Originally Posted by
kingston
I have been using this
commuter pannier since 1992, and it cost a lot less back then. Ends up being pretty cheap if you actually use it. I ride my bike to the train station then have about a 10 minute walk after the train ride. The commuter pannier is way better than a backpack.
Anything not leaving me with the full range of two arms/hands is really a no go on a busy subway commute (London). Something hanging from one's side will easy cause a "situation” on a narrow platform.
I can see why people might sweat more with a backpack, but I still find the panniers an expensive one trick pony. For example, would I really want to stand on a train for an hour holding what you presented (I'll take the backpack every time and continue to read a book on the mobile phone with two free hands.)