axelfox

Alright, I'm gearing up for the daylight savings turn and looking forward to commuting to work by bike (21m one way) in SoCal. Mostly bike trail, but about 6-8 miles on suburban roads and PCH. I work in an office, and plan to keep a set of clothes and supplies at the office.

I'm looking to get same panniers for my rack (to be installed), and need to carry:

1) 13 in laptop + accessories
2) Lunch
3) Some loose papers/folders

and once in a while some new clothes and supplies.

I'm looking at :

1) Novara Commuter - I like b/c has many pockets and 13 reviews, mostly good for what I need.

https://www.rei.com/product/748088

2) Ortlieb Bike Shopper - people rave about Ortlieb and it's durability.

https://www.rei.com/product/737830

3) Detours Transit Tour - good value, I get a pair for almost the same price as the other two above

https://www.rei.com/product/749997

I'm also eyeing the Transit line over at Performance.
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_id=2312

dave.lloyd

I use the Deuter Rack Pack I panniers every day and love 'em. Great attachment system and, reasonably water resistant (dry in all but the heaviest downpour), plenty of room for laptop, lunch, clothes, locks, tube, a few groceries on the way home from work, and they even survive well in crashes.

If you google around, you can usually find free shipping or 20% off coupons for Sierra Trading Post, too.

pinkpowa

Mostly unrelated to the current post, but my Ortlieb Back Roller Classic bags are bone dry after 8 hours of tornado warning level thunderstorms here in north florida. Bone Dry. They're amazing.

JeffC

I had the REI Commuter pack for awhile. It works great on smaller sized racks. It is listed as working on racks from 8 to 12 mm in diameter. The rack on my new bike had tubing almost 11 mm in diameter. It was a pain to get it on with that sized rack since the two metal clips that go under the tube would not easily extend on a larger rack. As a commuter, you'll probably put on and take off your pannier at least four times (put on at home in morning, take off when get to work, put on when leaving work, take off at night at home, etc.) so ease of getting on and off is important. I replaced it with an Ortlieb instead which works great.

Catgrrl70

I use the Ortlieb Front Roller panniers and just love them. Completely dry no matter what the weather and they wipe down easily. So easy to get on and off and carry. No brainer. They can be stuffed full and heavy as well. I generally just use one and can fit shoes or boots, shirt/sweater, pants/jeans, lunch and other misc stuff in one bag.

axelfox

Looks like the Ortlieb is winning

phillyrider

I have the Ortlieb - but with a laptop, I find that it's snug. I carry a basic work clothes (no shoes, but change at the gym), my laptop in a padded envelope, and my u-lock and cables. That's all I can fit. If you carry a laptop, you'll need some pads.

It great in the rain. For laptop, lunch, and papers - it may be fine. Depends on your once in a while (space wise). On the Ortlieb, I'm not a huge fan of the zip lock top - it doesn't always slide easily -> zipper is easier, but less water-proof.

Good luck.

Jinks

I use the novara pannier and haven't had any problems with it. I like the side and top pouches as well as the internal ones. It attaches securely to my rack and is easy to put on or take off. It's just the right size for my tools, clothes, laptop, and if need be shoes and lunch.

skylla

I have the TransIt Large Waterproof panniers, and like them pretty well. Actually, I only ever need one to carry the day's clothes, lunch, and tools/etc. They're pretty easy to get on and off--they attach with a hook on an elastic strap at the bottom and a pair of hooks over the rack, and then there are two little velcro loops on each for extra security. I've had a few occasions where one or both of the hooks has jumped off after a big bump, so I always use at least one of the velcro loops. I'd use both if I had a computer in the bag.

My coworker just traded in a pair of Topeak bags that broke for the Ortleib Backrollers at REI. I'm jealous. They're about the same size as mine but with a nicer attachment system and a more convenient carrying strap. Of course, they're also significantly more expensive.

It sounds like you're not too concerned about rain. Is that true? Because all the options you linked too seem like nice bags that would not do that well in the rain.

vrkelley

The Transit is a pretty sturdy bag. Good value too!

axelfox

I just ordered the Ortlieb. I'm not too concerned about rain, but many people raved about them, and it was only 5 more than the Novara Commuter.

Allen

I've a set of the Bike shoppers. Great pannier. I expect you'll be very happy with them.

treebound 

Since he's already ordered his I'll snipe in a little thread hijack:
Any comments or experience with the Seattle Sports Rain Rider?
https://www.rei.com/product/749951

Catgrrl70

After looking at all the bags at REI, likely this one as well, nothing they had compared to construction, waterproofness, sturdiness, and ease of use as the Ortlieb.

kmac27

I own the backroller ortlieb panniers. Couldn't be happier. My stuff never gets wet and I always have plenty of room. Heres a list of what I take with on my rides.

Extra shoes, bike lock, pump, extra clothes, lunch, 3 school books, spare patches and boot kit.

All of that is in 2 bags not one to mention. They are very easy to attach and detatch and I believe they come with a lifetime werranty. I will never wear a backpack again!!

axelfox

Last time I checked, it was either 5 or 7 years. But REI is lifetime!

kmac27

I have no complaints either way. They are very reliable. I'm sure I can buy parts for worn parts but that bag will last for a very long time with the matieral it is made out of.