I want to start riding my bike to work but currently don't have a way to carry my things. I don't mind wearing a backpack since it's a short ride, but as the weather gets warmer, the backpack is too hot. I used to use a basket but found my things would bounce around (and sometimes out) if I went over a bumpy road. I do have a rack for a pannier but have never used them before. What's the best type/style to get? There always seems to be too much choice at the stores and I have no idea which is best. I'd have my lunch, wallet and a change of clothes. Thanks!

These:
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...7_10000_201501

These things hold surprisingly a lot of stuff.

If you need waterproof panniers, those are not a good choice however.

I use an Ortlieb Office pannier. A little spendy, but I got a good deal at the LBS. It's waterproof, holds the work and bike junk, and I can stuff my lunch in there too. If you go w/ non-waterproof panniers, just use big freezer bags to keep water off the stuff that doesn't work well w/ water.

I have been using a set of delta waterproof panniers for a few years now. Not too expensive and not too big. I have been looking into the Detours panniers that have a laptop sleeve which i now need. My LBS carries the Detours and they look good and easy to get on and off and not too bad for the money.

I use the bags they give you at the market. Just tie a loose knot in the top and water stays out. Its a good way to reuse them, and they last for several weeks to several months.

I use a Trunk bag on top of the rack. I keep towel, pants and shoes at work so only have to carry shirt and underwear. If you get panniers, make sure they are shaped to clear your heels, and that the rack stays will stop the rear of the bags swinging into the spokes.

Why not just put a cargo net over the basket?



Maybe cost you 8 or 10 bucks, and comes in handy when you need to put something weird on your rack, too. On the rack, personally, I like using a Wald folding basket or a grocery pannier, something I can just throw a small bag into. I think Jandd has some grocery panniers (along with a lot of other types of panniers and bags) on clearance in the Specials section on their website, https://www.jandd.com. I would recommend trying out a few different ways of carrying your stuff, if you've got the cash or can find good deals. What works for others may not work for you, and it's always nice to have options. That way you can carry more beer, and also pick up a package from the post office on your way home.

Right now though, while the windchill is below zero, I really appreciate having a messenger bag on my back. Any amount of heat I can keep in is good heat.

Stop, take a breath and think about what you said about a backpack being too hot. OK? Now go buy a cheap one. It's only a short bike ride fercristsake.

I just use $5 nylon straps from the hardware store to attach backpacks, book bags and my archery case to my racks. Dirt cheap, works fine,

Archery case? Do you know this guy? Just kidding.

To the OP, not sure what rack you have, but I just got a Topeak Explorer rack and a compatible rack trunk (which also have fold down panniers). The trunk slides right off the rack effortlessly and lockis in place w/ about the same ease. It's worked like a dream as a setup for commuting. I carry all the same things as you to and from work.

I also carry a bungee cord or two and I can strap other bulkier items down on top of the trunk (like a couple new bike tires last night or more usually the outer shell of my jacket in the afternoon).

Not the cheapest route, but certainly a convenient one. But if your route is really short (and you didn't say how long), it might not be worth the investment. I have a 14 mile RT commute, and did the backpack thing out of necessity from when I started commuting last spring until Christmas, so I can empathize with the lack of comfort. That said, it wasn't THAT bad.

yeah but for a longer ride a backpack makes you sweaty, even in colder climes.

I have been basketing it for awhile. but did not have a cargo net and just lost my balaclava on a bumpy stretch in Boston. so the price of the basket more or less doubled. I am looking at the Topeak DXP bag next.

To the OP, not sure what rack you have, but I just got a Topeak Explorer rack and a compatible rack trunk (which also have fold down panniers). The trunk slides right off the rack effortlessly and lockis in place w/ about the same ease. It's worked like a dream as a setup for commuting. I carry all the same things as you to and from work.

I also carry a bungee cord or two and I can strap other bulkier items down on top of the trunk (like a couple new bike tires last night or more usually the outer shell of my jacket in the afternoon).

