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The Terra Trike is changing my narrative. It has a top bag but I need some kind of small bag or pack that I can access in front of me. I can't figure out where to put it. Backpack is obviously out. Hip pockets in my pants interfere with seat. Stuff falls out of front pockets if they're stitched to the seam or if not, settles to the side and hits the steerers. The bag in the rear is only accessible when totally off the trike and standing next to it. There's a single bottle cage between the knees but it's awkward to reach and level instead of tilted... and better have a no-spill spout. Terra Trike makes some add-on bars that clamp to the steerers and cantilever out in front of them, doubling as grab bars for getting in. But that's a reach. I think I've seen a photo of a bag that was sticking out from the side of the seat. So far the most convenient thing has been sweater pockets but it's not usually going to be cool enough to wear them.
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Wow, this started a great conversation. Using a trunk bag sounds like a good idea, although I do carry a laptop on occasion, so I'd still need a pannier for that. I haven't seen a trunk bag that is sized for a laptop.
Someone mentioned a Thermos for soup and liquids. I think that's exactly what I need to buy. I've been using kitchen storage containers, but find that they can leak slightly when being jostled in a pannier. |
Originally Posted by acidfast7
(Post 20906453)
There are many reasonable suggestions within this thread. However, I don't see any remotely multimodal options. Ortlieb's offerings are the best I have sampled and I would continue to rate them as a slight movement in the right direction.
This was my day (and a reason that I won't change away from a backpack.) I cycled into work with a 20L backpack with a MBP, bike lock, phone, lights, passport/wallet. Stopped at the barber for a beardtrim/headshave and locked the bike to bike post (couldn't leave anything in panniers outside.) Then, I rolled over to a coffee shop for a take away. Then, arrived at work and locked it outside the office in the bike rack. My partner called and said the weather is nice, so let's go to Winchester with our new daughter. I said great and bring my dSLR as the extended family is going as well. They met us at the local mall so we could go to the bank and open a child ISA and hit TK Maxx. They we hoped in the car and drove 30 miles to Winchester where I pushed the daughter/pram around. It was around 5 miles of walking and sme shopping and some coffees/cakes. Then they dropped me off at the uni, where I hopped on the bike and rode home. Over the course of the day, the backpack had: To barber (lights, passport/wallet, bike, lock, MBP, phone, etc...) Locked on corner near coffee shop (same but lock) Bike rack (same but lock, left stuff in office not needed) Walked over to mall (phone, passport/wallet) Added (dSLR, ID documents for daughter) After bank (dSLR, passport/wallet) While pushing pram (partners jacket, shopping, dSLR, ID) At office (dSLR/MBP/bike lock/etc) Cycle home I don't see panniers with the same utility. This is not an abnormal day by any means and just had a personal car as the second mode instead of train/bus/hovercraft/plane/taxi. I don't see how a backpack can be beat for sheer utility. Perhaps we have different lifestyles / living environments. These days I'm using a Bikase convertible. Smaller, more like a business backpack with compartments. This morning it rained, but I knew it would be dry in the afternoon, so I put my bike on the bus bike rack. Pulled the back straps out of the pannier at home, tucked in the rack hooks, put it on my back and walked the bike to the bus stop. On a lark I rode the bike from the bus stop to my locker, but kept the bag on my back. Wasn't worth switching modes on the fly, but it definitely reminded me how much easier and more stable it is having it on a rack. So for the ride home, it goes back into pannier mode. |
Originally Posted by veloiste
(Post 20906477)
Wow, this started a great conversation. Using a trunk bag sounds like a good idea, although I do carry a laptop on occasion, so I'd still need a pannier for that. I haven't seen a trunk bag that is sized for a laptop.
However, I’m an old guy who has used the fact that I can’t carry a computer on a bicycle as an excuse to not donate my time to my work. I’ll volunteer hours and hours to my local co-op but my work pays me for my time and my experience. I ain’t going to give away what I sell. Working double time just means half pay. |
^^^^^^ I get either comp or overtime for any time I work from home. Plus, it gives me the option to telecommute during regular work hours, if weather or other situations call for it.
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Originally Posted by madpogue
(Post 20906689)
I've carried all that, as well as lunch, changes of clothes, a laptop (not just a table) and more, with a convertible backpack-pannier. Shoot, I delivered a couple DESKTOP computers with my big-ol' Timbuk2 convertible (if it were white instead of black, you'd think I was an Apollo astronaut). I sure wouldn't have wanted it on my back at the time....
