I ride four miles each way, with a slightly hilly commute, and use a backpack to haul books, binders, papers, etc. (I'm a teacher). I like the feel of the bike without anything on it as it is more responsive. However, by wearing the backpack I suffer from a loss of personal comfort.

When I ride on the weekends or evenings for fun it's nice to be free of that backpack.

So, if I add a rack to the back of the bike (Trek Soho) will it dramatically alter the way the bike responds through the many twists and turns in the path system I ride?

I haul about ten to fifteen pounds. I try to keep it as light as possible, but with my work clothing, dress shoes, belt, wallet, phone, keys, binders, papers, etc., it adds up.

Which do you think will give me the most efficiency, continuing with the backpack, or switching to a rack or pans?

Thanks

A bike with a rack and loaded panniers will ride more or less the same. The only time the handling is different is when you are not on the bike and are walking it about, and this is a rather marginal case. When I ride with 30# of stuff in my panniers, the only difference I can detect is that my bike has more inertia (which one would expect) and takes longer to stop and accelerate. No different from hauling 30# in a backpack, at least.

I'd switch to a rack and panniers if comfort becomes a very large issue for you (and it sounds like this might be the case), or if you're interested in hauling more than your backpack currently can move. A rack with panniers can comfortably move more volume and more weight than a backpack.

I used to use a backpack (messenger bag, actually) to haul about a 10# load to and from work, now I use a rack and panniers. I prefer the rack and panniers for reasons of comfort, mainly. It's nice to ride around in the hot summer without anything on my back. It's also nice to be able to haul a week's worth of groceries in a single trip, which I couldn't do with my backpack.

If you go the pannier route, you might want to look for a pannier bag that has a fold-out shoulder strap. Then, your pannier bag can magically turn into a shoulder bag/backpack and vice versa. Very handy.

Do you carry a laptop with you? Im also a teacher and I started commuting much like you are now. Backpack and all. I found the weight on my back, and the added pressure it was putting on my bum quite annoying. I eventually moved to a rack and bought myself one of these bags, much like the previous poster mentioned. Its an Arkel commuter pannier and converts to a messenger bag when not in use. It is expensive, but I am also carrying a laptop, so it was worth the added cost.

https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/com...asp?fl=1&site=


Now that I have a rack, i'll never go back to a backpack..the rack is much easier to deal with and I have found no ill side effects with it on. With two inexpensive pannier you can, (as the poster above mentioned) carry a lot of groceries.

Well in my experience at least, backpacks just plain suck if you have any amount of weight in them. Even if you don't, they're good for a sweaty back, which isn't necessarily going to win you any points with the classmate in the seat behind you. Still; many riders (especially the younger set, I've noticed) like a pack or better yet, a messenger bag. I can see where this is attractive, given that you can just hop off the bike and stroll away without bothering to dismount panniers or trunks or handlebar bags.

I happen to prefer panniers for a couple reasons.

1: A single pannier holds as much as a top mounted 'trunk', and obviously a second doubles capacity.

2: Panniers sit lower on the rack than a trunk, and thus maintain a lower center of gravity. If you've ever stuffed a top mounted trunk with 10 or 15 pounds of stuff then stood up to hammer up a hill, you're not missing anything. It feels like you've got a bowling ball in there as the load swings from side to side. Panniers are much more stable.

3: If you're only hauling enough stuff for one, you can leave the other at home. There's no law says you HAVE to ride with both all the time. Even if you have a single pannier loaded to capacity, it will not have a detrimental effect on handling. If you know you're stopping at the store on the way home, or just want to balance your load of books, which can be heavy, take both.

Depending on the weather in your neck of the woods, a medium weight/capacity, moderately priced set of panniers will probably work better than full on water proof expedition models. https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...%3A%20Panniers

Or check out this rack mounted back pack. https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...%3A%20Panniers It looks like it would hold a bunch. But get a sturdy rack!

Either way you'll look a bit like a cycle geek as you lock your bike up and dismount the pack/panniers, instead of swinging your messenger bag back and strolling away. But you'll save your back.

DanO

I'm planning to strap my backpack onto my rack when the semester starts.

I'm buying a Chrome Ranchero backpack in 2 months, and right now I use a Targus laptop backpack.
However, I have a rack on my bike, and I also have a trunk bag that I use. I think it's a good idea to have both, as it's no fun to have to dismount the pannier every stop when you're only carrying a paperback and a few other things with you. That said, when I have a load of binders and/or textbooks to bring someplace I use the rack because I have scoliosis.

In short, backpacks are great for smaller loads and just cruising around with the necessities, and racks are to be used for the hauling.

i'm vain. i just don't like the way panniers look on my bike.

