looking for pannier for daughter who is a college student (ART major) at VCUarts in Richmond VA. LBS is telling me they have the racks and I could order anything will fit? true? what would work best?

She Need to carry a large Portfolio,, sized 3 by 4 feet or what?


Devoid of details , IDK. generically anything will do. want shoulder or backpack carried off the bike?

There are lots of "commuter" panniers that are kind of like messenger bags. On the expensive side.

https://www.rei.com/product/115449/o...pannier-single

I agree. A little short on details. Racks are fairly standard, but tire sizes vary from 26" to 29" which could impact rack choice. Also disc brake attachment.

Ortlieb makes some quite waterproof panniers. I haven't adopted them myself since I tend to like lots of pockets and the Ortliebs don't have pockets, but they would be worth considering.

When I was studying design and had to carry a lot of supplies I'd go with double panniers BUT my faculty was very small so I didn't need to take them off the bike. Other days, I'd just strap my backpack to the rear rack with bungie cords.

Given my experience and considering her campus may not be as secure as mine was, I'd go with something that had a quick release mechanism and was easy to carry off the bike (bonus points if the material is easy to clean).

Ortlieb panniers are highly regarded as they're waterproof and with a quick release system. They even have an add-on that lets you use one as a backpack.

Newlooxs and Basil both offer many options of panniers that can be used as bags off the bike.

But, yeah, you'll need a rear rack, which is easy to add to most bikes.

I was going to say many panniers are big enough to carry a preschooler, but since your daughter is in college I think her weight would throw off your balance, plus many racks have a 25kg limit.

But seriously...you may want to consider a Burley Travoy trailer or something similar (It's like a golf bag caddy/hand-cart) that can be wheeled into class.

If her portfolio is weather proof-ish, it can be bungied to the side of the back-rack with no pannier. But also it can be laid flat on top of the rear rack and bungied.

The other thing is there are a number of open top commuter/grocery bags.

A lot depends on the daughter's needs, and whether she is an all-weather rider, or a sunny day rider.

If using all weather to carry laptop, books, etc., could get away with one office style bag only. Or as I had on my bike when teaching school, one laptop/office type bag on one side and shopper type bag on other side. Alternately, two Ortlieb Back Rollers if she plans to tour/camp with bike or make big grocery hauls.

Ortlieb Office Bag Pannier

OFFICE-BAG
The waterproof bike briefcase with roll closure can be mounted on the right or left side of the rack. It can be quickly mounted and easily taken off the rack single-handed. The Office-Bag offers room for two large DIN A4 files (size L), office supplies, mobile etc. With the padded Notebook Sleeve (available as extra accessory) it is a perfect laptop bag (up to 15.4“). Two large 3M Scotchlite reflectors and a reflective ORTLIEB logo ensure safety in the dark and in bad weather conditions. Edge protectors and base feet on the rear and bottom ensure optimal protection of the bag. It features a padded shoulder strap for comfortable transport. The bag is available in two versions: with QL2.1 or QL3.1 mounting system
https://www.ortlieb.com/en/Office-Bag/

Ortlieb Commuter Bag M QL 2.1 Pannier - Single
https://www.rei.com/product/885306/o...pannier-single



Ortlieb Commuter City Cycling Pack

https://www.rei.com/product/102314/o...y-cycling-pack

Ortlieb Velocity Design Cycling Pack
Stylish, versatile and waterproof, the Ortlieb Velocity Design Pack is perfect for daily bike commutes in any weather
Ortlieb Vario QL2.1 Pannier - Single
https://www.rei.com/product/102315/o...n-cycling-pack


Ortlieb Vario QL2.1 Pannier - Single
The Ortlieb Vario QL2.1 is a waterproof bag that can be used as a backpack or pannier.
https://www.rei.com/product/115450/o...pannier-single


Crazy deal on this one:
Ortlieb Office-Bag High-Visibility QL3 Bag
Ortlieb Office-Bag High-Visibility QL3 Bag - Save 66%


Or,
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers - Pair
When heading out on a weekend bike trip, keep your goods dry and protected on your rear rack in the waterproof Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Bike Panniers.
https://www.rei.com/product/885299/o...-panniers-pair



Orliebs have served me well, long time, all conditions.

My daughter is also on her way to college... but she won't fit in a pannier. It looks like she's going to take my car... I'll be stuck with the pannier (Ortlieb, so I don't mind.)

Designer = for Ikea

Bicycles & bicycle accessories - IKEA

This was my first attempt at owning a pannier, but I haven't tried them yet.

M-Wave Amsterdam Double Bicycle Pannier Bag-122315 - The Home Depot

I have a BFA. It pains me to say this (i have been car free for ten years) but she needs a pickup or a station wagon in addition to her bike. Moving materials and finished work is no small part of the degree. Small pickups are ideal. BTW, you are a great parent for supporting her. Art degrees are surprisingly useful, they provide a wide skill set that can be used in a million different ways.