These days I'm using a Bikase convertible. Smaller, more like a business backpack with compartments. This morning it rained, but I knew it would be dry in the afternoon, so I put my bike on the bus bike rack. Pulled the back straps out of the pannier at home, tucked in the rack hooks, put it on my back and walked the bike to the bus stop. On a lark I rode the bike from the bus stop to my locker, but kept the bag on my back. Wasn't worth switching modes on the fly, but it definitely reminded me how much easier and more stable it is having it on a rack. So for the ride home, it goes back into pannier mode. Someone even had one of these ... sigh ... Fjällraven what have you become. https://www.google.com/search?q=fjallraven&safe=strict&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjqofLqlffhAhWEuHEKHV_ABsIQ_AUID ygC&biw=1268&bih=562 I must admit that I haven't tried every product save for the Ortliebs (as they are seen as 90% of all panniers here in southern England). When, I see someone with a pannier on their back I actually ask them how it is. In the barber shop, someone came it with the Orteib and I asked. There, the response was uncomfortable and expensive. I'm OK with the expense, as I spend 1 Ortlieb/month to keep my hair in order. (Barbership Black membership is £100/mo) ... The Barbership ? Portsmouth Barbershop ? Barbers in Southsea & Gosport However, I'm not cool with the discomfort. Would I like walked 5 miles yesterday while pushing a pram/buggy/Kinderwagen, probably not and that makes the decision for me? Also, they get dirty, compared to a backpack and I don't want dirt on my nice clothes. Was wearing one of these yesterday and don't want it soiled. https://www.tigerofsweden.com/gb/blazers/1903-blazer-T66533003.html?cgid=99eab02a0a4d5bc95fe6eea4cb2ecdd51561b4c5&dwvar_T66533003_color=090#!start=9 It is good that you have stated that a Bikase is somewhat comfortable. If I see one discounted at a bike shop or at an outlet (TK Maxx, went into three of those ****ers yesterday), I'll give it a shot and pass my own judgement. |
Originally Posted by Skaughtto
(Post 20906230)
GCN did a test that concluded with a giant saddlebag coming out on top: https://youtu.be/wdfB5fbVHck
I bought the same saddlebag in the video and used it for wet weather commuting. (Loaded with jeans, shirt, button up, wallet, phone, keys, frozen burrito...) It made a good mudguard when I wasn't using an Ass-Saver. Lately I've found a backpack to be more convenient for accessing stuff mid-ride. I toss the inner dry bag from the saddlebag into the backpack when it rains. Having the backpack at work is nice when I take trips to a grocery store or someplace else. I usually load up a fridge at work with sandwich components, so I don't need to transport food from home. When I do bring in leftovers, I just wrap the resealable containers in plastic wrap and they travel well. I have a filtered water pitcher at my desk and a small electric moka pot for coffee, so no drinks on the bike. How do people handle pot luck events? That's been my biggest challenge. |
Very much depends on conditions. For mine, this is working.
Toiletries in shower room. (Lucky to have shower.) Right pannier has tools, tube and such and is locked to the bike. Left pannier and lights come in with me. Breakfast and lunch in bag. Folded clothes in file drawer. I bring batches in by car or use a large box tied onto rack with bungee cords. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...536e6900e8.jpg Elastic net secures lunch box. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...23cce4ef4c.jpg Two panniers. |
I guess what I don't understand is how does one lock a pannier when going inside? Rather than losing a hand to carrp somewhere or emptying something out and carrying a bunch of lose stuff.
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For me, having a laptop is the flexibility that allows me to choose whether or not to ride or when to ride. I log my hours and get paid for any time I work off the clock.
My pannier is a cheap thing I bought from Target on clearance a few years ago. It has a strap on top and lifts off the rack so I can take it with me. IMO the backpack is the most useful. My commute is about an hour each way, that’s kind of a long time to have that much weight on the back. My work commute is 90% on open roads out in the countryside, long stretches without stops and usually quite windy. The pannier definitely has some serious wind drag. But in town, with a bunch of stops, etc, drag is not a factor. I appreciate being able to sometimes take the pannier and my backpack to the store, I can get 2 full bags of groceries in each the pannier and my backpack and strap a full paper sack to the top of the rack. But that’s a only a 2 mile ride. |
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2901de3afb.jpg
Ugly pannier is primary deterrent.
Originally Posted by acidfast7
(Post 20907333)
I guess what I don't understand is how does one lock a pannier when going inside? Rather than losing a hand to carrp somewhere or emptying something out and carrying a bunch of lose stuff.
Lock is obviously not much of a deterrent: |
I commuted for years with the small front Ortleib panniers on LowRiders. (Climbing hills on fix gear with weight over the rear wheels sucks.)
