Commuting - My new Commuter bike

Hey guys!
I built up a Schwinn Frontier frame into a SS commuter bike. I used a bunch of parts that were laying around at the shop, so unless you look closely it doesn't look like a SS. Anyway, I've got it fitted with lights, a rack, and Planet Bike full coverage fenders. Now all I need is for my windbreaker and rain jacket to get here and I'm set for the rainy/chilly season.
My quest for what to wear is still an ongoing fight. I've got some of those liners so I can ride in regular shorts, that way when I get to school I don't have a lot of changing to do. But with rain that isn't going to be possible unless I can find some rain-proof pants.

Right now I've got platform pedals on there so I can wear my regular shoes and that way I don't have to carry extra stuff. So that presents another problem, I can't wear Lycra with regular shoes, I'm to style sensitive for that :crash:
But maybe, if I can get some Panniers I'll switch to clipless.

Now that I don't have to carry stuff on my back, shirts aren't really a problem.

The more I think about it, I think Panniers are a good choice. What do you guys think?

The best thing I have done for my commute was to get panniers. Now I am not worried about bringing my change cothes for work, any extra bike clothes in case the weather turns on me, and I still have room for extra things that I may need to bring home from work.

Yes it did add quite a bit of weight to the bike, but man, when I take it all off for the weekend rides, I am flying down the road. :D

Carrying my bike up the stairs at work is a bit more akward with the extra weight in the rear, but still manageable.

Furthermore the panniers come off easily enough so if you need to leave your bike behind, but bring your stuff, its no big deal.

Just remember to put everything into large ziploc bags if you are riding in the rain.

Do you know of a website where I can get panniers other than Nashbar or Performance ?

Originally posted by fubar5
Right now I've got platform pedals on there so I can wear my regular shoes and that way I don't have to carry extra stuff. So that presents another problem, I can't wear Lycra with regular shoes, I'm to style sensitive for that :crash:
Matt, you're too funny. :lol: :roflmao: :lol:


The more I think about it, I think Panniers are a good choice. What do you guys think?
You've already got the rack - get some panniers.
How do you keep your stuff from getting ripped off?

I got a pair at REI last summer (2001) - not waterproof. :( A few months ago I got some waterproof ones from Nashbar.

Why don't you want Nashbar or Performance? Gotta support your employer right? ;)

What's the max price you want to pay?

How is school going? The ladies still drooling over your legs? :D

Matt I forgot to ask. Got pictures of the bike?

I got some trek ones from my LBS, they are okay, but now that I have used them, they don't have the best design for keeping themselves on the bike. One has popped off during a ride.

I only know of Performance or Nashbar to buy them online. But I would recommend checking out the LBS to at least get a sense for the size and flexiblity of them. Also, to do a test fit and make sure that your heel doesn't hit the bag on the pedal rotation.

Originally posted by RonH

You've already got the rack - get some panniers.
How do you keep your stuff from getting ripped off?

Why don't you want Nashbar or Performance? Gotta support your employer right? ;)

What's the max price you want to pay?

How is school going? The ladies still drooling over your legs? :D

Well, things actually have gotten ripped off....So I've been using a backpack the last few days.

I haven't even looked at what I can get through my shop actually. Nashbar has some(not waterproof) for 20 bucks right now. They carry 750 cu. in. I am assuming that is 750 apiece. Plus, for 4.50 nashbar has waterproof liners.


I'd like to stay 50 bucks or under if I could.

Nope, no drooling ladies Ron...:crash:

Here's the bags I'm looking at right now.
http://www.nashbar.com/productimages/medium/na-dtp2.gif

Panniers are almost always sized for the pair. So "750 cu in panniers" means 375 cu pi per side.

As to preventing the stuff from being stolen, I have two pairs of Arkel (http://www.panniers.com) panniers: the GT-54, which I use for touring or when I need to carry lots of stuff, and the T-42 which I use to commute (typically one on the rear rack), or on the front rack when I tour.

These panniers can be securely installed or removed in less than 30 s each, so it's quite easy to put all my valuable stuff in it and remove that when I lock the bike.

Regards,

Drat, 750 isn't going to be enough. Are Arkel panniers expensive?

Fubar you might want to consider this pannier that converts to a back pack. It's by Arkel, a good name in panniers.

Click on Ladybug at the left. (Don't let the name throw you!)

http://www.panniers.com/text_index.html

Those seatpost racks can't carry s@%t for weight-they bend seat posts, you know...

Originally posted by D*Alex
Those seatpost racks can't carry s@%t for weight-they bend seat posts, you know...

I didn't get one of those D*Alex, just looking at one fills my mind with terrible imaginations of being on the side of the road. I got a real one that is mounted to he frame.

I'm trying to think of places for panniers, but I'm drawing blanks. I've got three sets of them, from REI to Blackburn, front and rear too.
Like the idea of the SS. I've been riding 2 different fixed gears as commuters, but still get out the 27 speed for days I've got some hauling to do. I really enjoy the fixed gearing though, and have started bettering my times on the commute. I've ridden the same route enough now to know when I'll have a great time and when the wind is so fierce that trying to better the last ride is impossible.
Keep on riding.

I think Panniers are a wonderful idea.

When I first switched to Panniers, I got the sucky kind and regretted spending the $30 (CAD) on them.

So I surfed the net and found Rose Versand in Germany. Their prices are cheap and Ortlieb's are one of the, if not _the_ best panniers around.

I have the Bike Packer Plus. It comes in at around 130$ US (You have to subtract the 18% VAT for North American Prices). They can double as touring panniers as well.

My recommendation would be to get rear panniers (the Bike Packer or the Bike Roller)

Arkel's are really expensive as well. Forget getting Ortlieb's in North America. You will pay around $200 w/o shipping. If you are interested in getting them in North America I would recommend http://www.peterwhitecycles.com.

Sorry for the late reply!
Cheers!
Narayan

Don't skimp on panniers. I tried to go the cheap route and they only lasted two days. Sent them back but I'm still out the shipping charges. I'll be buying some from Arkel, mainly for the secure mounting system. The cheap ones wouldn't stay on my rack.

If you need something to carry dress clothes, suits, etc, then try Two Wheel Gear
http://www.twowheelgear.com in Canada. I bought one of their panniers and it's large, with plenty of pockets, and water resistant.

My commuters

and the Raleigh