Commuting to a dressy office

[Groundhog]

I believe they make panniers designed to carry laptops. I know someone who has front panniers for that purpose. Unless I misunderstood him they are designed for laptops. (But it is entirely possible I misunderstood and they are just convenient for his laptop.)

Hmmm front pannier. I wonder if it would interfere with my headlight (on flat bar)? Do you know what brand?

[Melalvai]

I don't know what brand it was. His headlight was on his handlebar.

[SallyRides]

I don't have a long commute - it's only 3.5 miles, BUT that's mostly uphill, so I don't want to wear work clothes and sweat in them. I also am not fond of riding with a back pack, as it seems to limit my rear vision when it sways back and forth as I ride. Anyway, I use smaller, front panniers, on a rear rack to carry my clothes for the day. (I pack my bags the night before.) Most days, I need to carry dress shoes, and appropriate clothing. I roll the clothing to try and avoid wrinkling. I put the shoes in the bottom of the panniers. Once you start planning ahead, it gets easier. There are definitely days when I look out the window and think - WHY am I riding my bike??!! BUT, by the time I get to work, I am always glad that I chose to ride. I start the day in a much better frame of mind. (BTW, there certainly are days when I don't ride. It's a COLD winter here, and during those days, I am in my car.)

SR

[NbyNW]

When I bike commuted, I could put my work clothes in an Eagle Creek packing folder. That fit inside inside a front pannier bag, along with shoes and lunch. One summer I also would go swimming before work so I also fit bathing suit, small towel, toiletries and breakfast (oatmeal in thermos, cup of yogurt, maybe an apple) in there as well. I would also keep shoes at the office with a small toiletry bag & wipes. I used a front pannier bag b/c I was commuting on a folding bike, and the rack was too low for a regular rear pannier.

[Becky]

+1 for the Eagle Creek Pack-it folders. It's the easiest way that I've found to pack clothes in a pannier without them falling to the bottom and getting rumpled.

[lovelygamer]

I commute 4-6 miles to a dressy office. I tried to wear my work clothes twice. I sweat like a beast so that just isn't possible. Plus, I don't care what that pretty lady in her lovely suit says, it's not comfortable and did I mention that I sweat like a beast?

I carry a backpack every day with my work clothes and shoes in it. I also have stashed at work, travel size toiletries and a washcloth so I can freshen up. It's definitely a challenge some days. I like some of the alternatives mentioned here. I may have to try them myself. Good luck and don't give up! Just keep trying different methods.

[NadiaMac]

I don't commute to a dressy office, but I do commute in cycling clothes and carry my work clothes in a pack. To reduce the amount of stuff that I carry while riding, I leave my work shoes at the office (I ride with my cycling shoes) and change when I get to work. I also leave a small blowdryer at the office so I can dry my hair after showering. I leave a couple of nice sweaters/blazers at my office for use if needed and occasionally I stash some additional clothing at the office over the weekend for use during the rest of the week. Also, I keep spare undies and socks at the office in case I forget to bring these.

When I lived in Washington Dc and had a suit-only job, I had use of a closet at work and I kept most of my suits at work. I'd commute in part of my outfit for the day (blouse, sometimes my suit skirt/pants), then change into the rest of my suit when I got into work.