Will that much weight affect how the bike handles? Definetly. But when you're not packing you won't even notice the rack weight.

My choice for that much weight would be to put it onto a rack. I've gone grocery shopping and loaded about 20 to 25 lbs into my backpack and grunted it home up the hills around here on a regular basis but it's not a happy riding time. If it was on the bike it still wouldn't be a happy ride because of the way that much weight makes the bike feel sluggish to turn but at least my back wouldn't be getting poked by tins and carrots...

I lolled.

I use a backpack. Partly because I don't like accessorizing my bike, but mostly because it's more convenient to just have it with me (the pack) and take it where I need it. My advice would be to either lower the seat to sit in a more vertical position (so the pack doesn't weigh on your back as much as toward the ground), to tighten the straps as much as you can (you want the pack to be an extension of your body, basically), and to keep it as light as possible. If you have a U-lock, for example, try to install that on the bike instead of carrying it in the pack. I'm going to do that today, as the lock adds an extra three or four pounds to the pack when inside.

I also don't like the way panniers look on my bike, but after my partner crashed with his cell phone in his bag and smashed it, I worry about carrying my laptop (and the camera I try to keep with me) in a bag. Into the pannier it goes...

I like a rack best but for reasons that belong in a "Bad Neighborhood"
thread dont want my stuff attached to the bike should the little 'hood
entrepreneurs decide to separate me from my bike. A small messenger(?)
bag is what I use now and works pretty well. Keep it light by strapping
tools to the bike and just personal stuff n the bag. Im going to experiment
with fabricating a little wire clip type thing on the back of the seat that
it can rest on while Im in forward motion.

I strap my backpack to my rack. I use a long bungee cord and loop it around 3 times.

Sorry for the long response Fairmont, but it took me a long time to research all of this stuff over the last few days online and on the phone for myself and I think my research might help you and others as well. Also, my needs have changed over the last month so my current system is no longer plausible. I am hoping that my research will help others and I have tried to put all of the information together...hence the long response.

I have been using a trunk bag and rack from Topeak for the last year and it has provided me an excellent way to transport what I need for work up until now. My commute is about 12 miles each way. I also used a Hydration/summit pack from "North Face" that included a pack cover for rainy days and also had the ability to add up to a 3 liter bladder for really long rides or multiple uses. Below see the +'s and -'s of this set up.

Topeak trunk rack system:
+'s:
1. Topeak's system (MTX/Quick Track) uses a slide and snap system that allows the rider to easily take the bag on and off and secure it nice and tight. The old ones like I have worked on all rack types as they also had velcro to attach to the rack like all other manufacturers trunk bags work. They do not now, but the bags themselves are better built and streamlined to fit better under the seat now.
2. The system works very well together and is relatively cheap compared to other systems.
3. It is easy to mount whether you have the mounting braze-ons for them on your bike or if you need P-clips to attach to your seat stays. The system has been rather sturdy for me loaded up w/ about 20-30lbs.

-'s:
1. Their system for the trunk bag now only works with their system.
2. If you want it to be waterproof, you will need to either by a rain cover or purchase their dry bag series where the fabric of the bag is already waterproof.
3. If you need to bring a lot of stuff or if the items you carry do not fit you are limited by how much weight you will want to put on your back and/or the trunk bag. As stated below from other responses the more weight you put in either spot the more issues you will have with back/neck/ or joint pain on your body or issues you will have with bike handling by putting too much weight too high on your bike.

This is why I am now considering going with panniers and I have spent about 6 hours trying to make sure I make the right decision. Based upon phone calls with various manufacturers and researching this forum and others (great resources and many thanks to all of the posts and conversations I have had with Ortlieb and Arkel) I have the following points to make below:

Topeak:
I originally was going to purchase the Pannier Drybag as it was an excellent price for two bags compared to only 1 bag listed below from Arkel/Ortlieb. They would make an excellent pannier, but not the greatest briefcase or carry bag once off of the bike. Lastly upon measuring the gear I was going to be taking to work each day, it was going to be too tight of a squeeze (see measurement information listed below at the end).