Once a week, I brought in clothes for the week and brought home last week's. I would shop on the way home. (Really easy. Bring in the panniers and put them in the shopping cart. Have the cashier put my food back in the cart. Then I'd load the bags as I wanted, ride home, carry the bags into the kitchen and unload.). I love that those panniers are really waterproof. Everything stays dry. Or, on farmer's market runs, I can roll them closed at 11 am and when I get home at 2:30 on a summer's day, my greens are still fresh. (And any produce residue wipes off and dries really easily. Major mess? They clean up like a dish. Ben |
Originally Posted by flangehead
(Post 20908721)
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2901de3afb.jpg
Ugly pannier is primary deterrent. I'm fortunate to work in low-crime area. One of my office destinations has a locked cage for bike parking and at the other office the rack is in a high-traffic area. I don't keep anything in it other than tube, multi tool, and bungee cords/nets. Lock is obviously not much of a deterrent: I buy fresh fruit/veg here because they have the best in town: https://www.google.com/maps/@50.7921...7i16384!8i8192 Hop over to LIDL for German week food: https://www.google.com/maps/@50.7950...7i16384!8i8192 To TESCO for a few main items: https://www.google.com/maps/@50.7958...7i16384!8i8192 and grab a cheeky 1/3 pint here from a place that opened last week: https://www.google.com/maps/@50.7911...7i16384!8i8192 along with some meat from a proper butcher that can do German cuts: https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en...px8wCnoECA8QCw That's a pretty standard evening commute home with 3-5 stops. Do I take the panniers/goods inside every time? That makes no sense and why a backpack is best! Maybe you guys only stop zero/once or don't live in an urban area with many options? |
I think I'd rather hook/unhook a pannier that many times, rather than pull a backpack on/off my back that many times. Maybe it's a muscle memory thing, what your body gets used to. I've been using a pannier to commute for decades, now it's just second nature.
Dude I work with bike-commutes, but like me, takes the bus on certain weather days. On those days, he uses a messenger bag. He can't stand backpacks. I'm just the opposite. It's definitely based on what we grew up with. |
Originally Posted by madpogue
(Post 20909047)
I think I'd rather hook/unhook a pannier that many times, rather than pull a backpack on/off my back that many times. Maybe it's a muscle memory thing, what your body gets used to. I've been using a pannier to commute for decades, now it's just second nature.
Dude I work with bike-commutes, but like me, takes the bus on certain weather days. On those days, he uses a messenger bag. He can't stand backpacks. I'm just the opposite. It's definitely based on what we grew up with. Messenger is OK as hands stay free. Backpack rules as nothing needs to be done. Off the bike and pushing a pram through a door with no effort. Sure I have to load it just like panniers bad after loading it's hands-free unlike panniers. |
Most of my panniers have D-rings for a shoulder strap. The exception is the Bikase, but with that I can clip one backpack strap to the opposite-side bottom clip, and it becomes a sling (akin to a camera sling bag).
But once again, it's muscle memory. If you've grown up riding with weight on your back, it's second nature. If you've ridden your whole adult life with the weight behind you and down low, that's what's second nature and having weight on your back is not. I still don't "get" using a messenger, however, as that's weight that can shift too easily. |
Originally Posted by madpogue
(Post 20909369)
Most of my panniers have D-rings for a shoulder strap.
Turns them into an easily carried bag in seconds. This might be too complex for some people. |
I wear office clothes for a 4.5 mile urban commute on a vintage 3-speed. The bags are Linus rollup canvas. They snap on and off the rack easily and go in the office with me, has a shoulder strap and a nice leather handle. One side carries my U lock and cable and stretch cords/straps, and when the bike is locked my helmet goes in that side. I have a small shoulder bag that slides into the other side that has my work electronics, an insulated Kleen Kanteen of coffee in a side sleeve and my breakfast container plus various bag junk. Great to have the panniers so I can easily stop and do an errand if necessary on the way home. Reposting this pic I took coming home last week.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bfde6c2635.jpg Yes, the seatpost is unusual - it's a BMX layback post, gives a tall guy more reach. |
I like both the backpack and the panniers.
Both are put on the rear rack, so my back doesn't sweat and carry the weight. Well, except for shorter rides/errands - I keep the backpack on my back for those, as there's not a second "lost" in taking it off the bike. Backpack is my first option - using panniers when I need more luggage space, or when there's a heavy rain forecast. I find the backpack more convenient for every day use. With panniers: Ortlieb, hands down. Waterproof - like, really waterproof. :) The clothes and stuff stay dry, whatever the weather. Not having to put clothes in waterproof bags, check if they are nicely enclosed, dry the bags afterwards... Another thing I like are the straps for easy, hands-free carrying the panniers. Plus they are easily put on/off a rack within seconds and you can carry just one. This can be a downside if you plan on leaving the panniers on the bike when parking it. Almost ten years now with the Ortliebs, still haven't been worn/cut (knock on wood). |
I like these SEYMOUR OCEANWEAVE TRUNK EXP15+
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[MENTION=200073]acidfast7[/MENTION] Not to be contrary, but pannier has NEVER caused me any issues on the hovercraft.
