Hi,

Just got a new hybrid bike primarily for commuting to work, and trying to decide whether to get a trunk bag with the fold-out panniers, or just a pannier(s) that is oriented to commuting. Whatever I get will go on a Topeak Explorer rear rack which I already own.

I can see pros/cons with either solution but just wanted to see what seems to work best for folks here and their recommendations.

Thanks

I see those Spaniel ear rack bags as best suited use on seat post beam racks,
with side support loops ..

I don't own one, velcro, used on most rack top bags, is certainly slower to open

than the grab it and go latching systems , for many newer panniers,
such as Ortlieb, which I own 3 pairs of [a F/R roller set + a front 'sport-packer' set]

I have a Topeak Super Tourist DX Tubular rear rack and a MTX Trunkbag DXP with fold out panniers. I love the workmanship and convenience of the bag. Sometimes I wish I had gone with seperate pieces, but I can't really complain about what I have because it performs well. If I did it over, I might have gone with the MTX Office Bag since it looks and carries more like a regular soft briefcase, and looked at seperate panniers for other stuff.

I have an REI trunk that has the fold out panniers. I find them to be very useful at times, and unobtrusive when not needed. I think it is an excellent all round solution. I have panniers too, but use them much less since I got the trunk. I would not want to carry panniers all the time, but the trunk looks great and is always handy.

Trunk bag AND real panniers. More flexibility this way, imho. And I always found those fold out panniers to be gimmicky and not terribly usefull.

Depends how much space you need. I quickly outgrew the fold out type and went with real panniers (Ortlieb).

Good question. What I'm looking for is something I can put a change of clothes/shoes and my lunch bag in for work. I need a bag or pannier that is real easy to take on and off since I can't leave it on the bike (would likely be stolen in short order). I don't think a trunk bag alone (without fold-out panniers) provides enough room.

Thanks everyone for the input so far!

Shoes take up a bunch of real estate- any way you can leave them at work?

Also, which bike did you get again? I ask because the chain stay length will play a huge role in figuring out how to carry your stuff. My bike has 26" wheels and a CS of 16.3", and I have heel strike with panniers that are centered on the rack. You shouldn't encounter heel strike with the drop down panniers of a rack trunk (I don't with mine), but you also give up volume as opposed to larger pannier(s) or even backpacks and mess bags.

Hi,

The bike I got is a Jamis Coda Sport, with 700c tires - not sure what the chain stay is I'll have to check. Thanks

CS of 17.13" and the rack that you have is 13.4" long.... both longer than what I've got (16.3" and 12"). You ought to be able to make that work if you opt for panniers.

Another option would be just use a backpack and strap that down to the rack. Bonus for this is that a trash makes for a rain cover and a backpack is easier to carry off the bike. I would suggest a Donkey Boxx, but one (or two) of those things on a Coda just wouldn't look right...

I've had the Topeak MTX DX bag (no panniers)
& Explorer rack for ~3 years now.

I can fit shoes, jeans, shirt, & under clothes
in the main compartment with no problem. Fitting
a lunch in there too would probably be a problem.

In one outside pocket I keep my tools, tube, patch
kit, etc. The other contains the battery pack for my
rear light, spare cells for front lights, & the alternate
lenses for my sun glasses. I keep my cell phone,
wallet, & other misc. stuff in the top compartment.

This is a fair amount of weight up high, affecting
the center of gravity, but I'd rather deal with
that than the bulk of panniers hanging in the wind.
I've had no real issues with it, but it is something
to be aware of.

I use the trunk bag w/o panniers. Leave as much as you can at work - shoes, belt, lock, etc. The only time I need extra room is when it is cold in the morning and warm in the evening, and extra clothes are strapped with a bungee on top in a stuff sack.

Thanks much for this! And thanks again to everyone for your suggestions....