Commuting - Your thoughts on my bike and its new panniers?

I have had my Jamis Commuter for about 6 months now, I was commuting with a rack top bag and when needed a back pack was used too. My boss told me about a month ago that we could get Ortlieb panniers a bit cheaper than normal!
The only thing was that they were Front City Rollers only, not rear ones though, no big deal though they look really nice on the bike too.
The size is a nice compromise on the big bags. I would like to know what you guys think about it?
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I would also like some feedback on whether I should change the rack on the Claud Butler to work better with the Ortliebs? As I commute on both bikes.
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Any thoughts would be great, Thanks

So long as the bags meet your needs size wise, then I'd say that was a good score. Also, off hand, I suspect you may have encountered heel strike with bigger bags on the Butler. As far as getting a new rack, it probably wouldn't hurt to get one that had 3 legs like this Axiom Journey (http://www.amazon.com/Axiom-Journey-Tubular-Alloy-Black/dp/B002994ES4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356151516&sr=8-1&keywords=axiom+rear+rack).

The bags are fine. I use front bags on my rear rack for most my commuting. No need to carry all that much stuff unless you have to. That rack on your Butler is cool and I would use it if it works. Don't see why it wouldn't unless you are carrying a lot of weight in your panniers.

They look great on the Jamis. They would be the PERFECT size for me.

That Jamis is sweet. I am ordering a Commuter 3 for my second bike through my LBS (really looking forward to that). Has yours worked out well for you?

I use Ortlieb back roller classics on my current bike. I love 'em. Durable, waterproof, easy on/off, just fantastic. The black Ortliebs you have there go nice with your black bike. I'm sure you will love the Ortliebs - once you have used them, you won't want to go back to anything else.

Thanks guys they ride well.I wanted simple and robust panniers and these really are. Thank you for the comments on my Jamis (I love that bike!!)
Bluish Green you may want to be carefull you may find it becoming your 1st bike of choice.

The only negative thing is the fenders they are ridiculous and would not stop much rain at all, so I replaced them with some plastic 45mm ones. The bars are very nice , they curl back towards you keeping your ride position quite casual but then, if you encounter too much wind simply loosen the 1 hex bolt on the stem and lower the bar tighten and ride away, a lot lower in ride position . . . simple.

I am looking at buying a Masi CX and selling a couple of the older bikes that I have to clear out a bit of space and only have about 6 bikes to look after. I want a modern drop bar commuter.

Your bikes are great, love the Black one. I think the panniers are great, I'm looking to upgrade my bike with a rack and panniers as well.

For the Claude Butler, it looks like you have braze-ons for a front rack. I'd put a front rack on it to use for the bags and leave the rear as-is.

They are both nice bikes.

Nice bike! No problems with the bags - if that size works for you - its a good size.

I'll second the suggestion to look into a front rack though. Not because those happen to be front bags, but because many people happen to PREFER having the weight up front, and you might too if you give it a shot .

Great looking bikes.

Your fenders lack splash guards.
You can make your own or buy some.

http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Mud-Flap-Fenders/dp/B001CJVKGQ/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

I like that Jamis - The bags are fine, it's really an individual choice. Slam a nice brooks on it and a set of lights and I might come steal it from you :D