Okay I want to join this thread...

I have a backpack right now, but I want to switch to something on my bike so I can carry stuff.

I'm hesitant to buy anything because there seems to be different options...

Would it be better just to get just plain wire baskets for the back? It seems the upside to this, is people probably wouldn't try to steal these...

The downside is that anything you put in there is exposed to the elements... So, something like the Arkel Bug Pannier seems cool. Is it really a pain in the butt to take it off each time? I mean really, how long would it take? I guess you would HAVE to take it off, otherwise it would get stolen...right?

I want something that I can carry stuff in for work...like a change of clothes, some books to study, and still have room to pick up $20-$50 worth of groceries on the way back..

If I got the wire baskets in the back, it seems the bigger ones are the ones that don't fold... and I could carry a messenger bag in one side, and a bag of groceries on the other...

Any comments?