Commuting - Commuter Bag

Hi.
I'm thinking of commuting to school (at least on weekends). I think the long way is about 25 miles with around 2k of climbing, short way is about 10.
Anyway I'm looking for something to carry my laptop, and a book or two. Preferably it should be rain resistant (laptop and water do not go well together), and provide protection for the laptop. Right now I have a backpack that has a sleeve for the laptop. I don't really think it will be the best choice for commuting. Mainly because of comfort and the books will be lying on top of the laptop. Can anyone recommend a good solution.

Thx.

Arkel Bug pannier http://www.panniers.com/panniers/backpack/overview.asp?fl=1&site= is the best solution but is not cheap.

Hi.
Sorry I should have been more clear, I would like something that I can carry on me.

Thx.

I use an Arkel Briefcase (http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/briefcase/overview.asp?fl=0&site=)... very well made, and does a superb job of protecting my notebook. It's not fully waterproof, however, so I strongly suggest getting the optional rain cover as well (it fits easily in the outside pocket).

I used a Timbuk2 bag for a while and that worked well. I have since gone to panniers.

Get a Chrome (http://chromebags.com) bag. They're absolutely perfect for what you're talking about. In my opinion, they're by far the most comfortable of all the messenger bags available. I have been using my for commuting for the last four months and love it. I also use it off the bike, because it's stylish even in dress shirts.

- Warren

I got a laptop bag with a padded inner case for the laptop, heavily padded strap. For clearly too wet, I'd put the laptop & the inner case inside a plastic bag, although I never actually had water pentrate. Sort of a super messenger bag. I don't recall the brand right now - the thing is at home housing my dead laptop. This was stable enough.

I'm good for about 15 miles with a messenger bag, then it starts to bother me a bit. I'll stop and change shoulders. Does impact my position somewhat. I've got my commuting bike set up with a bit higher bars. Balances me better with the bag. Still working on commuter position.

I've carried all sorts of stuff in here (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442503315&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693337&bmUID=1128643814215). I have had no problems with water getting in, even without the rain flap. It's very comfy, with a nice thick back pad that has a center channel to keep the bag from pressing against your spine.

Get a Chrome (http://chromebags.com) bag. They're absolutely perfect for what you're talking about. In my opinion, they're by far the most comfortable of all the messenger bags available. I have been using my for commuting for the last four months and love it. I also use it off the bike, because it's stylish even in dress shirts.

- Warren
Hi. Which Chrome bag do you have? Also how good are they at staying put if you are riding position is not upright?

Thx.

Hi. Which Chrome bag do you have? Also how good are they at staying put if you are riding position is not upright?

Thx.

Most messenger bags are great for riding when not-upright. Any good bag will stay put in pretty much any riding conditions.

I use a Baileyworks (http://www.baileyworks.com/) bag, and it's awesome, so if you go this route, I highly recommend them.

bk

Get a Chrome (http://chromebags.com) bag. They're absolutely perfect for what you're talking about. In my opinion, they're by far the most comfortable of all the messenger bags available. I have been using my for commuting for the last four months and love it. I also use it off the bike, because it's stylish even in dress shirts.

- Warren
Ditto

Eagle Creek (http://www.eaglecreek.com/index.html) makes several padded laptop bags that are intented to be use inside other bags (packpack, briefcase, etc.). I've got an older version I use for my work laptop & love it. Much better than the case that came with my laptop. As far as waterproof, nothing beats your basic white trash bag.

Hi. Which Chrome bag do you have? Also how good are they at staying put if you are riding position is not upright?

Thx.

You can read my review, along with some other good reviews, in this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=134308)

- Warren

I like the BaileyWorks also. I have a Superpro Courier. The BaileyWorks bags can be set up to go over either shoulder. I like mine over my right shoulder so I get a clear view of traffic in the mirror on the left side of my helmet.

Arkel has a new commuter pannier in it's 2006 cataloge that looks like it would do the job very well.

He wants to carry the 'puter on his back.

Hi. Which Chrome bag do you have? Also how good are they at staying put if you are riding position is not upright?

Thx.
The Chrome Metro should provide plenty of room, is waterproof and stays put pretty well. Its what I use for my commute of 8.5 each way. Still for a heavy load like a loptop and books over that distance I'd perfer a pannier. With the Bug you could easily remove it and carry it once you parked but it would be more stable and comfortable while riding.
Craig

i recently purchased a timbuk2 pro series messenger - large. its made very nice, high quility, lots of room, water resistant/proof, etc... BUT when sprinting or tucked it drifts to my right side and i have to kick it back with my elbow. really frustrating when i'm trying to make good time. i have it strapped to me pretty effing tight too.

ocie,

Sorry to hear that. You might want to try one of the Chrome or Baileyworks or Carradice bags to see if they have the same problem with shifting. My Chrome never shifts at all, even when hitting 30 mph during an adrenaline-induced sprint in traffic.

Also, while it sounds counterintuitive, try loosening the bag. When your bag is tight, its center of gravity is higher, and thus more prone to shift around on you. I keep my bag reasonably loose, so its center of gravity is right in the middle (or slightly below the middle) of my back.

- Warren

I wound up taking so much stuff on my commute that I dispensed with a bag on the body. I like the free feeling, while the bike takes the load. If you get a good bag and tire of it, you can always sell it and opt for an on-bike solution.

Sorry Umney. I just sent you a private message about a Bailey Works I have for sale but misread North Cal as North Car.