Commuting - perfect pannier for a laptop?

I want to buy my husband a rear pannier for his laptop. I'm surprised at the lack of selection out there. I found the Arkel brand. They are lovely but extraordinarily pricey. I'll probably get one if I don't find an alternative, but I'm wondering if I'm missing something a bit cheaper out there on the market. Thanks in advance for your help.

Enjoy those exhilarating bike commutes!

I use a laptop cell in my Banjo brothers saddlebag panniers. Laptop cells are kind of like padded laptop bags, usually with only one main pocket for the laptop, maybe a business card holder and a fabric handle, and almost no other features. They're meant to protect laptops being carried in briefcases, luggage, etc.

Wouldn't a 5-10 lb laptop throw off one's balance unless the other side was a counterweight? I recommend a solid backpack.

No. I've had 20+ pounds on one side of my bike. You don't notice it any worse than you'd notice extra weight on your back raising your CG. And since when does a laptop weigh 10 pounds? Good lord. The 80's called. They want their luggables back.

Wouldn't a 5-10 lb laptop throw off one's balance unless the other side was a counterweight? I recommend a solid backpack.

As someone else said: Nope.

You get used to it very fast... in fact for a long time I couldn't ride without my hands if I WASN'T hauling my laptop. ;)

I have a padded sleeve for my laptop. A good idea as it cushions the thing. I just drop it in my shopping basket style pannier and bungie it in so it doesn't flop about.

I had a 2001 model Gateway (company owned), so I had no choice.

I like my laptops like I like my bikes - solid and durable :D

I currently haul my 6lb 17" in my backpack ...but id love to get it off my back and on the bike, but I don't know how to do it, as I have to make sure it's on solid. I can't have it fall off. The less weight off your back, the less weight on your bum bum

A padded laptop sleeve and any decent pannier that it will fit in will work fine.

Yeah, panniers are the biz compared to having weight on your back. You feel almost as free as if you weren't carrying anything. I second the sleeve idea, and then any old pannier that's big enough.

I got the REI Novarra commuter pannier (http://www.rei.com/product/748088), which is pretty decent and big enough for a laptop and a fair quantity of stuff, though I have nothing to compare it to and can't believe it's particularly special.

I bought the Ortlieb OfficeBag last week. It comes in Medium and Large. I got the Large. It fits a laptop plus assorted accoutrements (lunch, office clothing, lights, etc). I got it for $95 on sale at REI.

So far i like it. Good workmanship, waterproof (so they say, haven't had a chance to experience it myself). Easy on/off the rack. Stable. I don't notice the extra weight hanging on one side when biking.
It does require a laptop to be padded. I use the one that my company gave me with my laptop. Simple affair, but does do the job. A lot like what ax0n describes in post #2

If you just want space for a laptop, you may consider the Medium size. Nearly identical, but narrower.
Duppie

I've been using the Arkel Commuter now for a year with my laptop. It was expensive, and it is worth every cent. It is extremely well constructed and designed. It still looks as performs perfectly just like the day I bought it, and no, it does not throw off your balance.

If I had to do it over agian I would buy the exact same one. Buy it for him, he and you will not regret it.

To OP: brand recommendations will only take you so far -- what matters is that it fit on your husband's bike. And I do mean fit, like...bomber, like never ever come off. I got what I thought was a decent set of panniers, by Trek, not cheap, but they just were not up to riding in Boston. Now I use a backpack and don't ever worry about losing my laptop while I'm merging with the Mass Pike offramp traffic.

Ortlieb and Carradice make panniers for commuters, Ortlieb makes a nice laptop sleeve. Both are very high quality panniers, and will be in the same price range as the Arkel. Wallingford Bike Shop (http://wallbike.com) carries them.

If your husband doesn't like panniers, there are messenger bags that have laptop sleeves. I like messenger bags because I can wear them lower on my body (resting against my hip) than I can a backpack, avoiding a sweaty back and lowering my center of gravity. Other people actually like to cycle with a backpack on, to each his own. The Patagonia Critical Mass (http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&style_color=48276-511&patcatcode=MAIN_FA07_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.PACKS/TRAVEL_GEAR.SHOULDER_BAGS) is a nice messenger bag, IMO.

And since when does a laptop weigh 10 pounds? Good lord. The 80's called. They want their luggables back.

Someone just came into my office to see what was so funny...

and currently... when taking my tablet/laptop to work I put it in a laptop backpack... I dont have panniers yet...

heh... just chuckled again...

