I almost always use panniers, but I have also ridden with a backpack too. Backpack isn't that bad and may be appropriate depending on how far you are going, how hot it is, what you are doing on your commuter... It is also a great way to travel if you happen not to own panniers and a rack.

I'll agree. Having ridden with every setup short of adding fork-mounted panniers, carrying stuff is so much nicer when I'm using a bike that carries it all for me.

It's completely Fred, but it sure works.

A backpack centres weight over the middle of your frame and lets you move it with your body. Packs like those WingNut make are used by MTBers, who really need to preserve their bike's agility, instead of panniers.

I hate having a damp back, but there are good reasons to carry stuff in a rucksack sometimes.

The amount of agility needed for the street hardly compares to what's needed for a dirt trail.

If you are a multi-modal commuter on a budget, backpack wins. Strictly A to B cycle commuting, whatever you want.

Me? I've got a backpack and panniers and townie baskets. Backpack sees the most use on a daily basis. In town, riding to a bus stop a mile or more away, I wear the backpack. Riding the nearly 10 miles from the bus station to where I park my car, I either bungee the 'pack to the rack or wear it.

Depends how aggressively you ride...

Really, for carrying a laptop stuff only 10 miles, almost anything will do. You don't need a cargo oriented bike to commute 10 miles with a laptop! If you want to commute on a Madone or a unicycle, then put the backpack on.

I use a backpack for my 20 mile commute and have never even thought of using panniers. Yeah you sweat a bit with the backpack, but is it really that big of a deal? I often have my pack loaded with books and a laptop and that makes the workout for my upper body more significant...lose the panniers.

You are wrong, and you have no idea of what you're saying. All of my bikes have front and rear racks, but for everyday commuting I still use a messenger bag. And even for long distance rides I use a small backpack to carry personal belongings , nothing that is too heavy.
I only use racks for carrying very bulky or heavier items.

You shouldn't be "flicking" your bike from side to side when you stand up to pedal on a climb whether you have panniers on the back or not. it's a waste of energy. Keep it smooth!

EDIT: And guy's, come on. we all know there aren't a lot of "wrong" ways to carry smallish loads. just whatever works best for each individual in any given situation. I have a bike with a rattrap (soon to be milk crated) a set of large panniers, a messenger bag, and my newest addition, a small single MEC brand pannier for my commuting. oh, and a saddle bag. They all work.

as others have said i really doubt there is any significant difference between a backpack and a rack bag for your speed issues - the issues are faster bikes and faster riders.

it's pretty simple for me, i rode with a backpack for the first few weeks with my new bike and just wanted to take the damn thing off. this was a nice camelbak bag too. the amount of pleasure i get from not having anything on my back while riding in heat is worth the cost of my rack and bag system x100. if it's a cool day, then it won't matter, but summers here in nyc are not backpack friendly on a bike.

Unless the backpack is brightly colored and has a lot of reflectivity, they usually block any bright colored/reflective outerwear one may happen to be wearing in regards to being seen by rear approaching motorists.

I prefer panniers since they put the load carrying weight onto the bike, and not onto my spine.

+ 1 These aerodynamic panniers look interesting - https://store.cycledifferent.com/mm5/...gory_Code=BAGS

I still use a pair of Tailwind front panniers from the 80's. I have used a backpack but much prefer the comfort of panniers. So, two aerodynamic front panniers and a trunk bag work for me. Sure I get passed alot, but it doesn't feel like the bags are causing drag.

Yes, while seated, climbing should be smooth as silk. However, the "flicking" (perhaps I could have chosen a better word) I referred to is a pretty common style for out of the saddle efforts on hills. An example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27SFeKk2LpY

That is the motion that does not work with panniers, but it is the one I became accustomed to from years of racing, and one that I had to "unlearn" in the context of commuting with loaded panniers. No worries, once I learned the non-racing style of out of the saddle climbing, things are fine - just not quite as powerful on the climbs, but it is commuting after all

While seated, climbing is smooth and quiet as silk, as it should be.

Using only a single pannier causes you to be visually unbalanced, which of course as we all know can cause a significant speed loss. Using two panniers will balance the aesthetic load and result in a dramatic increase in speed.

On a more serious note using a backpack will raise the center of gravity while panniers lower the center of gravity.

Aside from the issue of which to use, the speed on a commute depends a lot more on how many traffic lights you hit than anything else, at least in city commuting. I blow by lots of riders only to have them catch me at the next light, and vice versa.

Having tried backpack on my back, backpack tied to a rack, and now a single pannier, I'd go for the pannier. On my back I was too sweaty from it, and tying it down was just inconvenient. I bought a messenger bag/pannier and have used it a total of 2 times now. And since I don't ride in every day I can use it as a messenger bag on the subway and not feel like I'm carrying around bike specifi gear. (Knog's Frank Dog bag if you're interested.) I was worried about the imbalance of a single bag but my first ride proved otherwise. The only time it matters is when leaning the bike up on something. It will tip over.

Yes, the cyclist below would be much better off carrying two refrigerators instead of only one.

+1

I had panniers on my old bike--but I sold it to a fellow teacher and bought a new bike---and the panniers kept bumping into the heels of my cycling shoes...so,I went the backpack route. I can still carry all of my stuff to school and I actually feel a little bit faster with it---although it actually is probably the new bike, not the back pack...

I have the right bike. I really enjoy what I purchased and the bike does basically everything that I ask it to for me---commute, fitness, and just plain riding for enjoyment. I think you are silly.

Most commuters aren't using light weight road bikes for full time commuting. I would venture a guess that most bicycle commuters could add a rear rack and panniers to their bikes without it handling like a wet noodle.

I'll stick to my trunk bag, thank you very much.

Justin J,

Just ride to work on the weekend without a pannier to see how much difference it makes. I really doubt however that losing one pannier (or even two) is going cut as much off your commute time as you're hoping.

I feel like a broken record, but I'll say it again. I recently hurt my shoulders and had to switch from using a messenger bag to panniers. There are pros and cons but yeah, I feel slower with the panniers. The bike doesn't respond as well. Headwinds have more of an impact, etc. Anyway, if you switch to a backpack, you may move a little faster and have fewer people passing you but it's not going to cut 20 minutes off your commute time.

Next thing we'll find out is that the fridge is full of beer.

No, no, no! He needs to carry it on his back, obviously. Look, he's so slow that he's getting passed by a woman!!!

All joking aside, I second tjspiel's suggestion. Try your route without panniers and see how much your speed increases.

The Novara is a nice bike, but it's not built for speed - your upright posture and the little front chainrings are working against you. That being said, I used to regularly get passed (on my drop-bar touring bike with road triple) by a guy on a comfort hybrid with panniers. Dude was standing up and mashing the whole way. His calf muscles were glorious. You have two options: upgrade the bike, or upgrade the motor. Personally, I go for the third option: who cares if you're being passed? It's not a race, and you're not "expected" to keep up with road bikes.

This guy is my new cycling hero.

..I just hope he doesn't turn out to be using EPO.

I've never ridden a Novara Fusion, but it doesn't look like that bike is really designed to go fast. While the backpack vs. panniers is a worthy debate, there are other factors that would come into play as well. Like other posters have mentioned try both and see if you find any appreciable difference. Don't mean to sound gloomy, but I don't see how you can really make a huge dent in your commuting time with such a change.