Originally Posted by va_cyclist
$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. I think you're still ahead!
I have to agree. I have a Timbuk2 messenger bag that I invested about $120 in when I started cummuting by bike on a regular basis. I use it to carry all of my stuff back and forth to and from work almost every day. I'm sure the thing has paid for itself many times over in the money I've saved by not driving my car. The same would be true if I bought panniers.
If a person can't afford to buy the gear that they want right away they could always use a backpack until they've save enough money for panniers or whatever. In the long run you're going to come out ahead by riding instead of driving.