Barrettscv 

My son will be using a 1988 Trek 400 to ride to College. It's a short ride, about 3 miles. His plan is to keep the higher value items, like his computer, in a backpack that he will wear while riding. He also wants a easy-to-remove pannier that he can keep heavier items including books and papers.

He would like to park the bike, double lock it, and quickly remove the pannier and walk into school.

Any suggestions for rack & Pannier?

FrenchFit 

The '88 Trek 400 was sport tourer, I'd probably pick the Jandd Expedition because it's so long. No matter what bag you pick he'll probably be safe from heel strike, even when fully loaded. Panniers selection is a matter of personal preference, but the toughest I've used for the price has been Detours, certainly not the prettiest but they simply work and at a fraction of the price of the big names..they'll often show up on eBay used. For lugging books. this might be ideal: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Detours-Pike...item3f2b089e92.

KonAaron Snake 

Gonna have to disagree on the above - I have a set of detours - the water proofing sucked...moisture got in through the zipper destroying a cell phone...and the bungee chord handle broke far too quickly. Impossible to clean or to keep clean. Not impressed with their quality at all.

The messenger bag Ortlieb with the QR2 system sounds like the pefect fit to me. I use Tubus racks because they go far back, but they're $$$.

ThermionicScott 

I really like how the Arkel I have turns into a backpack when you remove it from the bike. Not sure what the model is, though.

LexKing

I ran across the PDW's (North Street Bag and PDW Rack) the other day. However, I don't know much about them. I really like the attachment system and North Street makes a really nice Backpack / Pannier, if you are interested. Maybe someone else can comment on them.

turky lurkey

Look at these pics.


This is what I use, it's cheap and works great. 100% waterproof. Plastic tub from walmart with lid cost about $7.00. The important thing is to find an appropriate size and good lid. I've been using the same tub for about a year. Just drill some holes in the bottom and attach it to your rack with heavy duty zip ties. Put clear silicone and or packing tape around the holes to help prevent plastic from tearing at drilled holes. I've ridden thru some crazy rain storms with this thing, my textbooks stay totally dry (thank goodness because they are expensive). The tub also acts as a fender. Wind resistance is minimal because my legs are directly in front of the tub. I Recently added the light for safety. Ya the tub looks a bit kooky but that really doesn't matter. About the laptop, I think your son might find it's better to just leave it at home, most colleges have computers everywhere available for use. I used to carry a laptop but I've learned to leave whatever I can at home to cut down on weight. If I did bring my laptop I would definitely put in the tub, I try not to carry anything on my back.

Stryver

Milk crate or similar metal or plastic basket is my suggestion. Or a locker.

I rode 4.5 miles one way to school (and then some other distances ranging from 8 to 12 miles and other stuff...) I would strongly suggest finding a place on-site to store stuff. A locker at the gym or something similar. One particular engineering honors society here has locker in the engineering building available.

After that, the primary question is how much and how often. If you are carrying backpack plus pannier everyday, in all weather, then look into the roll-top, really-awesome-waterproof stuff, in a size that covers all your needs. I have some small stuff from Jandd, and have a really good opinion of Ortlieb (but own none of their things) in that variety. If it is normally backpack, but occasionally other stuff, then look into a basket or similar (I have a grocery bag pannier that is similar to this that I use to augment my other carrying methods https://www.treefortbikes.com/product...ocery-Bag.html)

I have a pair of other panniers that I have used (and would consider using again) for camping/touring, but they are slower to get on/off than the grocery bag one, and are harder to get stuff in and out of. While they are enclosed, and thus more waterproof, they are not watertight, even with the raincovers they came with. I would not trust any paper or electronic products to their waterproofness. If my sleeping bag got damp, I'd be bummed (and would sleep damply). If my computer got wet, or my homework ended up soggy, I'd be something other than bummed.

treal512

My 2 cents is a Carradice bag+shoulder strap and a quick release rack, like the Bagman2.

https://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php...nal-saddlebags
https://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php...y&url=classics
https://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php...rl=bag-fixings




Scott, is there any way you can provide a picture or find out the type of Arkel bag it is that you have?

gregjones

No personal experience with either, but from the pictures it has the same problem I see with a lot of other single sided panniers-----it sticks so far above the rack that a wide item can't be strapped down on the rack.

MichaelW

I suggest a handlebar mounted basket for heavier items. You can put a heavy backpack in the basket and just sling it over your shoulder.
For longer rides, expensive panniers may be better for this is 3mile/15 mins ride.

Rear rack-mounted crates also work well in this role.
Panniers are a PITA to haul around college all day. You will need tough ones to last.

I have fitted Rixen and Kaul bolt-on permanent basket mounts to old metal baskets and they are rock solid.

tim24k

Orbit panniers/bags are the best you can buy! Best and fastest/easiest on and off the bike.

Best rack, "gold standard" is and what I like best is Tubus but there are a lot of good racks out there. Jandd, Surley, Bruce Gordon, and Old Man Mountain are more rack makers what come to mind. But if it is going to be locked up at a Collage and not going tour with it, I think I would go to your LBS and fix the bike up with a cheaper one. One that isn't going to get envies eyes.