I have decided that this year, I am going to become a bike commuter. Parking at my office and a desire to get more exercise are the main reasons.

At any rate - have a bike on order that should arrive next week. At one point I was a year-round motorcyclist (in Seattle, no small feat) and so I feel pretty confident in gearing up for the elements with regard to outerwear and base layers.

The biggest question I'm wrestling with is whether I should get side bags/panniers or a backpack to haul stuff back and forth to the office. Waterproof is really my only requirement (no other option in this weather). I have an Ortlieb shoulder/messenger bag that I used to use on my motorcycle, and I may start with that.

I have work computers at home and the office - so I don't really need to carry a laptop or much else in the way of documents back and forth, it's mainly for my work clothes and toiletries. I also have good grocery stores within riding distance and could see using the bike to make those runs.

It seems like the pannier option offers a lot more space for less money than some of the high-priced Ortlieb backpacks I've looked at. But - when using the bike for things other than the commute - it would be nice to have the backpack and not have to worry about people messing with or stealing the pannier bags.

Anyway - any guidance or feedback appreciated.