Pannier Recommendations Needed - Waterproof and other requirements
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 2
From: Pacific, WA
Bikes: Custom 531ST touring, Bilenky Viewpoint, Bianchi Milano, vintage Condor racer
Rather than a separate protective sleeve inside a soft-side pannier, I carry my 15" Latitude in a Pelican top-load equipment case made into a pannier.

Pelican Commuter Pannier 1 by joshua_putnam, on Flickr
It's waterproof and extremely durable, and the liner has a built-in laptop sleeve for convenience.
It's held up amazingly well despite being hit by a car and dropped from a train, no damage to the laptop either time.
As for the rack, my regular commuter has a Bruce Gordon, like Tubus they're high quality tubular steel racks that are stiffer and stronger than aluminum racks.

Pelican Commuter Pannier 1 by joshua_putnam, on Flickr
It's waterproof and extremely durable, and the liner has a built-in laptop sleeve for convenience.
It's held up amazingly well despite being hit by a car and dropped from a train, no damage to the laptop either time.
As for the rack, my regular commuter has a Bruce Gordon, like Tubus they're high quality tubular steel racks that are stiffer and stronger than aluminum racks.
Last edited by jputnam; 11-06-10 at 07:45 PM.
#28
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
If its sewn together, there are holes in it, though heavy cotton canvas with a wax treatment should be good for a while. commuting range
welded seams is how Ortlieb and others of its type manage to be more waterproof without needing a separate rain cover.
welded seams is how Ortlieb and others of its type manage to be more waterproof without needing a separate rain cover.
#29
stringbreaker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,463
Likes: 2
From: wa. State
Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
I know you have a few options when it comes to panniers. Here's another option, especially if you're looking for something unique. This pannier fits a 16" in laptop, it's water-resistant and elegant with real leather finishes. PM me if interested.
Overall dimensions: 12" (length) x 5.5" (expanded width) x 17" (height)
30.5 cms x 14 cms x 43 cms
Elegant and presentable everywhere you go:

Back with adjustable straps to fit the panniers to the back of rack and avoid heel-strike:

15" laptop in pannier:

A jacket fits in between main straps:

Transportable - Lies flat when not in use

Optional Personalization - Your own initials on the pannier

Security - A cable lock fits through the handle. Rear pocket is removable so you can bring your small valuables (keys, wallet, etc.) with you. This is very convenient on short stops to grocery store or coffee shop.

Overall dimensions: 12" (length) x 5.5" (expanded width) x 17" (height)
30.5 cms x 14 cms x 43 cms
Elegant and presentable everywhere you go:

Back with adjustable straps to fit the panniers to the back of rack and avoid heel-strike:

15" laptop in pannier:

A jacket fits in between main straps:

Transportable - Lies flat when not in use

Optional Personalization - Your own initials on the pannier

Security - A cable lock fits through the handle. Rear pocket is removable so you can bring your small valuables (keys, wallet, etc.) with you. This is very convenient on short stops to grocery store or coffee shop.

__________________
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 29
From: The Pearl of the Pacific, Mexico
Bikes: '12 Rodriguez UTB Custom, '83 Miyata 610, '83 Nishiki Century Mixte (Work of Art), '18 Engin hardtail MTB
These panniers are handmade in Mexico - country with a great tradition of leather work. They're made of fine leather covered with a black synthetic canvas to make them water resistant (notice on pics 3 & 4 - the main flap is black outside and leather inside). They're ideal for commuting to a professional environment where you may need to show up presentable or even well-dressed to a staff meeting or travel to a customer's site.
PM sent to you.
PM sent to you.
#32
Another vote for Carradice here. I use their saddle bags and a full set of panniers and handle bar bag. They never seem to leak water, even when I road through a typhoon for five days in South Korea. If it were my laptop I would put it in a plastic bag for extra assurance but I would do that even with an ortlieb pannier.
#33
Conservative Hippie
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 0
From: Wakulla Co. FL
So... I'm looking to add a rear rack and panniers to my commuter and need some advice because I am a super-commuter noob.
Requirements:
- Waterproof
- Hold a 15" laptop housed in a protective case which adds approx an in all around
Price: I have no problem paying a little more $$$ for something which is quality. Not looking to cut corners here.
Thanks!
Requirements:
- Waterproof
- Hold a 15" laptop housed in a protective case which adds approx an in all around
Price: I have no problem paying a little more $$$ for something which is quality. Not looking to cut corners here.
Thanks!
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...light=panniers
jputnam's Pelican Case pannier would provide even better protection.







