For the commuter rookie: Rear rack / pannier recommendations?
I must not be using the right search terms. This topic HAS to have been covered dozens of times by this forum, but I'm not finding anything. So, for the OCD control freaks among you . . . lighten up!
I plan to become a regular bike commuter for the first time this year since about '74. I need to carry a laptop. And I need to carry whatever else a regular bike commuter needs to carry. I plan to ride a Trek/Gary Fisher Mendota with disk brakes.
What recommendations do you have for a disk brake-compatible rear rack and for panniers or pack that can handle a laptop and various commuter necessities? What's good? What's bad? And what should never have been manufactured?
Thanks, in advance, for your help!