Not the cheapest route, but certainly a convenient one. But if your route is really short (and you didn't say how long), it might not be worth the investment. I have a 14 mile RT commute, and did the backpack thing out of necessity from when I started commuting last spring until Christmas, so I can empathize with the lack of comfort. That said, it wasn't THAT bad.[/QUOTE]

this is exactly the setup I'm considering - have the mTX rack already in fact, and made sure my laptop fits in one of the foldout panniers. one question: does it have a strap or anything on the fold-out pannier so you can secure it to the rack? or does it just flop around?

my ride is 14 miles one way and it was just too sweaty with the backpack though having done that for a couple months it does feel weird to ride w/o it.

I'd second plopping that backpack into the basket and covering it with a cargo net. Cheap to try, and you can just put your backpack on when you get where you're going.

Some more info about what you are carrying might help us help you

z

I use one of these in the summer:

https://www.minnehahabags.com/canvas-saddle-bag-medium/

It is as waterproof as you'd usually need and can fit everything I need. I started using it on long distance rides, but I ended up really liking having the weight on the seat rather than swinging off a rack so it found its way onto my commuter as well. I'll usually afix it to my bike with a short length of chain so it can't walk away on me, then use a cloth grocery bag to hold all of my stuff.

You have lots of options since you have a rear rack. Performance and Nashbar often have sales on inexpensive rack-top bags as well as panniers, and there are tons of different panniers ranging from $30 to $200. Check out the Detours panniers at their web site for some very affordable options oriented toward city bikers and tourers.

Personally, I use a Carradice Barley seat bag. It is their smallest model but holds all that I need for commuting -- change of clothes, lunch, wallet, cell phone, tools and tire repair gear. Carradice makes a range of seatbags in various sizes, some large enough for light touring. You can buy them from England much cheaper if you don't mind ordering on-line from overseas.

Bike buckets...

I use Wald folding baskets on the back.

Easy to strap stuff in there, if you worry about it bouncing out (I don't have that problem).

Light, and fold away to a surprisingly slim size when you don't need them.

this is exactly the setup I'm considering - have the mTX rack already in fact, and made sure my laptop fits in one of the foldout panniers. one question: does it have a strap or anything on the fold-out pannier so you can secure it to the rack? or does it just flop around?
[/QUOTE]Every trunk bag with fold out panniers have some sort of elastic cord with a hook or ring that connects to the rack legs.

I use a messenger style bag for my work clothes, lunch, laptop, school books, etc. during the summer & winter months... It is significantly less sweaty than a backback (which I also use when I have a lot of stuff to carry).

I think Panniers are sorta overkill for a change of clothes and lunch.

+1 for the cargo net over the backpack in a basket setup. Its what I use and have found it to be much easier and faster to load my gear this way than using panniers. An added plus is no balance issues from loading one side too heavy, although a basket can get top heavy at times. Seems there is always a trade-off.

I have been using Axiom Cartier Panniers for a couple of years now. Large enough to old a change of clothes and toiletries as well as a laptop. Lunch usually gets strapped on the rack. Never had anything get wet, but must say I have been lucky only caught in the rain a couple times. Like extra "pocke: on the rear of each great for small things, wallet, keys, cell etc. The netted pouch on the outside of each is good to for things that can get wet it you do get caught in weather.

50 people will give you 50 options.
I personally started with some old treks I bought used for $20. I then bought a set of REI @ a scratch & dent for $30 + $5 to order the missing bracket and sold the treks for $20. I stick everything in grocery bags inside if it looks like rain. I've never had a balance problem using 1 pannier and I'll stuff 20# of junk in it, OK, the bike tries to fall over on the kickstand if it's too heavy.

You can spend $$$ if you want high end "waterproof" stuff like Arkel or Ortlieb and you can find deals on Ebay/Craigs. I have an old set of smaller Kelty's I got in a $5 "box o' stuff" at a a gear swap that go on my kid's bike for excursions like the fireworks.

If your backpack fits in the basket, you can just bungee it down. If you need a smaller one they're a couple bucks at the thrift store. It really depends on your budget and needs. Lots of options out there.

I keep a duffle bag at work with clothes and shoes so all I have to carry are bike emergency things; return trip base layer; shower towel; extra wool cap in case the balaclava is too hot. so I just use a rear rack trunk. my favorite has amain compartment and 3 outside zip pockets.