Arkel:
As stated before by Macteacher, the Arkel commuter is an excellent choice if you need to carry a laptop. https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/com...asp?fl=1&site= . It carries the load more vertically so if you need more heel clearance based upon foot size or length of chain stays it is an excellent choice. Arkel also has a very unique laptop attachment (suspends the device above the bottom of the pack to protect if from bouncing during the commute into the bottom of your bags) system that comes standard with the "commuter" and with the "briefcase" https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/bri...asp?fl=1&site= . I only have two concerns with the breifcase. First, will I encounter heel strike as described in other threads and warned about by the Arkel rep? Secondly, how water-tight is the case? I asked in another thread how waterproof the Arkel bags were and Landstander assured me with the rain cover that he had never had an issue with water coming into the bag. I also called Arkel themselves and spoke to an excellent customer service person who walked me through the system and also assured me about the waterproofness of the system. The side of the bag that is next to the wheel where the raincover does not reach will get wet on the outside, but it will not penetrate the inside based upon fabric material and the plastic insert. You could always use tent seam sealer or rainfly/tub sealer to double protect if you were concerned. The issue with heel-strike is still up for grabs as I will not be sure until I mount the system using my current Topeak rack system. I currently ride a Surly Crosscheck (size 52) and have a 44-45 size foot. Currently I use "P" clips supplied to me by my LBS. The system works well and supports my current load. See the next link https://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS...ONS%20PAGE.htm . It provides an excellent place to buy rack accessories if you need a nicer looking solution to P-clip solution (also lets you remove the rack w/out taking the clip off), provides a solution for a quick release set-up which will further extend your rack backwards for heel clearance, provides sales for Tubus racks which some models have 2 areas to mount your panniers to move them farther backwards...LOCC is a good example, and lastly if you are interested in Ortlieb they are a great and cheap supplier that offers free shipping !

Ortlieb:
Another option is the Ortlieb Office bag large https://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/...p?pid=79&cid=2 . It has two advantages over the Arkel. First, it comes waterproof, so no need for an additional rain cover. Secondly, it mounts slightly tipped forward allowing for more heel clearance so again if you have big feet/short stays this system may work better. My only concern for this bag is its size based upon what I need to carry with me to work now.

Both Arkel and Ortlieb bags:
Both bags appear to be excellent choices from either company. They have easy systems to just pop the bags off, have shoulder straps, and look rather nice off/on the bike. For me, if I knew everything I wanted to take to work would fit in the Ortlieb I would probably choose that one. However, I think the size of the Arkel is going to work better for my case. I have to bring at various times to work a large planner, organization folder, laptop, and various 3-ring binders. Remember all three of these bags (Arkel Commuter, Arkel Briefcase, and Ortlieb Office bag) come as individual bags and not a set. This allows you to pick and choose what you want on each side and you can mix/match between panniers, grocery bag holders, etc... to make the best set. Also remember that the measurements on their websites are from the outside and not inside so it is important to measure the items you are carrying to ensure they will fit (give yourself an extra 1" or so).

Summary:
So it appears the Arkel Briefcase will be the winner along with the extra raincover needed to keep my stuff 100% dry. I think I will add the "Utility Basket" from Arkel as well to carry groceries, clothes, misc...etc. I hope my Topeak rack works with the new bag as it will allow me to continue to use my trunk bag set-up if I need additional space. If I have to go the "Tubus" rack route to give myself additional clearance it will be a beautiful set-up, but cost a mint. I think I will try the quick release system first (if I only need 1-2") as it will give me a cheaper solution than a whole new rack and I will also add the "Stay Mount Clamps" as they give a cleaner look and ability to remove the rack if I just want to go for a long road ride. I hope this helps everyone out. Now all I have to do is scratch up the necessary coin to pay for this all. Anyone need a Campy Record 9 cassette for a good price?

Cheers,

Erik

Backpacks

Pros: Nice thing about backpacks, is everything goes with you when you hop off the bike.

Cons: The problem, is some people find it uncomfortable to have all the extra weight up so high on their body while riding. Also, they tend to make you sweat more, especially on your back.

Panniers

Pros: Trunks and panniers keep the weight lower on the bike, freeing up your movement. You can also potentially haul alot more with you, since panniers can easily offermore storage space.

Cons: Even though many panniers can be quickly removed, and used like a regular shoulder bag, it can be more difficult to take everything with you when off the bike. Also, it requires installation of a rack. Some bikes don't have eyelets, and some road frames have such tight triangles, racks just don't fit very well.

I guess I should have clarified my needs.

1. I don't ride in the rain (unless it's on the way home and a light rain). I can always have my wife pick me up if needed. If it's raining in the morning I just drive to work.

2. I don't have to worry about locking up my bike. I bring it right into the classroom. The teacher doesn't mind because, well....I AM the teacher. Plus, my students are stoked that I'm riding to work and back. The love to sneak over to the bike and ring the bell (fourth graders ). So, in short, I don't use a bike lock unless I ride somewhere else, which is rare.

3. I want ease. I'll probably just buy a rack that connects to the seatpost, and then strap a leather briefcase to it. I have a leather brief case from Samsonite that is more like a large saddlebag kind of thing. Works great. That will easily strap to a rack.

