I want something that goes on and off the rack fairly quick and easy.

I need it to carry my lunch, a change of clothes and maybe a couple of books. I have looked at the TransIt Metro Pannier
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=2312

but I am not sure if it is big enough or not. Has anyone used this one?

I would like to keep the cost to $50 or so.

DO you have another recommendation?

For under $50, no. Most I've seen in that price range are simply rubbish with a simple hook mounting system that tend to fall off on bumpy roads.

If you really plan on using a pannier invest in good ones form either Arkel or Ortleib, it's well worth it.

+1 on Arkel, I have several of their bags that I use for commuting. Almost always have a T-42 for clothes, lunch & misc stuff, and often have their briefcase on the other side.

Indestructible construction, good people to work with.

I haven't used it, but I've seen that particular bag in my local Performance shop. I think it's awfully small to fit "lunch, a change of clothes and maybe a couple of books." +1 on Arkel - I have an Arkel commuter bag. It's definitely more than you're looking to spend at around $150, but it's a pannier that will last you a very long time and handle pretty much anything you throw at it - including a laptop.

Another person for the Arkel.

Honestly, if you plan on riding for more than a couple years the quality of Arkel will really be worth the extra money.

I've had my Arkel bug (as well as a grocery pannier locked to the rack) for about 5 years now and I've never had a problem. Not once has it ever fallen off. Hell, I didn't even know other panniers did that 'till I read on here about cheaper ones.

Here is the bug https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/bac...asp?fl=1&site=

I've found locking a grocery pannier to your bike is a great way to hold crap like tubes/ bungies/ tools that you don't really worry about getting stolen in as well as the bike lock.

Here is the grocery pannier. I have the old one with much less features.
https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/uti...asp?fl=1&site=

That being said I've heard of people using Performance or Nashbar panniers with success but you get what you pay for.

Good luck!

I use the Nashbar ATB panniers which I do not currently see on their website. However this is another good one that they sell

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...%3A%20Panniers

I was in this same dilemma a few months ago. The Arkels and Ortliebs were too expensive for my purpose but I didn't want the cheap performance brand stuff. I ended up buying the Novara Transfers for 75 bucks on sale at REI.

My concern would be the size, 650 cu.in. doesn't seem large enough to me. Mine are 850 cu.in. and there is times like spring or fall when you have extra clothing that it is not large enough. I also have a trunk bag that I leave on the bike all the time and that helps with the excess. The bags I use to commute with only cost $50 for a pair and they haven't wore out or fallen off in 5 years. They have top hooks, always use the bungie to hook to the bottom of my rack and are quick and easy to put on and off. I always like when things wear out because it gives me a reason to get something new. Happy shopping !

Arkel! I have the T-28 and T-42 and they're both great for commuting. They've also redesigned the mounting system, making it easier and more secure. You'll love Arkel panniers.

I use a very inexpensive set of panniers with no quick-release, but on a quick-release rack. I undo the QR seatpost mount, and bring the whole thing into the office with me. The panniers, Avenir Metros, were about $30 from a local shop, and the Ascent rack, which isn't great, was $9.99 on sale at Nashbar. I am totally happy with the bags, but would recommend investing slightly more in a rack with a better QR mechanism.

This works really well on my mountain bike, but if you have a bike with a good proper rack, I can understand that you'd want to take a different approach.

i'm a really big fan of the topeak rack systems and the mtx trunk bags that have roll up panniers built into the sides if them. they have surprisingly good carrying capacity, and they roll up realyl small intothe trunk bag when you dont need them.

i got an entire thanksgiving dinner for 8 in mine last year, including the turkey.

its closer to 80 bucks though but its worth it.

I love my Axiom Typhoon bags. They're completely waterproof (and I've been in some major downpours) and very durable. I've gone down with them on my bike several times and only in my last accident (that put me through the windshield) did I finally tear a hole in the bag, which I easily patched and they're good to go again. About $25 more than you were wanting to spend but well worth it if you carry anything electronic or paper (and who doesn't) that you cannot afford to get wet.

https://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?IGPK=2126175296

I am using this one on my commute. It's big enough for pants, shirt, belt, lunch, and a rectangular tupperware full of small items (tire levers, lights, etc). Adding a textbook to that would be a stretch.

It's hangs by two rubber hooks on the top and there is a metal hook on the bottom that you cinch up. Part of my commute is on a fairly bumpy (paved) trail and it hasn't come loose at all yet. It could probably use another strap, though.

I use it as an over the shoulder bag quite often, and it works great. That was the main selling point for me.

Sierra trading post has the Deuter Rack Pack I on sale for $59 now. I love mine and find that I can fit the laptop, clothes and lunch in just one. So far they've done well in light rain, but I haven't been caught in a downpour yet. They look like they're waterproofed as well as our kids diaper covers, so they ought to hold up to my 35ish minute commute. They use the ortleib attachment system, so just yank the top handle and they come off.

The MEC Aqua-nots are expensive, but worth it if you live somewhere where it rains frequently (I live in Vancouver, BC and it rains a lot during the fall/winter/spring)

MEC Aqua-Nots