Small, inexpensive panniers
 

This isn't a commuting question, but I'm hoping someone here or in Touring may be able to help.

I have a Breezer Villager step through frame bike set up with two child seats--a iBert front seat and a Topeak back seat. If I put on a backpack it would be right in my daughter's face. I can't put panniers on the back because of the rear seat and the iBert takes up the space I could use for a handlebar bag, so I'm looking for a way to transport stuff. I've been looking at lowrider or low profile front racks, but I'm not sure what panniers would fit. Most of the touring panniers that look like they would fit are super expensive. I'm looking for a sub $50 solution if possible.

Any thoughts?

Try these or some of the other mec models. They work well.
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cyclin...tTab=3#reviews

Define "stuff". You could possibly pick up a kiddie trailer off of CL within your budget.

How about a triangular bag that fits in the frame? There are plenty of cheap ones on ebay, though I don't know quality. If anyone has purchased something like that on ebay, maybe they could chime in here.
Edit: http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/st...7563_-1_catNav

I'd thought about suggesting a frame bag, but I suspect the OP bought a step through fame for a reason...

I completely missed the step through part!

Two child seats! Sounds like you're well on your way to a respectable mamachari! Maybe if you post a pic of your set up we can get a better idea of what you need?

What about lowrider front panniers?

Thanks for the replies.
Yeah, neither triangle bags or the top tube "saddlebags" will work because of the step through frame. The MEC pannier looks like it would be a good fit. I do have a trailer already, but I use that only for big cargo trips. I'm looking to contain the kids and stuff on the bike.

As far as "stuff" goes, I'm looking at minimum for something to hold wallet, phone, keys, a diaper or two and wipes, a water bottle(s) and snacks. I may need to throw a lock in there too. Ideally, I'd like something big enough that I can jam swimsuits and small towels in for trips to the local pool. My "perfect" pannier for this bike would be something I can just lift off and would have a handle or shoulder strap. Otherwise, I have to pack a bag with all the stuff inside the pannier.

After looking around a little more, I found this rack:

http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Gold-T...ite+front+rack

and these panniers:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...eader-NA__DTP2

One of the reviewers specifically mentions that he used the panniers on the Blackburn front rack, which looks like it's similar in size to the Sunlite rack.

Any thoughts on that setup?

My first thought is that the legs of the iBert might interfere with the rack, but without being able to see your setup I couldn't tell you. Lowrider front racks are always an option: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_543155_-1___

Put on a low front rack , then you can hang [normal front] bags there.

What about just using a small duffle bag with the removable shoulder strap routed under the harness straps of the rear child carrier. You could figure out an anti sway system using velcro straps or bungee cords hooked to the rear rack.

Re: duffle bag, having my daughter's weight up high in the back already affects the stability and handling, so I'm hesitant to add more weight high up.

My choice of low ride front racks is limited by the facts that (1) I don't have mid-fork screws, so I have to depend on one of the u-bolt designs, which my technically-minded husband doesn't think are very secure; and (2) I'm not willing to shell out a lot of money, since this isn't my primary bike (usually I ride with just my son in a Bobike the front on my Windsor Kensington 8 and my husband takes our daughter in her WeeHoo--the Breezer was a recent acquisition so I can ride with both of them alone). That pretty much narrows the range down to the Axiom and Sunlite racks. The other concern I have about putting "normal" size bags on the front is one of clearance--I don't want to hit them with my foot while turning.

Not normally a mec booster but...
 

This model (http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cyclin...g-panniers.jsp -- $59 for a pair) has hooks for a shoulder strap and a few more pockets to organize things.
A shoulder strap costs $4 http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/...lder-strap.jsp.
I have an axiom rear rack and it's fine.

Another out of the box idea- mount some Wald baskets behind the carrier on the back. Secure them to the rack with copious amounts of zip ties. They will be sticking out the back a ways, so you might want to figure out a way to keep them flapping around too much- possibly a couple of dowels or pvc pipes, trimmed to fit, and notched?