Nashbar backpack that converts to pannier
 

Has anybody used this thing? http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

It looks like such a great idea, wondering if it's well made, comfortable and such. I've never used panniers before but this looks like a real smart idea.

someone here recommended me that. they said it was awesome. im getting one..

I have one and it has was extremely useful. When I would just use panniers I had to stand there and empty stuff out to take into work or school with me. With this I could just take it off and go in. Nice and roomy, the compartments help your sort your stuff out. I would still use mine but now I am in an area where the part attached to the rack would probaly get stolen and the touring bike I used it on is worth too much for me to leave it locked up outside. Now I am more of a fixed gear/messenger bag commuter for security purposes. But yeah get that bag, its good stuff.

can someone take some pix of this mounted on their bike? do you notice any weight leaning on either side, etc?

Thanks for the info, sbeaton! I'm definitely gonna get one.

Oh! I want one. or maybe two. (I bike full load, my S.O. bikes no load, and two of these would be cool!!)

they sure do sound interesting don't they :D

OK, I don't have one of these. If I didn't already have a pair of Ortlieb Mini Biker Lites, an Arkel Utility Basket Pannier, and a Nashbar Briefcase Pannier, I would jump on it right now!

Here are my observations about balance, which confirm Arkel's notes on balance with regard to the UBP. I have loaded up the UBP, which is a single huge bag, with some pretty heavy loads and never even notice it. When you are riding you will never notice a heavy unbalanced load because your body automatically compensates just as it does if you carry a heavy suitcase in one hand. Just don't try to put the bike on a kickstand with a heavy load on one side. Your bike is not as smart as your body. At least most people's bikes aren't. :D

Okay, my pannier connection broke (stupid plastic + cold = breaks easily). I'm looking at this as an option. Can anyone tell me the mechanisim by which this attaches to the rack? Will it break when it gets cold (0-10 F)... is it plastic? Can I put it on, take it off without taking off my gloves? This looks like a good option at $50.

Thanks.

There was a thread in the touring forum regarding these.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=83022

I replied:

"I agree, sorry I didn't notice this thread untill now-to reply before you bought. If you'll be keeping it and using it, some modifications may be helpfull. I swapped out the "klunky" dry bag, for a liteweight one I had allready. I mounted the back plate to a rear rack with the hooks as well as zip ties&climbing cord."


The back mounting plate (or board) has two hooks at the top, with a flimsy(wimpy) bungee at the bottom. It will bounce off if you hit a bump (unless you modify it somehow). I don't think it will break due to cold, however IMO will break due to heavy load over time (again if not modified).

The backpack attaches to the mounting plate (or board) via a zipper that goes around the edge of the plate-so you would probably have to attach it without gloves on. You could remove it with gloves on though.

If it were 50$ for a pair, it would be an ok deal. Then time/money for modification would be reasonable. It's 50$ for one though. I'd suggest spending more money for a better brand (Arkel for one example)-where the hooks stay on the backpack.

EDIT: Just added pic bellow. Also I agree w/following post.

Good idea, total POS. I have this and the Bug from Arkel. The Arkel is many times better. Save your pennies for the Bug. You'll use it. My cat sleeps on my Nashbar one. He likes it much better than I do. Don't be taken in by the cheap price as I was. Look at the photos. Poor design, poor quality. A total waste of money. I use the Bug every day. It was worth every penny.

As you can see, it is really a black plastic dry bag that fits into a red nylon "holder" with a back plate that mounts to a rack, and is zipped off, revealing the backpack straps. What you are suppost to do with the mounting plate is anyones guess. Find a way to lock it to your bike, or carry it I suppose. The hook mounting system is ca 1973. My ancient Bushwacker panniers had a better mounting system then these. The hooks are pop rivited on, so there is nothing to unscrew. Which means you will have to drill them out if you want to put another mounting system on. By far this is the WORST bike related product I have ever purchased.

yikes...glad I asked. I will look into the arkel bug bags. Thanks.

Another vote for the bug. No way that sucker is coming off unless you want it to.

Oh, and with the Arkels. When you first get it it will seem hard to click on and off with the swivel aluminum thing. Just attach the 3 hooks to the rack, and to lock it on just pull the bottom of the bag out just a little bit to turn the swivel. Just a trick I found makes it a ton easier. I have the bug, the utility basket, and a whole set front and rear of the touring (large) panniers. I love all of them.

My friend is just starting commuting and I told him about the nashbar backpack pannier but I'll give him this link to let him think it over. Thanks for the info all.