link to the Arkel site, I do like the shopper bag.

I went to the Bike Doctor and looked at some bags and if I had the money I'd have bought the Ortlieb urban bag that turns into a messenger bag. I liked their shopper bag, too, but the attachments wouldn't feel good against me, and would look weird if it's facing out.

I've found some reviews of the Detours Toocan, and some of the cons are that it's heavy due to the rubberized bottom and the fact it rattles or comes off the rack easily. Same with the Toto bag, the fact it's only fastened by a magnet leaves it a bit vulnerable if it comes off or if I have the unfortunate experience of coming off a bike.

I guess I'll have to resign to the fact I won't be able to have it all, but the Ortlieb has come the closest so far.