My panniers are currently at the tailor getting some seams reinforced, so I've been using the Kensington Contour Backpack for the last week, which works great for an upright bike like my MTB or hybrid. When I sink into the drop bars on my road bike, it tries to creep up and hit my head, which isn't pleasurable. I've done it both ways and don't mind the backpack really, but I prefer panniers, especially on my road bike.

The Carradice Bike Bureau (http://www.carradice.co.uk/commuter-bike-bags/bike-bureau.shtml) is a nice example of a laptop bag with quick-release locking mounts for any std rack.
The bag can be mounted at an angle to gain extra heel clearance when pedalling. Carradice are well known for their durability and give decades of daily used.

Wouldn't a 5-10 lb laptop throw off one's balance unless the other side was a counterweight? I recommend a solid backpack.

I think there's a number of backpack advocates out here that think this and it's far from the truth. Enjoy the freedom of a nice ride--loaded up with gear--with that load on the bike's frame. You're ride will be very stable and your back won't sweat.:D

I've been using the Arkel Commuter now for a year with my laptop. It was expensive, and it is worth every cent. It is extremely well constructed and designed. It still looks as performs perfectly just like the day I bought it, and no, it does not throw off your balance.

If I had to do it over agian I would buy the exact same one. Buy it for him, he and you will not regret it.

+1! I absolutely love my Arkel Commuter, and would also buy it again.

Personally, I'm running a Topeak MTX TrunkBag DXP and I love it. It's a combo trunk bag and pannier, and it fits my laptop perfectly. Though it doesn't have padding in the pannier, you can get a padded laptop sleeve to take care of that.

http://www.topeak.com/2007/products/bags/bagsmain.php

To OP: brand recommendations will only take you so far -- what matters is that it fit on your husband's bike. And I do mean fit, like...bomber, like never ever come off. I got what I thought was a decent set of panniers, by Trek, not cheap, but they just were not up to riding in Boston. Now I use a backpack and don't ever worry about losing my laptop while I'm merging with the Mass Pike offramp traffic.

I agree, I never liked the idea of panniers anyway to be honest, unless your carrying something that isn't so valuable as a laptop. I never liked the idea of something hanging off the side of my bike. I use a water resistant backpack for my laptop, clean up stuff (cologne, deodorant etc. etc.) to throw my whatever else in there as well and is nice and snug on my back not going anywhere. I don't care for "Center of Gravity" and all that other crap, my legs and arms takes me where I need to go, not worrying about a 1degree different or whatever or even an extra 5lbs. like some people on here.

I agree, I never liked the idea of panniers anyway to be honest, unless your carrying something that isn't so valuable as a laptop. I never liked the idea of something hanging off the side of my bike. I use a water resistant backpack for my laptop, clean up stuff (cologne, deodorant etc. etc.) to throw my whatever else in there as well and is nice and snug on my back not going anywhere. I don't care for "Center of Gravity" and all that other crap, my legs and arms takes me where I need to go, not worrying about a 1degree different or whatever or even an extra 5lbs. like some people on here.

I never understood why people are so against panniers when they have probably never tried them. Can you fit over a weeks worth of groceries in your backpack? How about two 12 packs of beer?

With a mounting system like the ortliebs use the pannier will NEVER bounce off of the bike. Also, they are completely waterproof, so you do not have to worry about the laptop getting wet. Personally i do not carry my laptop around very often, but if i were i would trust it inside my ortliebs!

I never understood why people are so against panniers when they have probably never tried them. Can you fit over a weeks worth of groceries in your backpack? How about two 12 packs of beer?

With a mounting system like the ortliebs use the pannier will NEVER bounce off of the bike. Also, they are completely waterproof, so you do not have to worry about the laptop getting wet. Personally i do not carry my laptop around very often, but if i were i would trust it inside my ortliebs!

Ditto for the Carradice Bike Bureau. Once it's fixed on the rack, it doesn't budge.

I'd also like to reiterate the point about using one pannier. I've filled my Bike Bureau with a laptop, change of clothes,rain gear, lunch and a book or two. Underway, I'm not aware of any imbalance.

And since when does a laptop weigh 10 pounds? Good lord. The 80's called. They want their luggables back. LOL, but to be fair true desktop replacement workstations can be heavy. Try finding one with dual core processors, separate graphics card, large resolution, etc. for under 7 lbs. Also, if you add on top of that the accessories you wish to carry along with your laptop (battery pack, mouse, external cards, etc.) things add up.

