Anyone recommend a good saddle bag style commuter pannier? I tried the timbuk2 tandem and was kind of underwhelmed. I need to carry a laptop, full change of clothes, and a lunch. I've been doing well with a timbuk2 messenger bag (and it was why they were my first choice for a pannier), but like to have options.

I'd really only consider the tandem/saddlebag style, I need the space, and won't deal with 2 seperate bags lumping around. Just wanted to see what other people might suggest.

This is as big as any messenger bag so you'll have the room and only one bag to carry. When off the bike, there's a flap that covers the hooks and straps used for putting it on the rack. This makes it comfortable to carry over your shoulder.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...63_-1___000000

Well, your link has a spec of 650 Cubic inches. The messenger bag I use has a spec of about 1400, and I fill the bag up completely. I have to carry a LOT of stuff for work purposes.

Plus it's not a saddle bag, it's a single pannier, I really was hoping for a good set of saddle bags. It's a semi OCD/balance thing.

But thanks for the response.

If they don't come that way It's easy to make it So..

I joined 2 Ortlieb Bags , by un screwing the top rail screws , 1 at a time, and piercing,
a piece of Nylon Webbing with the screw
as I put it back in place, and tightened holding their Plastic acorn Nut
on the inside with my small adjustable wrench.


I have , now webbing joining them so they come off as One, interlaced the handle webbing too,
so they both Open their rail clasps at the same time.

Works with rear bags, Not , obviously, Low rider front Bags,
though I did it to the 2 small bags I use on My Bike Friday front rack.

The problem with saddlebag panniers is that they are usually a pain to put on and take off the rack. Racktime Doubleit panniers may be of interest, but the QR set up requires at the minimum an adapter that goes on the rack or just get one of their racks. Racktime is Ortlieb's 'off/economy' brand.

Alternatively, you could get a pair of Nashbar ATB panniers. Two single bags that I've heard that snap together off the bike and hold up relatively well, considering the price.

I usually carry a bag that is 610 cubic inches and I can fit four of them inside the Transit Metro. I think they've got the capacity listed incorrectly.
I'm not trying to talk you into this bag, just thought I'd clarify that.
Good luck.

How big of a laptop? Another option might be the biggest expandable trunk bag that Topeak makes- easy on, easy off if you use their rack.

What underwhelms you about the Timbuk2 ones? It looks like they fit your requirements pretty spot-on.

I agree with no1mad - the connected style panniers aren't really meant to take on and off. It really isn't a big deal to carry two separate ones - since the backs are flat you can back them against each other and carry them as one. Or if you decide to buy 50 lbs of groceries, you can carry them separately. Or if you aren't carrying much stuff you can take just one...

Full change of what kind of clothes? I'm getting a garment bag pannier. Mine goes over the top and takes up both sides, but some of them only take up one side of the bike, leaving room for another bag (for the laptop and such) on the opposite side...but I only have a uniform to carry...so a garment bag pannier over the top of collapsible wald baskets, and I'm set!

Check out North St. Bags, they look pretty nice! I'd probably get one if I didn't already have a set of Ortlieb classics (which work perfect for my uses: change of clothes, laptop, food, some basic bike tools, work materials).

Let's see, answers as I can pull them out: clothes are pants, 2 shirts (sometimes 3 in winter), khakies and long sleeve respectively, dress casual so semi bulky/thick. Laptop is a 14" (which hinders a lot of things). Possibly going to start carrying another set of workout clothes, and an extra pair of shoes. The messenger bag is quite full with just clothes and laptop.

I was underwhelmed by the timbuk2 mounting, honestly. Velcro is a designed failure point to me, and I won't spend money on something I can see failing quickly, or that I'm going to have to modify/fix/etc. when there are other options out there, especially given the 120+ price tag of the timbuk2 panniers. I've got the messenger bag that I'm really quite happy with, I just thought I'd see if there was anything else out there that might meet my wants.

I'd really like a set of saddle bag style just because I don't want to lump around two panniers, and I'm going to need a lot of space. I also can't leave the bags permanently mounted because I have to carry stuff up a few flights of stairs, across a lobby, and up an elevator, so it would be pointless in my mind to get to work then either handcarry a bunch of junk, or have a second bag. I have to walk around, and don't like dealing with either carrying two bags, or rigging up a homeade strap, and this was more of a pipedream, bored at work, question, than a 'I need this now' question.

I honestly figured it was far to specific and picky for a reasonable answer. I appreciate all the responses, thanks all. I'll check on the posted stuff as I'm able.

It really sounds like you need a garment bag panniers like mine...bunch of clothes, a pair of shoes, and a 14" laptop? check! one piece, not two? check! designed to go with you, not stay on the bike? check!

Not a saddlebag, but a single giant unit - The Arkel Utility basket with the laptop insert. 1650 cubic inches (27 liters) is big enough for laptop, clothes for a day or two and a couple day's lunches.

I have two but usually only carry one - if I carry both, I bring along too much stuff.

Are you talking about actual one-piece saddlebags, or about a pair of panniers?

My wife and I looked over the Banjo Brothers waterproof panniers today. Very easy mount and release, waterproof, very reasonable price. I get two red ones for Christmas . Not joined together, but so fast to mount and release I think they are actually simpler. The market bag is even bigger, but I need waterproof for winter. You should take a look.

I had a set of Giant lower end saddle bags. I wasn't happy with the getting them on/off the bike, and although the bags were sufficiently large, the position of the zippers sometimes made it challenging to get larger things in and out.
I've now switched to 2 panniers that come on and off easier and have much more room with top openings. I also went to a rack with lowered side rails so I can still have full access to the top of the rack when needed, like carrying my trunk bag or strapping on other large items.
Have you looked at the Ortlieb Office Bag Large? Seems to be very roomy and very easy on/off. 1282cc capacity, and can hold a 15" laptop.

Could you describe the mounting hardware? Do they have the open-ended inverted J-hooks with a bungee cord w/s hook at the bottom or do they have some kind of lockable/QR type of set up? The pics on their site aren't the best.

Two hooks to grab the rail of the rack, after catching a bungee-ed ring on the lower attachment point on the rack. Can on and off the things with one hand.

I have shopped this one pretty hard - started looking at Topeak and their quick release system, but never found a site that didn't have significant poor user reviews, most along the same lines. Ortlieb was almost 100% favorable, but like most things German they are well made but not worth the price to me. Banjo Brothers seems to be the ticket - I have a waterproof backpack and really like it, so I figure the waterproof panniers will do the job for half the price of the Ortlieb. And, if you don't need total dry bag type waterproof, the Market Pannier is HUGE.

Thanks for posting back. I'm familiar with the quality of Banjo Brothers stuff- I had a large backpack and currently have a large messenger bag.