Lambo

I'm looking to stop carrying a backpack when riding and moving to either a rack trunk or panniers.
Anybody have any thoughts on why one is better than the other?
I typically carry my work clothes, some lunch, and some stuff.

alpinist

I just started commuting, and I have a trunk bag that I've been using for my lock and 'bike stuff' (pump, tools, shirt, etc.), and I've been using a backpack for my work clothes. I'm about to switch to panniers for commuting so I can stop at the store on the way home, and not have that hot load on my back on the way home. I'll still like the trunk bag for just riding on weekends, evenings, etc, when I won't need to carry a load, like work clothes and groceries.

In other words, get both.

Pig_Chaser

if the question is: "rack pack or pannier?"
my answer is "yes"

JustBrowsing

I have a Topeak rack trunk with little built-in fold-out panniers. For the most part, the trunk portion holds what I need it to, but it's nice to have the mini-panniers if they're ever needed (I've only used them maybe 3 or 4 times). If I get to the point where I need more room, I'll then get some proper panniers. I like the trunk cos it's centered on the bike, so it doesn't throw anything off balance.

mkoso

I would say it all depends on how much you plan to carry.

savethekudzu

And I find that panniers don't throw me off balance at all, surprisingly enough even when I have only one side loaded.

Trunks raise your center of gravity more than panniers do. Panniers reduce forward aerodynamics somewhat and make headwinds a little worse. Typically, you can store more stuff in panniers. Or, you could get both! Or get panniers and lash your backpack to the top of your rack.

DataJunkie

I have both. I prefer the rack trunk to avoid carrying everything in the house to work and back. However, from time to time I need the panniers and use them.
That and my panniers are easier to take off when I ride the bus.

goalieMN

I recently got an extra locker at work, and since the hospital already gives me scrubs to wear each day, the locker allowed me to keep shower-shoes, deoderant etc... at work and reduce what I need to carry. I now use a Nashbar expandable trunk-rack bag, and like it much more than the panniers I was using. I can fit my stuff in it, and, if need be, can unzip the expansion and stuff about as much as a good sized backpack would carry.

For me, what seals the deal is the GREATLY reduced wind resistance on my bike rides home. I have 10-miles of trail each way to and from work, and home is almost straight west, and the wind here is usually out of the west, leaving my homebound commute directly into the wind the vast majority of the time.

Plus, my bike looks faster without the panniers on it, so it must BE faster, eh?

jamesdenver

I use a rack trunk - but have a shoulder strap. Makes it easier if I go into stores to use as a (bulky) messenger bag.

devildogmech

MILKCRATE

O-Town

My rack trunk is collecting dust and my panniers are getting worn out.

MMACH 5

I have both. I use the panniers all the time. The only time I put the rack bag on is if I have already filled the panniers to capacity.

Winter76

FWIW I love my Panniers.

girljen

I have both. I bought the panniers after I realized that I had too much junk in my trunk. I might go back to the trunk bag in the summer, when I don't have to pack up my entire freakin' closet so I can layer up for the ride home (dark, cold, etc.).

savethekudzu

yeah, that's exactly why I got panniers... Sweaters were too bulky for by backpack.

referee54

I use both---i have a rack trunk basically lashed or bungeed to my panniers. My school clothes go into the panniers and my lunch and school papers etc, go into the trunk. Doesn't bother me at all. Whne I go on long rides for the sake of riding, I take the panniers off and the trunk stays on, as it also contains my pump, a speare tube, and my bike tools.

Tim C.

MMACH 5

My wife went on a diet when she realized she had too much junk in her trunk.

<rim shot>



Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Schwinnrider

I have a Topeak setup like yours. I've been able to stuff a LOT of gear into the little fold out panniers.

Jarery

I use a Trek Exchange rack and trunk bag. It snaps on and off in about 2 seconds. It holds everything I need to for the majority of the season. if i need more room or am gonna grab some stuff on the commute home, i slap on a single pannier. The setup allows both trunk and panniers to mount easily, the similar topeak system I think doesn't since its rails stop panniers from clipping over the top bar.

I have a 25k commute each way, and i time trial every ride. Panniers slow me down, the trunk bag is much better for my purposes.