Originally Posted by notfred
Panniers ARE really expensive. People talk about commuting by bike to save money, and then they expect you to spend $200 on what is essentially a canvas bag, not all that different from a backpack you can get for $20.
$200 ... that's a one-time expense ... I spend that much in two months on gas for my (auto) commute. And about ten times that much every year to insure two cars. Yesterday I discovered my wife had driven over something sharp and gashed the left front tire on my Honda. There went another $100. I think you're still ahead!