Commuting - Solid uncuttable panniers

Hello,

Has anyone tried using solid non-fabric type panniers? For example, something like:
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=106&cid=2

If I make multiple stops during a trip, and have to leave my bike locked up, it is a nuisance to take things with me. I want to protect slightly valuable items from thieves with knives/screwdrivers/etc.

I also worry about perverse people who would take worthless stuff from me, if I just leave it in a zippered pannier.

Many thanks in advance for your stories and insight about this. Have a good weekend.

Since you asked, I did buy a Bike Box II (http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Bike-Box-II.jpg) this week.
Uncuttable is not a word I would use to describe it. And it does look cool, which can be a thief magnet. I would not leave it unattended for long in a high crime area.
It's cloth lined, has pockets for pens, cell phone, etc. and large enough to hold your helmet and a u-lock (pic (http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Open-Box.jpg)), or would do as a small camera case. It's made of thin plastic which has some flex when opened, similar to the give a plastic kayak has. It's not the Samsonite that Willie B. tossed around his cage, or as tough as a Pelican case, but it is tough. You can lock it by threading a suitcase lock through the zipper pulls (pic (http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Box-Back.jpg)). But if you want to lock it to the bike proper you have to thread a chain through the handle or improvise. I cut a guide hole in the attachment mecanisim to thread a cable Ortlieb sells to keep honest people from walking off with it (pic (http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Cable.jpg)). The zipper is unlike any I have seen. It comes with lube, use it. It'll keep out Katrina.
Worth the money? Yeah, to me, I'm using it as a camera case, and allow myself the dream my equipment could survive a spill in it. I know rain is not getting in, so that is enough, plus it looks sweet.

--A

These work great.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4359250
Just clamp them to the side of the rack. You may also find some in bright orange around the boating supplies.

Not what you were asking about, but I commute with Arkel T-42 panniers, they have a separate fanny pack that clips on the top of the pannier where you can put your valuables, when doing a quick errand, you just snap the small bag off the top and take it with you.

home made from Kitty litter tubs, nobody wants to steal due to the geek factor, and waterproof. I think they would come off but be sound even in a fall.

Consider Exomesh, or something like it.

http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=43598

These work great.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4359250
Just clamp them to the side of the rack. You may also find some in bright orange around the boating supplies.

Clever idea. Will one of those fit on the top of a rack to use as a trunk?

How about just bolting a metal tool box to the rack?

How about just bolting a metal tool box to the rack?
I have an antique bike I ride in the local Veterans Day parade. It's painted Navy shore patrol black and white, sports a blackout light up front, and has three 50 cal ammo cans mounted. Two mounted on the sides of the rear rack and one mounted to the handlebar. 2.125 white wall tires round it out. I always put on my cracker jacks (Navy Uniform) with leggings on as well as a steel WWII era helmet. I look like an SP patrolling the strip down town keeping the drunk Sailors on liberty out of trouble. Everyone complements me as I slowly pedal by.
The 50 cal ammo cans round out the military look. The only problem with them is weight! They simply weight too much for a daily rider as there made of steel. Aluminum boxes might work until you accidentally drop the bike on one and bend it. Fabric or hard plastic panniers would take the hit with nary a care or damage.

Clever idea. Will one of those fit on the top of a rack to use as a trunk?
They're a little too tall for that. I tried one and always managed to kick it when trying to get my leg over to get on and off the bike. What works very well is a plastic shoebox from the local dollar store. There perfect as a hard shell rack trunk if you don’t mind the nerdy look. It will keep everything perfectly dry in wet weather. There are two ways to mount it. Simply bungee it to the rack or use some screws to bolt it to the rack. Make sure to use some RTV around the screws so as to keep the water out. I personally like bungee cord. Not only does it hold the plastic box to the rack it holds the plastic lid down tightly as well and keeps everything sealed from rain and mud. As it only costs a dollar when it starts looking ratty simply toss it and spend another dollar for a new one.