New job, new commuting challenges
 

I'll be starting a new job next week and am looking forward to claiming the title of "weirdo who rides a bike to work." Bike commuting is not exactly mainstream here in NC :)

I've already identified a few challenges at the new job site versus my current job: currently I am able to ride up to the office door, wheel my bike directly into my private office, and get changed in the office before clients arrive. It's one step short of luxurious compared to other jobs I've had. At the new job I will be working in the secured wing of a hospital-type building, so no rolling the bike past the guard :-( Looks like I'll be locking the bike outside and walking my clothes into the office, which leads to my question.

If you had to pick a pannier that was easy on/off from a rack, preferably waterproof, and easy to carry around in an office, what would you choose? Currently I have a great set of Lone Peak panniers that do everything I need them to, but I'm always interested in an upgrade :thumb:

^ What he said. I use them every day

What they said, I too use these.

I'd like the Ortliebs too, but the Axiom Typhoons were a bit more friendly to my wallet.

Amazon.com : Axiom Typhoon Aero DLX 45 Pannier Set, Grey/Black : Bike Panniers And Rack Trunks : Sports & Outdoors

I don't remove my panniers but pack everything in a dry bag and pull that out of my pannier and carry it to my office. Waterproof dry bags are a lot cheaper than waterproof panniers.

Kittier.

But I relish the title of "weirdo who rides a bike to work with a crazy bucket", you might find that the crazy bucket doesn't meet your "carry around in an office" criterion.

I can't imagine an easier on and off pannier than Ortlieb. I have a pair. They are expensive, but I feel I got my money's worth. To attach them, it's almost as easy as throwing the bags at the bike. To detach them, I just pull the handle. The attachment system is amazing.

Unfortunately, a friend recently reported that a friend of hers got stolen from her bike while she was waiting at a red light! The thieves know how easy Ortliebs are to remove. So now I put a bungie cord through my handles. :( You won't have this problem in NC. Bike thieves here are insane.

Like others said, Ortlieb Classic Rollers. Extremely easy to install, remove and carry. REI has them on sale right now for 25% off.

Must be an echo in here. :)

Ortleib.

my $.02
 

[MENTION=252435]RubeRad[/MENTION] do you remove the Kittier or do you just take stuff out of them? curious. I would love to make some many so i could stick stickers on them haha

also i just ordered some hi vis ones but these seem like some good prices.. We will see how long it takes to come in etc. Ortlieb Bicycle Panniers - Modern Bike

I carry my Ortliebs through a hospital every day. No problems with them at all, I don't have to think about them. And I guess that my major criteria for good gear - I don't have to think about it too much.

And I've rolled my bike through hospitals past guards many times. Not completely normal, but they get used to it. I might not do that for the first few weeks at a new job as I get a feel for the lay of the land, though.

[MENTION=425801]WhereIsBusyBee[/MENTION] makes a fair point. Some may frown or object because it's unusual, but there isn't much reason to object if you keep it out of people's ways. They are not likely to track more dirt in than wheelchairs and baby strollers. Try bringing your bike in. I live by the idea that it's easier to get forgiveness than to get permission.

[MENTION=134924]RidingMatthew[/MENTION], those are good prices. Now I kind of wish I had gotten a model other than the cheapest, the back-rooler city, but they are working very well for me.

Well if you paid good money for hi-vis Ortliebs, I dont' know why you would want to mess with kitty litter buckets, but yeah, they work pretty well. I have a black rubber bungee of the right length to loop down to the bottom of the rack and hold it on good. It takes a little pull to get the hooks off/on the rack when the bungee is hooked around the bottom of the rack (which is the point).

I take them with me into work, they've got my clothes for the day. I suppose I could also keep stuff in a smaller carry-bag in the kittier and just take that in/out and leave the bucket on, but it's easy enough on/off and I kind of enjoy walking around with that ugly thing. I also take it shopping quite often.

My first attempt didn't work quite as well, I didn't plan out exactly where the hooks needed to go to position the bucket on the rack, so it doesn't stay put, it moves forward, and I get heelstrike. But with a little more careful planning, the pictured one is my second try, and it's great!