Also, do you carry your tools in your backpack? |
Theft of a pannier when commuting? I take a smaller pannier when I commute, it disconnects from the rack and I carry in it like a briefcase.
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So sorta back to the topic - has anyone found a rack-top trunk that does a good job holding a tablet computer? Mine's right about the dimensions of a letter/A4 sheet of paper.
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Originally Posted by madpogue
(Post 20912426)
So sorta back to the topic - has anyone found a rack-top trunk that does a good job holding a tablet computer? Mine's right about the dimensions of a letter/A4 sheet of paper.
Axiom Seymour Oceanweave Trunk EXP15+https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d596443ac3.jpg PRODUCT INFO Volume 15.3 L / 932 cu in (expanded), 9.9 L / 604 cu in (not expanded) Weight 575g / 1.27 lbs Dimensions 20x30x15cm / 7.8”x11.8”x5.9” (main compartment), 28x24x4cm / 11”x9.4”x1.6” (expanded side pocket)Part Number: 404080-01 - Grey/Black Vaude Silkroad Plus Details Weight: 620 g Volume: 9+7 l Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 33 cm Model: 12707010 https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a441c0e6af.jpg Zefal Z Traveler 80 TECHNICAL SPECS Reference: 7039B Material: Polyester 840D Size: 320 x 230 x 215 mm / 12,5" x 9" x 8,4" Weight: 1 kg Mounting: Universal using Velcro® Capacity: 32L / 1952 c.i https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c7536eaa4b.jpg Topeak Trunkbag DXP : also available with MTX mounting system for Topeak MTX racks ADDED FEATURESWater bottle holder, Shoulder strap Carrying handle, Elastic top bungees 3M™ reflective strip, Safety light clip Optional rain cover BAG ATTACHMENT : Hook and loop fastener CAPACITY : 22.6 L / 1380 ci COMPARTMENTS : 1 divided main with multi-stage expandable top Two side with expandable panniers INSULATION : Rigid EVA foam MATERIAL: 600 Denier Polyester MAX LOAD : Limited to rack max loading rating SIZE : 36 x 25 x 21.5-29 cm / 14.1” x 9.8” x 8.5”-11.4” WEIGHT : 900 g / 1.98 lbhttps://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7fe3c43f06.jpg |
Originally Posted by greatscott
(Post 20911930)
Theft of a pannier when commuting? I take a smaller pannier when I commute, it disconnects from the rack and I carry in it like a briefcase.
When stopping for groceries I bring in my reusable bag and put it in the pannier. I found a porteur rack that holds my backpack plus a rear rack with panniers is perfect. |
Originally Posted by veloiste
(Post 20904775)
I've been commuting with a backpack for over a year, but I just recently installed a rack and bought some Ortleib Back Roller classics. Holy crap! What a difference! My back is no longer sweaty and it's so nice being able to move easier without something on your back. I honestly can't believe I didn't make this change sooner.
The only other change I'm considering making is buying a trunk bag for things like drinks and my soup cup. I find it hard to keep these things upright in a pannier. Alternatively, I could get a small basket to mount on the front and use small bungee cords to tie down everything. Do any of you transport drinks or food? How do you do it? Today, because I had to bring my laptop with me, I used a backpack and noticed one more thing I dislike about backpacks, the weight you put in it ends up putting more pressure on your bums. You can put as much weight as your trunk/bike can handle and the only difference you'll feel is in the bike agility. Not so with a backpack. |
I have a transit rack and panniers on my bike. I carry a laptop, change of clothes, lunch, two cup thermos for coffee and my change of shoes. I have a 14 and 1/2 mile commute each way, so I wear biking clothes for the ride and change at the office.
I suspect my panniers weigh about 12 to 15 pounds or so when loaded for work. I tried a backpack a few times, but, like others, I do not like the hot sweaty back and soaked shirt. The rack attaches to the bike with only 4 screws, so removing it for a Sunday ride is not difficult. |
Of course we, I, put our drinks in the water bottle cages. In my case I put my food and other needed stuff for work that would normally go into a briefcase goes into a single pannier about the size and layout of a briefcase made by Garneau, it has a shoulder strap so I can carry it easily, this pannier thing is no long made by Garneau.
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