Commuting - Briefcase-style Panniers

Hi,

I'm a commuter newbie. I've been reading the posts here and I think I've found the commuter experts! My bike is a Giant Cypress DX. My commute is pretty short: about 5 miles. Today I rode two days in a row for the first time. I've been using a bookbag-sized backpack to carry my office stuff and clothes in, but find it uncomfortable because it makes me sweat more on days like today (92 degrees) and I don't like the higher center-of-gravity feeling. I've transported my laptop a few times, but after reading some posts here I think the vibration may be too much.

I'd like something that looks like a briefcase. I've found many briefcase-style panniers on the net, but little in the way of reviews or testimonials. Below is what I've found so far and I was wondering if anyone had purchased one of these or know someone who has. If your favorite is not on the list, please let me know about it! I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks,

QC

Altura Briefcase Panniers (http://www.zyro.eu.com/bags3.htm)
Arkel OverDesigns Briefcase (http://www.panniers.com/panniers/briefcase/overview.asp?color=&site=)
Carradice BIKE BUREAU (http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/bikebureaunew.html) - nice review (http://www.etherfarm.com/brain/etherblog/archives/001158.html)
Edinburgh Commuter Briefcase Pannier (http://www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk/catalogue/detail.cfm?ID=9995)
Jandd Commuter Briefcase Pannier (http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FCBP)
Jandd Commuter Pannier (http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FCP)
Ortlieb Office Bag (http://www.ortliebusa.com/pages/OrtliebBicycleRearRack_OfficeBag.htm)
Ortlieb Travel Biker (http://www.ortliebusa.com/pages/OrtliebBicycleRearRack_TravelBiker.htm)
Rixen & Kaul KLICKfix CASEY & TROLLEY (http://klickfix.com/trolleye.htm)
Two Wheel Gear Commuter Pannier (http://www.twowheelgear.com/index.html)

I have the Arkel. Very well made. I use it as my everyday briefcase, on or off the bike. I've had it for a year, and it's held up very well, just like my Arkel panniers.

Use the template on their website and make absolutely sure your heels will clear the front bottom of the case. I have to mount mine as far back as I can get it on the rack.

RichC

Well I don't have the briefcase pannier but I do have other Arkel
panniers. I really like them and would highly recommend them.

I have been commuting for almost 5 months and have not had
any problems with my laptop. I use the Arkel Sammuri panniers
on my commute because they are waterproof and and have a
semi hard shell that protects them from scrapes but that is just
a personal choice. I think any panniers that connect securely to
your bike will work well for carrying your laptop. When I first
started commuting I would wrap my laptop in my work clothes
to provide extra cushioning. I soon realized that it wasn't
necessary. As long as the pannier can be tightened down to
hold things securely without them bouncing around in side you
should be fine.

Good luck on your search

Steve

I have the Ortlieb Office Bag, which I like a lot. I have the fake leather style, which looks little better than the canvas material, but it is certainly not as elegant/polished as a real briefcase, because of the mounting hardware.

I have the Arkel Briefcase as well, and it rules. Very sturdy, with a plastic shield protecting the laptop on both sides. Lots of pockets and padding, and smart features like a flap that covers the mounting hardware for off bike use. Your laptop is suspended inside the bag in a padded sleeve that nicely fits my 15" Apple Powerbook (it would not fit the 17" model) The mounting hardware is great, quick to attach/detach yet very secure. I was involved in a (stupid and accidental) crash where I landed on the side with the case, and everything survived just fine (of course my shoulder and hip took the bulk of the force)

I too have the Arkel (and their T-42's) and love it. I've had it for about a year/about 2k miles and have no complaints - it's a *great* bag.

I have the Business Pannier by Inertia Designs (www.inertiadesigns.com). I love it. Works well for my laptop, clothes and small runs to the store.