Bike Pannier Recommendation

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08-17-10 | 09:00 PM

#26

johnr783

Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 230

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I am VERY particular about my equipment. I have been eyeing the Arkel Bug and now the switchback but I dont like that they aren't waterproof.
Lately, this waterproof pannier/backpack hybrid has caught my fancy.
https://www.aquapac.net/usstore/panni...ck-2390-0.html
https://www.aquapac.net/usstore/panni...ck-2390-0.html

08-17-10 | 10:05 PM

#27

gbcb

J3L 2404

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 1,075

Likes: 1

From: Shanghai

Bikes: 2007 Jamis Nova

Quote:

Originally Posted by Special-Kay

I'm pretty certain that the ONLY reason it has two strap hooks on the rack side is because the hardware is reversible. I can't imagine someone would actually think they were to hook the strap only on that side. Even with hooking on the other side, the one hook is not on the end, so I sort of get what the OP is saying. Or maybe I'm wrong and they didn't notice the end hook. I just got my office bag today so have not loaded it up yet, but it seems like it will work fine for me, but I could see that with a really full load, it might not be ideal (even with the correct configuration of the strap).

Yeah, it's probably not ideal for a super-heavy load. I've found that I'm using it more as a briefcase than as a shoulder bag - if you bring the hand straps together into the plastic handle, it's actually pretty comfortable. Then again, I'm not carrying it for very long distances... usually it's on my bike.

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08-17-10 | 10:14 PM

#28

irclean

Born Again Pagan

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 2,241

Likes: 2

From: Southwestern Ontario

Bikes: Schwinn hybrid, Raleigh MTB

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2create

I'm currently trying to decide between the Metropolitan and the Commuter.
I don't really need the suspended laptop compartment since I'm only carrying an iPad, not a full on laptop, so I think I like the shape of the Metropolitan better for carrying on the shoulder. Plus the description of the Metro describes it has having a waterproof liner which is a plus, no need to deal with a separate rain cover.

There's also Arkel's Messenger Briefcase: https://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categ...briefcase.html

08-18-10 | 09:01 AM

#29

d2create

Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 2,914

Likes: 1

From: Houston we have a problem

Quote:

Originally Posted by irclean

There's also Arkel's Messenger Briefcase: https://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categ...briefcase.html

Ya, it's just not one of the two I'm deciding between.
The briefcase does not seem as versatile as the other two and I don't work in a corporate environment.

08-18-10 | 06:24 PM

#30

habals

Thread Starter

noob

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 115

Likes: 0

From: Cupertino, CA

Bikes: Cyclocross 5

Thanks for very kind comments. I returned the Office bag and got the Back Roller.
I change the shoulder strap hooks as suggested, but still it was not comfortable enough.
I feel like Arkel Bug or Commuter would be a better choice, but my wife didn't like the price. (two panniers vs 1 .. lol. that's what she says)
Anyway, Back Roller at least work for me, so I'll keep it.

08-18-10 | 11:56 PM

#31

irclean

Born Again Pagan

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 2,241

Likes: 2

From: Southwestern Ontario

Bikes: Schwinn hybrid, Raleigh MTB

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2create

Ya, it's just not one of the two I'm deciding between.
The briefcase does not seem as versatile as the other two and I don't work in a corporate environment.

As far as water-proofing goes I bought the optional rain cover for my Arkel Commuter - works like a charm. That being said it is an extra expense and you need to take the time to install it instead of simply slapping the pannier on your bike and riding away. On the other hand I only used the rain cover during downpours and on really sloppy winter days (lots of slush and road detritus). The bag's inherent water resistance is sufficient for a light rain.

08-23-10 | 07:12 PM

#32

dellwilson

Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 265

Likes: 4

I commute daily with Ortlieb Back Roller Classics with one transporting a 15.4" laptop in a neoprene padded sleeve. Three times in the last six months, the laptop would not boot due to HDD failure. In each case, the fix was to unseat/reseat the drive. I now recommend some extra padding on the bottom of the bag to further cushion the laptop from road bumps.