landstander

I plan to begin commuting to work (approximately 10 miles) sometime in the next few weeks, and will need a pannier which can (safely) accomodate a notebook. Any suggestions on such a beastie? So far, the only one I've found is the Arkel Briefcase... it seems like it should work OK, but I don't know of anyone who's actually used one.

Also, my back really disapproves of wearing a backpack while biking. Dunno if a messenger bag would be an improvement, although I suspect the results would be similar.

TCNJCyclist

$155 looks a little expensive. Have you checked out Jandd's panniers?

landstander

No argument here... I wasn't sure what kind of price range was typical, tho.

This was the first I've heard of them. But I definitely will now!

CJoshuaV

This also looks like a good option:

https://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prod-79.htm

Actuarial Spoke

I got these a while back and love them. I can fit everything I need in one, but the second will be nice when the work picks up. I carry a laptop, folders, a change of clothes (in a plastic bag that I can squeeze the air out to prevent wrinkles and free up space) and shoes.

https://www.bikesomewhere.com/bikesomewhere.cfm/productLarge/189/1244/3399

I have a foam casing to put my laptop in that I had from another suitcase.

It's light weight and I like the handy rain cover that's attached.

BrianJ

Wow, these bags are expensive. I'm looking into commuting via bike and am a bit intimidated by all of the various "hidden" startup costs. But, I guess when you are looking long term at what it is worth to ride safely and keep a laptop safe, it is probably worth it. Still, are there any more frugal alternatives to packing a laptop?

Cyclist0383

While Arekl's panniers are expensive, they are top notch in quality, design, materials, their customer service is second to none, and they have a lifetime guarantee.

An Arkel is never going to fall off your rack. The way the mounting system is designed it just can't happen.

I've used mine through the harsh Latvian winter and it shows no signs of ware. The initial cost is high, but if you are a serious commuter you'll be using it a lot, and you won't want it to fall apart. As a friend of mine likes to say; I'm too poor to buy cheap goods. I'd buy Arkel again without a second thought.

azesty

I am still thinking about getting a pelican case for my laptop but am at present just using a usb stick and home computer....

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TCNJCyclist

I know what you mean. If you're just carrying a laptop, the weight shouldn't cause too much wear and tear on your pannier and the higher cost of a heavy duty pannier seems unnecessary.

I, on the other hand, commute to and from college and I'm looking for something to carry quite a few books (on and off the bike). So I'm trying to find somethiing that is big enough and strong enough for that purpose.

I think Arkel panniers cost more because of their guarantee. I was just comparing it Jandd's and it seems better (fewer caveats and conditions). But like I said above, it might be overkill for just carrying a laptop.

I-Like-To-Bike

Rather than carry a laptop back and forth why not download the necessary files and carry one of those thumbsize memory sticks or a CD back and forth if you need to bring work home? A second computer would be cheaper than those overpriced bags.

If you are going to college, do you really need a laptop in class?

Michel Gagnon

Arkel bags are great. I have a few sets for touring (myself + family) and I have almost retired a set of T-42 that survived through 8 years of year-round commuting.

Now in terms of laptop transport, I have seen Arkel Briefcase and it looks good, but just like with most computer bags, there isn't that much room left in the bag for big books. One problem I have with it is that it looks very much like a computer bag. I prefer to put the computer in an ultralarge padded envelope in a regular pannier; that way, I look less conspicuous.

landstander

That's a good idea, but it won't work in my case. Access to files isn't really the problem... I have to be available for after-hours support of various systems, using a VPN to obtain remote access to the corporate network. They've set this up to require some annoying (i.e. proprietary, Windows-only) software, which we're absolutely forbidden to install on non-company machines (under threat of termination). Since I've no chance of being issued a second notebook for home, the only realistic option is to bring the beastie along. Or forget about commuting by bike, of course.

Patriot

I know this kind of goes in the "No DUH!!!" category, but seeing how it is a notebook, just make sure your new pannier is fully waterproof like gortex or something. Wouldn't want it to get the least bit wet.

landstander

At the moment I'm really leaning toward the Arkel, and the locking mechanism is definitely part of the reason. I'm a bit nervous that the ones secured by only a bungee could come off while riding on rough streets, although I don't know how likely this is to occur in real life. Plus, in most cases there really isn't a dramatic price difference... all of the others seem to sell the "laptop insert" piece separately. The Arkel is still on the high end of the spectrum, but the difference isn't dramatic.

It'll be about 2 weeks before I can order this anyway (to avoid paying interest on the CC ), so I'll keep looking in the meantime.

landstander

We're definitely in agreement there!

CJoshuaV

I talked to a fellow who carries the Ortlieb line on E-Bay and he said he sells the Ortlieb bag I linked to above for $ 115. That seems a fair price to me on a bag that should last for several years.

Joshua

Guest

Timbuk2 makes a laptop pannier thing.

Koffee

TCNJCyclist

I don't have a laptop. I just need to find a good pannier that can double as a backpack/messenger bag and is strong/big enough for carrying quite a few books.

I'm sorry if my previous response was unclear.

PainTrain

I would look for something designed to carry a laptop. A coworker who carries his laptop in a motorcycle pannier has suffered a cracked motherboard recently, presumably from the commute stress.

Makoa

They do? I can't find it on their site. They make a laptop messenger-style bag, but I am not aware of a pannier. Please post link or info. I'm interested!

Sloth

I use Ortliebs. Extremely secure moutning system that allows removal/installation in - literally - seconds and very, very waterproof. I rode through a virtual monsoon last week and they were completely dry. Highly recommended.

Stubacca

Agreed!

I looked at the Briefcase pannier, but decided that it wasn't as versatile as other options.

I ended up with Arkel T-42 panniers with a padded laptop sleeve inside. This way I can use the pannier to carry gear other than the laptop when needed, and even with the laptop (15in screen) in there a heap more stuff will fit in the pannier. You can get the sleeves all over the place... the one I picked up was $10 with free shipping from www.campmor.com.

oboeguy

I got a laptop backpack made by Samsonite for ~$35 at BestBuy last year. I still use it, but today is one of the last days. I don't take laptop to work anymore and I'm getting a new commuter bag in the mail tomorrow!

landstander

I went ahead and ordered the Arkel Briefcase (plus the rain cover) last night... it's expected to ship early next week. I'll let y'all know how it works out.

Thanx to everyone for your suggestions!

tulip

I've been very happy with my Arkel briefcase for carrying my laptop around on my bike. It's been very stable and you can move it way back on the rack to avoid heelstrike.

It's a bit heavy to carry around off the bike, but any laptop bag with a laptop in it is in my opinion. It's no trouble at all on the bike rack.