Originally Posted by
cyccommute
I've had panniers that are connected like the Timbuk2 in the past. Not a fan. If you have to adjust something on the bike when you are using them, both have to come off. If you don't want to carry both panniers, you are out of luck. If you want to attach something to the top of the rack, it's more difficult.
The panniers themselves look very boxy. I'm not surprised that Epicus07 had heel strike issues nor at the angle that f1xedgear has to mount them on the rack to avoid heel strike.
If you can try them at REI, try a set of Ortlieb Front Rollers or the REI Transfer too. Both have a much easier mounting system. Basically just drop them in place and they stay. No bungees to fiddle with.
I use the Bontrager City Commuter (
http://bontrager.com/model/07726), which is similar to this TimBuk2 Tandem and the reason you dislike them is why I love them. Since they are both connected, once I park the bike I can quickly lift the entire thing off and away I go. When carried the center section collapses so it looks like a single/normal bag and with the shoulder strap I still have both hands free to do other things. Off the bike, I found two panniers cumbersome and hated having to carry them around like jugs of milk. The dual pannier setup on the bike that becomes a single bag off the bike was better for my commute. My Ortlieb's only get used for touring duty these days.
I guess the advantage of this type of bag depends on how much walking is involved off the bike.