Commuting - Pannier solutions

Hi all.
Not only is this my first time on the forum, today was also my first time on the London roads - and it really wasn't that bad. So it looks like i'll be joining your road rage catalysing commuting community.

I'm off tommorrow to buy accessories for my beachcruiser - I'll need panniers and waterproof gear, maybe better pedals.

I was wondering what you guys do when you reach B - do you take your panniers off and store them in lockers or something? I saw guys today with up to 4 panniers loaded front and rear. Do you just carry it all through your office?

I just need to take my laptop and books to college really so maybe I could go with a shoulder bag. I was thinking of using my bike to carry my shopping though - does anyone else do this?

Look at the thread for good cheap pannier below. If you're new to commuting u will need:

1. A helmet.
2. A lock, preferably a u-lock.
3. Fenders.

Some people use backpacks, messenger bags, panniers, or bike bags. When i get to work i take my bike inside, maybe some of those people with all the bags do that too.

Helmet? Do all you guys wear helmets? Has anyone ever fallen off? Yeh better get a lock tommorrow too.

Yes, I've fallen off...several times. Once I cracked a helmet and had to get it replaced. Now I never ride my bike without a helmet on my head.

I have a Trek Grocery Bag that I use for errands and also to take my laptop to work. It has D-rings, so I added a shoulder strap to attach to the D-rings when I go into a store.
When I commute to work, my laptop is in a messenger bag from REI; I put that into the Grocery bag so that I keep my back somewhat dry in the Phoenix heat.

My company allows me to store the bike inside, so I leave the Grocery bag on the bike while I'm at work.

Heads heal helmets don't. ;)

Having put in my dumas$ 2c.... *hides*

Heads heal helmets don't. ;)

Having put in my dumas$ 2c.... *hides*

On the other hand, helmets can be replaced.

In answer to the original question, I store my bike in a garage at work, which, in and of itself, won't stop a thief if you don't have a lock with you (I learned this one the hard way). I use two rear panniers, which I bring inside. Even that's probably more than I need. If you're going to use panniers, make sure you get a rack that mounts to the frame and not the seat post. Unless, of course, you want to ride home without a saddle.

Helmet? Do all you guys wear helmets? Has anyone ever fallen off? Yeh better get a lock tommorrow too.

Something that you should also know about commuting is that every single time you get in traffic you risk being killed by cars. Helmets reduce the risk. When i first got into commuting i read all the web page stuff about commuting i could find. One of the websites was by this guy here:

http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/

Dug his stuff, read his tips, looked at his bikes. He commuted for years and put that web page up to help people learn about commuting. Then he was killed by a drunk driver.

Not trying to be a tool but if you are going to do this stuff wear a helmet because some people on the road in cars shouldnt be.

Get panniers with a quick-release clip-on system. Some still use old fashioned hooks on elastic. If you have to reach down and fiddle to fit the pannier it is no good.
Names to look for include Carradice, Altura ,Karrimoor, Vaude , Ortleib. Anything removable that is left on a bike will probably get removed, so take it with you.
I use a large pannier bag, even when carrying a little. I can always stop off at the shops to fil it. I usually carry 2 for a full grocery trip. 4 panniers is overkill for most people, unless you have a family to feed.
Check out some of the better bike shops such as Bikefix on Lambs Conduit St.
When I commuted in Lodon, the most vital accessory was an A-Z map. It will get you off the main car routes and onto the minor back roads. Some routes can also use the many canal tow-paths.

Helmet? Do all you guys wear helmets? Has anyone ever fallen off? Yeh better get a lock tommorrow too.

Wouldn't not wear the helmet. I was riding on the roads outside of Albany NY years ago -- narrow bike lane, mostly gravel, a car brushed by me and never stopped while I crashed on the shouldered. The helmet cracked but all I suffered was a bad case of shock. Now I happily commute on broad bike lanes, but gravel, drivers on cell phones, even unexpected obstructions are there, ready to bite. A helmet is cheap insurance. Oh, and I lock my bike to a rack outside my office window, altho' my employer does provide lockers on a first-come first-served basis.

Hi There,

£19.99 from argos, exclent Panniers not water proof though. I ordered from www.webtex.com some waterproof liners which work exclent no leaks even in the toughest downpours, seem to be getting allot of thoughs in London lately.

laters
joe