1 vote for the 3L hydraform aslo by osprey. Doest have the level of integration that it does in the raptor series but still the best out there. The 2L feels a bit awkward in the larger pack to me.

I've been using one of Jandd's Commuter Panniers for my 5 mile commute for about 2 years. I really like it and am glad that it's made in the USA. I like that it has handles and a way to hide the hooks and strap for when I ride to the library.

Arkel Bug is awesome. I don't own one, I only got the chance to borrow it. Goes from pannier to backpack. :)
I have a Sealline urban backpack but I wish it had more pockets and tht it wasn't just a empty hole.

I have a pretty short commute, around 4 miles one way, to school and I was wondering what you thought of these cheap panniers to start out with? I have a few extra rain covers from backpacks so keeping them dry should not be a problem.

Remember I am a student, so money is tight.

Thoughts?

Which cheap panniers are you referring to?

As you didn't provide a link (or even a name for some of us to go a Googling), and if you truly are limited on funds...

-Panniers are meant to be carried by the bike and not by hand. You'll have a comfy ride, but walking around campus/building will not be so enjoyable- unless your both willing and able to spend some ca$h.
-Backpacks tend to have way better organizational features than panniers.

Get a Wald basket of your choice and keep using your current backpack. :thumb:

If money is tight and it's only 4 miles (flat or hilly?), just 'love the one you're with' and use a backpack or messenger bag. In the meantime, scour craigslist for a quality used set. There are also many posts on how to roll your own solution with a variety of free or cheap materials.

Sorry, forgot to add that link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

I bike to class and would also like to use the panniers for getting groceries and trips to the store. I am currently looking on craigslist for a good used pair, but I would like to find a starter pair in the interim. Do they look ok?

No1mad, those wald baskets look pretty nice, I like the ones that go in the back. Thanks for sharing!

I have Vaude Cycle 30 pannier/backpack. Takes seconds to convert back and forth which is handy since I often take my bike on the train. There are long flights of stairs at one train station, and it's nice to be able to have the pannier comfortably on your back while you are porting your bike up and down stairs or looking for train rack-space. Came with a rain cover, but I wish it has a mesh outer pocket for gloves, a snack, periodical, etc.

Yeah, those look like they'd do the trick for the price. Never used/seen them, but they seem to have alot of good reviews. Have you looked around at your LBS's? Sometimes they have sales, etc. and you can check it out before you buy and easily return if it's not what you need.

Webtwo, I have looked at the Vaude line, they are pretty nic3e. and dyneq, I am going to try out the locals today, I might just go to REI and get a nice pannier, then, no matter what if I don't like it I can return it. Thank you all for giving me your time!

I bought the racktime workit here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Racktime-Workit-...item1c1ac117e1

The attachment system is great and it easily converts when off the rack

Also ordered this last week. Should be in by Wednesday, I'll post with an update after using it. Fairly inexpensive on ebay, shoulder strap, and has a rain cover. It also looks more like a briefcase than a pannier.

On my commuter bike I have the Topeak MTX system, and I love it. It does all I need exceedingly well. However, there are days where I will want to ride the race bike to work with a backpack, as I'll have a race or club ride after work, and I may not have schlepped in enough work clothes in advance to ride it "naked". So I'm looking for recommendations for a good, snug fitting backpack that will stay put when riding in a pretty flat racing position. I won't need a lot of room, just enough for a change of clothes or two. No heavy weight, no hydration system. So far the only recommendation I've seen here is for the Momentum. Any others?

Thanks in advance.

I have the Fourteener, fits all my clothes, nice and snug... It does have a hydration system but you can just take that out if you dont need it.

http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recre...ourteener.aspx

I've been able to carry less, and got everything in my racktrunk and my new Stowaway pack I canget alot more in there than I thought I would, and it's all I need on a warm day to carry work clothes and lunch.