I just got back from my first ride with my topeak. It's so much nicer not having something hanging off of my back and swinging around all the time. I only had the main compartment filled about half way so I didn't get to try the panniers, that'll have to wait until I commute to work again. It's been to dark, cold, and windy for me to make the trip, also I'd have to wake up a half an hour earlier. But the suns almost up enough to where I'd feel a little bit safer. I have to ride on a service road and make the u turn under the highway to get to work, I can't avoid it, so I want to be able to be seen I guess. But next weeks supposed to be in the 50's and I know I can handle that, so I hope to be commuting to work by the end of next week.