Hey thanks for the link to that thread. I'm going to be in Portland in a month or so, will have to see what the co-op has in stock.

The Bike Bureau is designed to prevent heel strike. Let's see if these images can allay your fears...

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u...sbikemar07.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u94/donnambr/bb1.jpg

I'd call them first. They've been selling briskly, as I understand. Worth it, though, IMO.

Just to add to what donnamb said, the three fixing points for the Bike Bureau are all adjustable so you can optimise the rear positioning and the restriction of forward/backward movement for virtually any rack you use. The angle at which the pannier rests means you would be unlikely to get heel strike if you didn't really think about the clip placement,anyway.

Probably the best single bike accessory I've ever bought.

About the Two Wheel Gear bag:My laptop fits quite snugly; the pockets seem to be designed for the average laptop. Mine is a widescreen, so I have to cram it in to fit side-to-side, but it has plenty of room up-and-down. I'd still suggest some sort of padded case for it, just to be safe (I just have a lightly padded envelope my wife sewed, and no problems).

The side pockets are pretty narrow: unless you have tiny feet, your shoes won't fit there and have to ride in the main pocket (where they go really well at the bottom). The pockets are about perfect for standard manila folder-sized parcels, but you can fit legal folders in as well. There's also a handy tool pocket on the top, as well as a shoulder strap for when it's off the bike (I wouldn't have believed how useful that is).

The attachment system is pretty straightforward, it has standard clips, and then d-rings that grab the hooks on the bottom of the rack, and are tightened with velcro straps. Quick and easy to get off, not quite as easy as a bungie, but much more secure.

Ok, sounds like the Bike Bureau is the way to go. Can you recommend a good online store? I have found them at Harris Cyclery and Wallingford Bicycle Parts.

Both places have excellent reputations. You might just go with price with this choice.

I have the Cotton Duck pannier, my wife has the Cordura. I prefer the Cotton Duck. It's slightly heavier, but has a nicer look and feel, and in my experience, is very tough. My wife only uses hers occasionally, so I don't know if it wears quite as well as the Cotton Duck.

Somebody ordered theirs from SJS Cycles in the UK, and thought it was a reasonable way to go.

Topeak RX trunk
 

For my lighweight commuter I really didn't need that big of a pannier system. I decided to go with the Topeak RX expandable trunk. I have never really filled it yet but it does not hold a ton of gear. I usually commute with spare tube, lunch, levers, commuter pass, wallet, ipod for train, cell phone, cliff bar, fresh work shirt, shorts for the after noon ride home, etc.. It's the perfect size for my needs. Whats really nice about this bag is that inside there is a shoulder strap so once at work with a single button I can slide the pack out of the dovetail connection on the rack and sling the bag over my shoulder like a "MAN PURSE" or use the handle instead of the sling.

http://www.jesseshunting.com/photopo...473_321Prd.jpg

http://www.jesseshunting.com/photopo...opeak_rack.JPG

I love the Jandd commuter panniers. The rain cover works well, and it zips under its own cover to let you turn it into a brief case.

I just bought the dark ones. They are excellent.

Very nice and great price!!

^I just got mine in the mail today. :) Can't wait to put 'em on my bike. No more taking a backpack into work for me! I got the black set.