Trust me, more than half the stuff I carry around is in support of my laptop, and yes there's more than 10 pounds there. It's a moot point, though, because:

1) a bike heavy on one side really isn't that bad, you don't notice it.

2) a good pannier won't fall off, get wet inside, get caught in the spokes, etc

3) backpacks really do suck for long distances, and people who sing backpack praises haven't likely tried using decent panniers for a month worth of 30-mile round trip commutes.

I never understood why people are so against panniers when they have probably never tried them. Can you fit over a weeks worth of groceries in your backpack? How about two 12 packs of beer?

With a mounting system like the ortliebs use the pannier will NEVER bounce off of the bike. Also, they are completely waterproof, so you do not have to worry about the laptop getting wet. Personally i do not carry my laptop around very often, but if i were i would trust it inside my ortliebs!

Maybe you can't read or something so let me help you, I said "I never liked the idea of panniers", did not say I was against them. Even if I was so what, what you going to do about it? Me, myself and the homeless guy on the street can be against anything we want for whatever reasons we want as long as we are happy with out decision. No, for my reasons I have already explained, but that obviously didn't get through so go read it again if you want to see it cause I wont repeat myself too many times. If I am comfortable with something I am going to do it with or without your approval because it is me doing it not you. You make your own decision on your own thoughts, period.

I have an open mind, but even the so called "Mainstream branded, and popular ones" do not have my approval over all. I get by just fine with the market 2 blocks from my house so I do not have to carry a weeks worth of groceries on me regardless. Until I am comfortable with a design of panniers and see the need to have them I will stick with a backpack, not much else to say unless you want to tell me all the reasons why "You think I need them", so if you can't read then tell me that because I still do not need them for what I carry on me daily.

Maybe you can't read or something so let me help you, I said "I never liked the idea of panniers", did not say I was against them. Even if I was so what, what you going to do about it? Me, myself and the homeless guy on the street can be against anything we want for whatever reasons we want as long as we are happy with out decision.

Whoah,mate. Nobody's attacking your perfect right to have an opinion,however fatuous and ill-informed. It was clear you didn't have a clue as to how well attached a decent pannier is to a bike. If you'd said "I don't like the idea of panniers bouncing off the bike, but then of course I've never used any of these panniers everybody tends to recommend on these threads, and have no idea how well they're attached.", then that might have made the reply by Zoltani unnecessary.

Whoah,mate. Nobody's attacking your perfect right to have an opinion,however fatuous and ill-informed. It was clear you didn't have a clue as to how well attached a decent pannier is to a bike. If you'd said "I don't like the idea of panniers bouncing off the bike, but then of course I've never used any of these panniers everybody tends to recommend on these threads, and have no idea how well they're attached.", then that might have made the reply by Zoltani unnecessary.

True, guess my "Jump down your throat" attitude wasn't needed in this case. Sorry guys, bad day, crap, it's been a bad week. No need in getting upset over something like this. You are right though, I haven't tried them and I guess I should before I immediately shut them out as an option because if they do work as advertised they for sure could be used for many things, including laptops. Once again, sorry, it's been a bad week, and please continue.

Sorry to hear you've had a bad week. Hope things look up for you soon.

Sorry to hear you've had a bad week. Hope things look up for you soon.

Hey, thanks. I'm 24, made a bad choice at 15 and had a kid with her, TWICE, and things just don't get better with her. Glad we're not together or it would be a lot worse. I will be glad to leave this life behind and move on. Six more months and I will be in Chicago, but will be meeting them in Indianapolis on Greyhound to pick up my kids and go back on Greyhound to Chicago when I want to see them. I just need to get out of here.

Thanks for all the advice. I think I am going to go with an Arkel bag. I just noticed they come with a lifetime, transferable, no receipt required warranty.

I am a huge fan of the pannier! When we lived (and biked) in the Netherlands, I fell in love with the amount of stuff you could haul using bike bags. My husband actually gave me an IOU birthday present because my dream Dutch panniers (Basil company) are about to come available in the US in January. Probably not the sturdiest of panniers, but certainly the most beautiful looking!

http://www.seattlebikesupply.com/scripts/fccgi.exe?w3exec=CatalogDetail&SKU=140490

Thanks for the help!

Ditto for the Carradice Bike Bureau. Once it's fixed on the rack, it doesn't budge.