Stay tuned.

I used to commute with a backpack or messenger bag. I have a rack and panniers on my new dedicated commuter and much prefer it. I can carry a lot more (groceries for instance) and I no longer have to worry about a sweaty back. As others have said, it doesn't really impact the handling at all. Once you go rack, you never go back (in all seriousness, I was resistant for a while, until I used my fiancee's bike with a rack and panniers and realized how much it sucked to have a bag on my bag...if necessary, I just bungie my bag onto the rack and even converted an old messenger bag into a pannier).

My preference is panniers. I can and have done backpack hauling for years, both on the bike and off. And up to 20lbs or so, a backpack is no big deal. It does make the bike a little twitchier, but that's my fault, not the bike or the pack's (I'm clumsy, so my balance isn't always as good as I'd like). I just suck at managing the weight right . I very often have loads in the 40lb range, and 60lbs is not unheard of... and at that point a backpack is sheer torture. Sweaty back isn't the issue at that point, it's shoulder bruising... and no amount of dropping the pack down will make it weigh less.

Panniers make managing the balance easy, even on a short wheelbase bike. And on my cargo hauler, even 55-60lbs is doable. The main trick is to keep the load balanced and sensibly sized for your bike. My last bike could only manage a rear load and had short chainstays, so it got rather scary to ride with a 45lb load. Some bikes have an even shorter wheelbase, and might cap out at even less weight.

Right now, my panniers don't work very well if I'll have a lot of time off the bike. If I know that's part of my day, I'll use my backpack. When my cheap panniers wear out, I'll look at getting more flexible ones.

I'm a teacher myself, I ride to school every day (no car), and carry lots of books and papers around with me during the school year. I also suggest panniers over backpacks; I hate having a sweaty back, and, if you're carrying a lot of weight, it is pretty uncomfortable to have the extra weight on your body rather than the frame of the bike. As far a performance is concerned, panniers do limit the cornering a bit, and, if you're fully loaded, it might get a little twitchy if you get up out of the saddle, but that's also true of fully loaded back packs or messenger bags. The main disadvantage of panniers is that they don't look nearly as cool as a guy on a fixie with a messenger bag and no helmet

I'd strongly advise against a rack that mounts to the seat post. They're flimsy and carry no weight. A regular frame-mounted rack takes less than 20 minutes to install, even if you're not that handy with tools.

The backpack is my least favorite form of carrying things. I already have problems with my lower back so carrying things do not help. In addition It makes me sweat even more I also like the way my bike feels when I am not carrying anything on it, but I rather use my bike trunk, or trailer when I travel. I will also leave a couple of days of clothing and material at the job so I can travel lighter during the week.

Gas, .69 cents the price of a can of beans

I've used backpacks and panniers, both with pannier bags and a trunk bag. I bought a used Burley d'Lite to carry around big loads.

Panniers are nice if you're going some place and not really walking anywhere. Even if you have a shoulder strap, and even if you have fenders, they can get nasty if the weather is less than great. You don't want to be carrying these around much. They also take a little bit to get on and off.

Whatever you put in your panniers will also get the bejeesus shaken out of it. Don't open the beer right when you get where you're going, not that you're that kind of teacher.

It is really nice not to have stuff on your back though. If your commuter was longer than 6 or 7 miles I'm sure you'd appreciate the panniers.

Backpacks don't have to be nasty. I've seen Deuter and Marmot packs with mesh liners, not that those are the only brands. My bag has a hip strap. I cinch that down, leave the shoulder straps slack, and viola - the bag rests on my hips and not my shoulders.

If I were you I'd buy one of those fancy schmancy "air flow" backpacks like the Deuter Futura 28 and buy a separate laptop sleeve. At 4 miles a pannier seems like overkill given the additional risk to your equipment from the vibration.

Just to add a note about the topeak bags. Their biggest problem is size. They do drop down to add a little more space, but undropped they are about 700 ci. I'm not sure a laptop will fit in their dropped down pannier layout.

That is why I had to look into other bags. I think the design and $ are great, but I have a small laptop and was concerned it would fit into their bags. I just came across Axiom yesterday and may give those a try. As much as I want the Arkel or Ortlieb it is hard for me to justify close to $150-$200 on a bag for work. We'll see.

Erik

For me...

Advantages of rack/panniers...gets the weight off me and eliminates the sweaty back and I can carry more weight/bulk comfortably.

Advantages of a back pack...typically less expensive. You can easily take it with you when you get off the bike. You don't have the extra weight and bulk on your bike when you don't need to carry stuff (rec rides). Don't have to worry about heel strike.

I chose the rack, trunk and small pannier option, though.