Panniers vs. Backpack for commute

[badgercat]

I'm not convinced. ((shrug))

I've heard from others that they're loud and rattley on the bike. I'd rather stick with a rack and a bag I can snap on and snap off easily.

Of course they're not silent when "deployed" (though they are nearly so when folded up or fully loaded), but I just consider it part of the charm. I don't find a little rattle annoying at all. However, if that does bother you, or for example you have a particularly long commute where a little extra weight makes a big difference, I would agree that panniers would make more sense.

In my case, basically all of my trips on my commuter are under 10 miles (and the vast majority of those under 5 miles). My needs for those trips vary greatly. For me, it doesn't make sense to tie myself down "specialized" (and expensive) bags that I would always need to carry with me at my destination for fear of theft.

To each her own. I hope the OP finds a solution she loves, whatever that may be!

[7rider]

To each her own. I hope the OP finds a solution she loves, whatever that may be!

Absolutely. I've gone through about 4 different types of carting my stuff around since I started commuting (including starting out with a backpack) and then several types of panniers or bags before I settled on what I currently use.

Who knows? Maybe at some point in the near future, I'll find some other "gotta have" that will be way better than what I currently have, and I'll move on yet again.

[Jolt]

Another solution is to have a rear rack and then attach a plastic crate to the rack...you can then just throw everything in and use a couple of bungee cords to tie things down. Looks a little goofy but it works.

[Trek420]

Of course they're not silent when "deployed" (though they are nearly so when folded up or fully loaded), but I just consider it part of the charm.

Just did a test ride to the farm market while paying extra attention to the rattle. Wald baskets were pretty quiet. I stopped, deployed them (still empty) and they did rattle a bit 'cross potholes, rail road tracks. Normally I'd avoid both but was trying to see what it takes to make them rattle. The rest of the short ride, pretty quiet.

With $20 worth of local organic produce, 2 bike locks, small repair kit on the way back they were quiet over nearly everything. Ah, the things we do for TE

[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.

Also, as an aside, Trek420, you're in SF? Me too!

[KnottedYet]

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

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

[Trek420]

Good reason to get another bike one for each hauling method

[jordanpattern]

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!)

[moderncyclista]

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 )