I'd also like to reiterate the point about using one pannier. I've filled my Bike Bureau with a laptop, change of clothes,rain gear, lunch and a book or two. Underway, I'm not aware of any imbalance.

Nice product, that Bike Bureau. Thanks everyone for the great suggestions -- lots of creativity is being put to use for laptops, which is helpful.

As for the one-sided weight, I experience that already with my current grocery pannier setup, and I am going to ask the frame builders whether the lopsided stresses will compromise frame integrity (perhaps someone already has asked? I will check...). By now, after a year or so with it, I am used to the goofy load, but I am not sure that is a good thing for musculature, long term, frame aside.

I, too, have been looking for a laptop-worthy pannier or rack box, but I am of a one-track mind, er, of a one-rack mind: I only want bags that have the excellent Rixen & Kaul so-called Klickfix connectors of one form or another. It is not an easy task, but the Bike Bureau, I am happy to see, uses their products -- and that's why (evidently) when the Bureau gets attached it stays put: the klickfix system does the trick.

Note that Rixen & Kaul also make their own bags and sell these nifty rack adapters, connectors and coupling sets so you can DIY, i.e. put a coupler on a bag or rack-top box of your own so it click-locks to the rack. See their crappy site http://www.klickfix.de/index.php?lang=en and then search for 'coupling' (parts for your bag) and then search for for 'carrier adapter' (an adapter for your rack).

Alas, no full-line distributors yet in the USA means ordering must be from Europe. Hopefully someone will address that if the biking industry is on a roll. Thorn has a few of the Klickfix products, but not all of them (when I asked).

Can anyone recommend a pannier for a larger laptop (I think it has a 17" screen) ? I like the Jandd laptop pannier, but its around $100 or more, Im not sure if it would fit yet. I need to measure.

I use a docking station at work, and sometimes may need to use it as a laptop, so I carry it home. At most, maybe bringing it home friday, and back to work monday.

Thanks guys.

Here's another one to look at, and one that I personally use: The Deuter Essential Bike pannier. I bought it new at the GABA bike swap meet for only $25, but it must have been a sale, because now I see it online for $68, at: http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/deuter_essential_bike_bag/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=directory&utm_content=USA&currency=USD&country=USA


To see the bag at Deuter's website:
http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=essentialBike&sub=bike&tert=bike

Here's another one to look at, and one that I personally use: The Deuter Essential Bike pannier. I bought it new at the GABA bike swap meet for only $25, but it must have been a sale, because now I see it online for $68, at: http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/deuter_essential_bike_bag/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=directory&utm_content=USA&currency=USD&country=USA


To see the bag at Deuter's website:
http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=essentialBike&sub=bike&tert=bike

Thanks I will keep this one in mind..

I have nothing against the Arkel Commuter, it looks like a nice bag. However, I went with the Utility Basket + the Laptop Pouch and strap. Adding these make them both about the same price, but I prefer the "open" space and larger capacity of the Utility Basket because I roll a days worth of clothes and carry a laptop.

I haven't tried the Commuter so I don't know if this is a fair statement, but I was worried about space because I tried the Bug and found it to be too small for clothes, coffee, lunch, etc because of all the (very well designed) extra spaces.

Can anyone recommend a pannier for a larger laptop (I think it has a 17" screen) ? I like the Jandd laptop pannier, but its around $100 or more, Im not sure if it would fit yet. I need to measure.

I use a docking station at work, and sometimes may need to use it as a laptop, so I carry it home. At most, maybe bringing it home friday, and back to work monday.

Thanks guys.

I just measured the Laptop Pouch in my Arkel Utility Basket and it's 15 x 12 inches. Here's the spec's for the laptop space in the Commuter: http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/commuter/laptop.html

These are REALLY high quality panniers with a great latching system. If you can afford it, they're good stuff.

BTW- their Customer Service can be a bit slow to respond, but you will get very personal service. Call them if you have a question. Note this quote from the link above, "If one of these calculations exceed the maximum, please don’t hesitate to send us the dimensions of you laptop. We’d be more than happy to check if a custom pouch can be made and get back to you with the total cost."

I installed a Otivia Cargo Cashe hard case pannier on the rack.

http://www.otivia.com/cargocache.html

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/cargocache_closed.jpg

Its not instantly removable and it needs a long-legged rider to fit under the seat. However it is large, waterproof & aerodynamic.