sjt78

I don't know if it my OCD or not, but I just can't get myself to ride with a single pannier. On my commute to work, I usually carry lunch, clothes and occassionally shoes if I don't leave them at work. If I leave my shoes at work I have no reason for running the second pannier as everything can fit in one (actually everything could probably always fit in on as they are large panniers). I still put the second pannier on and split my stuff between the two to justify the second one. I'm not sure if it is a symmetry thing or what, but I then try to rationalize the second one by telling myself I'd have room if I need to bring extra stuff home (never) or that cars will give me a wider birth if I seem wider with both panniers on (not likely). Anyone else have this same issue? I think I just like the way the bike looks with both panniers attached. I don't carry a lot of weight in them so even if I went with one the balance issue wouldn't apply.

canyoneagle

In my case, the second pannier goes on only if the first is full or if I will be carrying more weight than usual and need o balance things out. Oherwise, I've gotten used to the single pannier.

JPprivate

Actually, for the last two weeks I switched to a messenger bag, but leave my empty (small) two-sided panniers on the bike. I really like that set-up because, a) I don't have fiddle around with taking the panniers on and off the bike (I just leave them on) and b) often on the way home I have to pick something up, and I always ran into space problems, which are now solved.

enigmaT120

I use one for stuff I need to take into work with me, and I remove it and carry it on the bus with me. The other I leave locked to the rack most of the time. I would probably use both even if I wasn't such a junkaholic for the reason JPprivate gave, just in case I need to pick something up on the way home. My goal is to make bicycling as practical and hassle free as possible so that I'm less tempted to drive. Not that motorcycles (my main motorized transport) are all that hassle free either.

CliftonGK1

More often, I'll overstuff 1 bag or pannier when I should be using 2. Grocery run with my recently purchased Metropolis was probably the biggest offender in that case... It's amazing how much stuff you can jam into there when you start getting creative.

prathmann

Same here. Recently had almost 50 lbs. of groceries in a single pannier and a rackpack.

colleen c

At this stage of my setup, I can get away without using any side pannier if needed. I have an Escape Pod with my backpack in the pod, however I still have two pannier attached to the rack. I put the smallest and lightest pannier I can find which are made by Avenier. If I need to carry anything extra to and from work, I won't need to worry about how to transport the extra stuff. I do find myself using the extra space usually on Friday on my way home as I tend to get some take out food or even a beer run

The two pannier on my bike does make it looks like I am touring. I get some of my funniest question and conversation when I am on the train. I usually get asked how far and which state I tour from. My best answer is that I pedal all the way from Hawaii. Some times they get it, while others don't.

Booger1

If I need one,I bring two.Otherwise it reminds me of girls with 1 ponytail coming out of the side of their head,it works but.....

no motor?

1 works fine for me most times, and I use the big backpack when I need to take more than I can cram into 1 pannier and not enough to justify the second pannier.

Pedaleur

Hahaha! I think they have treatment for your type these days. ;-)

I frequently ride with one empty pannier and a backpack, since I prefer the computer in the latter. I'm just too lazy to take the pannier off.

If it helps, one pannier will be more aero.

Seattle Forrest

Yes. And I try to get them close to the same weight, too. The bike handles more consistently this way. I ride a CX bike with panniers when I commute, or go somewhere I need to lock up and leave the bike behind. I ride a carbon road racing bike the rest of the time. I don't like the fact that the CX bike already handles so much more poorly, and I want to keep the difference between the bikes to a minimum. Two balanced panniers helps a bit with that.

Chris_in_Miami

It's not unusual at all, humans seem to love symmetry. That's why I added a duplicate drive train on the left side of my bike - balance, you see...

ItsJustMe

I keep the second one in the garage so that I'll have it when the first one wears out. I don't put enough weight into them to cause wear, but just being on the bike while it rattles and such eventually causes wear.

I have a waterproof pannier on the right and a Wald folding basket on the left. The basket is great for when I pick up heavy stuff.

Chris Pringle

One pannier most of the time for commuting. The second pannier gets used whenever I know for sure that I have to stop for grocery shopping at the market or on weekend or longer bike tours.

Mardmakarm

You may try using something like Topeak MTX.


https://www.topeak.com/products/Trunk...9e9j6dmvk5sms7

I just change it from saddle bage lately because i need to load some more stuff.

andrewkirk

The asymmetry of riding with one used to disturb me (aesthetically, not functionally) but I got over it.

The advantage of leaving one at home is that you'll always have a brand, shiny new one to take out on special occasions.

rykard

Always have both on as they make the bike look wider and I mount lights on both.

Boye

My bag (Ortlieb office) came as a single, so I just use one. Even tried having just this single one on a low rider with my daughter in a child seat at the back. It affects handling, surely, but is totally manageable if not to heavy.

EKW in DC

When I take my panniers, I always take two as well. Guess it's the symmetry thing. In my case, too, if I'm taking the panniers on my commute, chances are really good that I still have my rack trunk on the rear, so the panniers go on the front. Not only would I be constantly reminded of the fact I only have one pannier on the rack (since it'd be in plain view), but the weight distribution seems to matter more on the front. All the weight to one side and it makes the bike want to turn that way. So, OCD or not, I'm with the OP.

SweetLou

I use both panniers. I have ridden with only one a couple of times. I like both for a couple of reasons.
1. The symmetry. I don't wear a watch because nothing is on the other arm.
2. I don't like to cram stuff in one pannier if I don't need to. I would rather use two. It is easier to get what I need.
3. Probably the most important. I don't know what I might do on the way home or buy at work. I like having the capability to carry more. There have been times when I only use a trunk bag or one pannier and I needed the other pannier to get what I wanted.

bragi

I always ride with two panniers. I don't always carry a lot, but I've found that even when it's only 10 lbs total, a load imbalance can be kind of irritating while cornering. If you're making a grocery stop or making a beer run, two panniers are always better than one.

mustang1

On the odd occasion when I use my commuter bike for it's intended purpose, I always use both panniers otherwise I find the ride to be a little lopsided. I would rather put up with the extra wind resistance than a lopsided ride.

chrisb71

I use one but I switch sides every few weeks.

skijor

Yes--->Rummage sales.


The end.

CptjohnC

+1

I could probably get away with one, but I use the other to carry the stuff I might need ;-)