Originally Posted by
totops1
Thanks for all your answers, it's definitely helping!
I guess I should have been a bit more specific.
I don't ride when it rains (Yes I live in Portland, OR so these days I dont ride that much ;-)
and thats why I though about saving money by not buying waterproof panniers.
I am very new to all the commuting gear but I have heard about heelstriking with the panniers. Is that common ??
I am looking at a Topeak Explorer rack but havent made a move yet.
What I need to carry is a change of clothes (jeans, shirt, underwear, shoes), my lunch (usually 2-3 tupperwares), wallet & notepad, some misc small items, possibly my laptop and another change of clothes if I go run on my lunchbreak
On good weather I take a racing CF road bike to work and the clearance on the rear panniers is super tight. I use a front smaller pannier and there is no heel strikes at all, and I could carry just what you discribe, plus a wind breaker on both panniers.
Over 35 years of touring and commuting, I had Cannondale bags (top of the line back in the 80'. Some Nashbar bags and another that don't remember the name now, last I bought Ortlieb's trunk and panniers, best riding bags with the best quality built. If you have the money, I recommend them, however, I know it can be done with other bags as well!