I got the MTX EX with the side panniers. Everything I carry all the time fits in the rack trunk part, I still have enough room if I need it. Then my shoes fit in one of the panniers and I don't have anything to put in the other one. The only thing I'm not sure about are the elastic drawstrings on the bottom of the panniers? Does anyone know what these are for? Thanks for all the help everybody, I can't wait for my ride to work tommorow, unburdened.