Cyclist0383

I take mine with me., I use either an Arkel Bug which converts to a backpack or Ortleib Backrollers which have a shoulder strap. Both are no problem to carry.

ontheroadid

I have both, and I prefer a backpack for the reason quoted above. My REI panniers include Velcro straps that make removing them a pain in the arse. A good backpack just stays on me when I walk into the office. And I sweat, regardless of which method I'm using.

One note about backpacks: construction and design make a HUGE difference. If you're trying to use a Walmart/K-mart bookbag, you're going to be at least somewhat miserable, depending on your tolerances. I use a Dana Designs daypack, and it balances well even when it's full. In my experience, if you buy a pack that is bike- or at least hike-specific, your comfort will increase greatly.

cccorlew

I like my cannondale backpack, you can find it on sale for $50. I carry my computer and clother and carry it around when I get to school.
That said, I'm thinking rack just so I can carry more junk. You can only jam so many student papers in a pack before it gets plain silly.
I've just got to gear up for shopping and installation...Maybe this summer I'll be motovated by heat.

mtnwalker

Does this mean you are going to start driving your car?

lawndart

Deuter Race Air X
This is the pack i use. I do notice the little hang loop on the top will sometimes hit the back of my helmet but i dont worry about it. a mild annoyance. It holds everything i need for my commute. A pair of boxers, a shirt and battery/light if i work the late shift with room for more like shorts or another layer and lunch. I keep my 'shower kit' at my work's shower room. I took the bladder out since i use a water bottle so that gives me a bit more room. on the outside pocket i have my wallet, cell phone, money. On the side pockets i keep my house keys and other side, my cleat covers.

cccorlew

Huh? No flippin way! I am hooked on this bike commute thing. So much that I'd like to work out how to move several shopping bags of food and a couple gallons of milk so I could stop driving to the store.

I might look at a bike rack and panniers (maybe first I should find out how to pronounce "panniers")
There sure are a lot of choices, and they all cost money.... I hate it when I guess wrong and have to buy something else.

MichaelW

Modern quality panniers have a quick-release locking mechanism that takes about 1 second at attatch or remove. Any models that still use hook and elastic should be avoided.
I carry my (single) pannier into shops. I have shoulder strap loops fixed to the bag but I only use these for airport travel.
Carradice do a good variety of large saddlebags with QR mountings. These dont need a rear rack and are very aerodynamic.

DRLski

linky?

DRLski

also, which one do you use?

SV Commuter

www.carradice.co.uk/type.htm

I have the SQR Slim, bought it through the webpage. They are very nice, just pull the release lever and lift it off the bike. I'd think they work with carbon posts because the mounting bracket is large and distributes the pressure over ~5" of seatpost (that's from memory, not measuring) and the bag is close to the seatpost, not cantilevered several inches behind the seat like trunk bags on seatpost racks, so the bending force on the seatpost is smaller.

They are not light, but the lack of a rack compensates somewhat. They are rainproof. The Slim will carry all but the largest laptop computers and 8-1/2 x 11 or A4 papers flat. Other than that I would prefer the Tour which has the same capacity but is narrower and taller to pack easier and has side compartments for bike tools. I use a wedge pack strapped to the D-rings on the Slim bag for my bike tools, etc. and transfer it to the seat when not using the Carradice bag.

derath

Interesting. Do you find your legs rubbing against the bag as you pedal? It seems to be kinda wide near the seatpost.

-D

devildogmech

Is that a GAS MASK CARRIER on the front? I havent seen one of those in FOREVER!

Billy

sesmith

I commute about 13 miles and have had good luck over the last 3 years with a day pack I bought from Eastem Mountain Sports. It's hiking, not cycling specific but fits well and works for me. I also add mileage to my commute at times and have ridden with it for 20-25 miles. As far as back pain goes, I've had back issues for years. Biking with a pack has not made it any worse (or better). Back problems for me are more related to my level of condition (worse in the spring), my core condition (whether or not I've been doing the core exercises prescribed by my physical therapist), and my bike fit. The up side of commuting with a pack (on a hilly commute), is it really gets you in shape for the climbs! For me, my back problems are there regardless of whether or not I'm riding with a pack. If for you, it is the cause of the problems, then lose it and try something else, but you may want to investigate other possible causes also.