sbruce

I just got a Townie 7D. We're down to one car, and my office is 1.5 miles from our house. We live in a super small (>7000) town so traffic is a minimum. I am trying to find a good solution for carrying stuff. I got a rack installed. I would like to carry the following:

- small items (keys, cell phone, iPod, etc.)
- a couple magazines
- a book or two

I would also like the option of carrying my MacBook (I have a nice padded sleeve)

I have seen the Townie rear bag that attaches to the rack, but I don't think it would be big enough for a magazine.

All the panniers I;ve seen have been HUGE (to carry groceries, etc) Is there an option for something thinner?

Thanks!

10 Wheels

I like and have theses.

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...1_10000_200350

got um on Sale for $14 last year.

JeremyZ

Take a look at the Topeak MTX series bags, which slide & lock onto the Topeak rack.

Here's the rack:



A couple shots of the bag mounted:





...and the side pockets contain fold-out panniers for when you need them:


A Macbook won't fit in there, and I don't think you'd WANT to put it in a pannier, but they have another bag that is specifically made for 13" laptops. Or you could shoulder carry the Macbook when you need it.

Welcome to bikeforums!

irclean

Take a look at the Messenger Briefcase by Arkel. It seems to fit the bill perfectly based on your needs. Arkel's products aren't cheap, but I think that they're worth the money. I have their Commuter bag and I've been using it for over a year now; I commuted through the winter (which gets pretty sloppy around these parts) and the bag still looks and functions as well as it did new. My bag has the built-in laptop pouch and, while I don't use it everyday, on the days I did my laptop was well protected.

sbruce

Thanks! I should have started by saying this forum was very helpful while choosing a bike. I actually was planning on getting a used Giant Revive, but I found the Townie and the price seemed right

Anyone have any experience with this?

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...551_1072122_-1Looks small, and the price is right.

JeremyZ...I LOVE your bike! Looks super classy!!

zeppinger

FYI I used to use one of the big "big touring panniers" to haul around my macbook pro 15in everyday to and from school. A lot of the time there would be books and other things in there too but if I wanted just the macbook I would not have hesitated to take it in that kind of pannier. If you were worried about it banging around, it was never an issue. However, a lot of large panniers have straps so that you can cinch down the bag around whatever size stuff you are carrying. The big rear pannier also has the advantage over the brief case thingy if you want to stop and get some groceries or just decide you need to carry more stuff with you a little ways down the line. If you think your just going to take the macbook and magazines though by all means choose the minimalistic bag!

mkeller234

+1 on the topeak suggestion. The Bontrager/Trek stuff isn't bad either, everything and be removed and carried with you very easily. On top of that, Trek has great customer support.

bikeguy69

+1 On these. I have a set and it carries my laptop, clothes and full size Ulock. Love them so far. Although I got them on sale at Nasbar for 24$.

cradduck

If you don't mind doing a little DIY you can find a backpack that fits the bill and then turn it into a pannier. This is what I did with my TimBuk2 backpack.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Back...ill-backpacks/

Grim

Another vote on the MTX. I use Novara Transfer Panniers with a laptop sleeve when I need to haul mine. Topeak now sells a laptop office bag that has the MTX foot on it as well.
https://www.rei.com/search?cat=8000&c...geSizeRedirect

mtalinm

+10 on the MTX bag with fold-out panniers. However, I disagree with the previous poster who says you can't put a macbook in the panniers. I have a 14" Lenovo thinkpad in a sleeve, and it fits in the pannier with room to spare!! I bet a 15" Macbook would fit. (Note: older versions of the bag had smaller panniers.)

no motor?

Another +1 for these. One is usually all I need to get my stuff to and from work, keep an eye for the sales and discount codes if you want to save a little $.