Are you sure about this?

Bicycle tires are no worse than those on a wheelchair; would they stop those..?

Those Ortleibs look nice, but I'm pretty cheap. I bought an inexpensive Aveneir pannier set for about $35 and then like [MENTION=247277]jrickards[/MENTION] I put all my stuff in a reusable grocery bag that I can just pull out of the panniers when I arrive at work.

@noglider I knew I wanted Ortliebs because everyone recommended them and then when they came out with the hi vis my wife was sold on them.. Then to find at this price it was a done deal. :)

My original panniers I bought from Performance BIke LG Red ones with covers for rain. $79 and they have lasted 3 years and one 4 day bike tour..The last ride in the rain i noticed the ziploc bag covering my library book was damp. I had been using large ziploc bags inside them anyway. But it is time to upgrade.
[MENTION=252435]RubeRad[/MENTION] I like the idea of repurposing something so that is why the Kittiers are interesting.. plus it is a place to put stickers.

Ortliebs, if you can afford them. Attachment is secure, detaching and carrying is easy, they're well built and will last a long, long time.

I'd go for Front Rollers (or Sports Packers), though. They carry everything I need. Ortlieb's back panniers are just blinkin' huge!

I have the Ortlieb Backroller's and the Axiom Typhoon's. I have settled on the Axiom but I can't really tell you why. I have no issues with either of the panniers. Anyway, just took a pic of today's configuration. I have a Typhoon on one side and an Ortlieb Bike Shopper on the other.

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...pssagb5fpv.jpg

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...psigl70ckx.jpg

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...psbhmzgwsn.jpg

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...psjh2tg7lk.jpg

Wow... consensus on BF. I love it. However... if I had to carry clothes in a pannier, and I do (did). This is what I would (did) use:Gallant Product Reviews and Ratings - Panniers - Nashbar Commuter Garment Pannier from Nashbar. I don't know if they are available right now, but they are available under at least two other brand names. Price is very right. Under (well under) $50 is my recollection.

Indeed. Just tell them it's your in-line wheelchair. ;)

Agreed. I use the Sport Packers (the smaller size for the front in the Packer series) and can fit everything for the week in them.

I wanted to grab a shot of the Axiom and Ortlieb side by side for you and I remembered why I always use the Axiom. The Axiom rides better on my front rack. The Ortlieb just doesn't ride as nice. I always load from front to back and for commuting I only use one bag for my clothes. the other side is always empty with a bag for groceries. Both of the bags have two towels in them.

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps7f5v1xhd.jpg

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps1p6wpo34.jpg



http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...psiqksokoc.jpg

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...psegb95cnd.jpg

Ortlieb also has a bag called the Vario that I use on my road bike with no racks. It is a great bag and it uses the QL3 system for mounting to a rack and also has a back straps to carry it on your back. It works great for switching back/forth from back to bike and may be a good option for you if you have a long walk through your facility after locking your bike. I don't use it on my rack much because it takes a few minutes to switch from bike to back and it is easier just to grab one of my other bags for on my bike. I have a mild problem with buying bags :) The Vario also has 2 towles in it.

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...psxn1vqgcn.jpg

http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/z...psyffyqtuc.jpg

This is what I have and love http://www.rei.com/product/710404/to...-side-panniers. Mine is a little different as it is several years old. It is part of a pack and rack system, where the pack slides into and locks on to the rack. The center compartment has enough room for me to put my lunch bag into, the side panniers carry my clothing for work and a jacket etc. and the top compartment carries things like cellphone, my glasses etc. I suspect it is not totally waterproof, but I have ridden in light rain and everything has stayed dry. I believe a rain cover is available and would be worthwhile for riding in heavy sustained rain. Also the panniers fold up and zip into a pocket should you not require them.

'Ortliebs'
yes..used them for two years now.. completely
waterproof..handy shoulder strap..solid as heck and big enough i really only need to use one.. expensive but well worth the money.