Panniers vs. Backpack for commute

[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 )

[badger]

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.