Pannier or backpack for city travelling?

[RMSDivine]

Superdelite 2020-21 comes with a basic pack carrier:

I have changed this with the standard one:

Big advantage, this is not connected to the wheel!

Now.... what pack? Sidepack or would you go with a backpack on shoulders? Main use: city travelling.

A few samples....

Bellroy Apex

Brooks Picwick backpack

Brooks Suffolk rear pannier

Ortlieb City

Ortlieb Sport packer

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Panniers (sidepacks? never heard that one) are always more comfortable than a backpack.

 

[Nova Haibike]

I always hated the idea of wearing a backpack, but after getting a Camelbak I became a convert. I use it all the time since there is not bottle mounts on my bike. That said, as far as just carrying stuff, I would rather carry it on the bike. If it is not a lot (but more than an under seat bag can carry), I prefer a rack trunk over a pannier. I only use panniers if I need to schlep a lot o' stuff.

 

[Deacon Blues]

You went to the expense of switching rear racks and now you're asking if you should wear a backpack while cycling?
Did I miss something here? Buy panniers and use the rack.
I don't know about most people, but I find that cycling with a backpack to be uncomfortable and in the warmer months I end up with a sweaty back.

 

[Sierratim]

I've tried a small backpack for cycling. Never enjoyed the sweat trapped between me and the pack. I go with a quick release racktop bag (Racktime Talis) for small loads and quick release panniers (Ortlieb Classics) for more. They all come with shoulder straps for longer carrys. The Talis also has a trunk top carry handle. I have to admit that I am in the bad habit of using the Ortlieb release handle as a carry handle. I'll probably need to break one before I stop...

 

[Dionigi]

For different situations I use both. It never ride with the backpack on me. I use Ortlieb City panniers for carrying more stuff or a small Racktime rear basket to carry my backpack. I purchased a Rixen and Kaul backpack that fits on the Ortlieb front handlebar adapter but rarely use it, it seems like it would work better on a seatpost adapter.

 

[RMSDivine]

You went to the expense of switching rear racks and now you're asking if you should wear a backpack while cycling?
Did I miss something here?

Yes, it was replaced free of charge by the shop!
BTW the original model 2020-21 can be used with panniers, however it will suffer from all the vibrations and shocks coming from the wheel

 

[bradl]

For commuting (lunch, tablet) on a Nevo (when it gets here) I picked up a convertible backpack to see how that goes.

Pannier Backpack Convertible 2.0 LITE (22L)

Shop the versatile Pannier Backpack Convertible 2.0 LITE (22L). Perfect for bike commuters, featuring a waterproof design and 15" laptop compartment.

www.twowheelgear.com

If it were either/or I would rather deal with a pannier off the bike than wear a backpack on the bike. But that's very much a personal preference and I'm sure many feel just the opposite!

 

[Alaskan]

I would go with the Ortlieb. They are well made and fit nicely.

Just keep in mind that the Achilles heel of Riese & Muller bikes is the paint job. To protect the paint, you can get anti abrasion tape to cover the rails on the rack from your Riese & Muller Dealer.

 

[RMSDivine]

A stylish pannier. Who knows if it is suitable for RM bikes? One problem I can see is that water can enter the bag from the side. Secondly, there are no pockets & compartments

From your experience, does a fully-loaded single pannier makes the bike very unbalanced?

 

[bradl]

Given the weight of these bikes I've never noticed any impact. My current ride is a Tern GSD and I load that with a weeks worth of groceries on one side.

 

[Nova Haibike]

A stylish pannier. Who knows if it is suitable for RM bikes? One problem I can see is that water can enter the bag from the side. Secondly, there are no pockets & compartments

That is a nice looking pannier! As far as pockets and compartments, I have an older model of Ortlieb's Office Bag, which is just like a briefcase with pockets for laptop, tablet, phone, pens, etc. It comes in two different sizes, and they also make a High Visibility version with reflective fabric.

From your experience, does a fully-loaded single pannier makes the bike very unbalanced?

Only when you're standing still. If I only run one pannier, I mount it on the left side of the bike.

 

[Alaskan]

I have an Ortlieb Hi Vis Ofiic e bagthat I carry on one side with computer, tools and sometime pack quite full. Surprisingly it does not feel unbalance, even though obviously it is.

Office-Bag High Visibility

High visibility on the road is critical to ensure that you will be safely seen. ORTLIEB offers highly reflective solutions in the range of waterproof bike panniers: the High Visibility Line!

www.ortlieb.com

 

[bradl]

I love that high-vis fabric. I have it on an Ortlieb front bag on my Tern. Low-key in daylight and as-advertised at night

 

[RMSDivine]

I have purchased an Ortlieb rear pannier with insert. Superb!
Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@RMSDivine: However good Ortlieb panniers are, observe some care. In rough terrain (and with heavily loaded pannier), Ortliebs can sometimes detach from the rack. Don't put fragile objects in the pannier!

 

[RMSDivine]

I have just opened a discussion in the General forum about carrying laptops in a pannier...

 

[Dallant]

Superdelite 2020-21 comes with a basic pack carrier:
View attachment 62526

I have changed this with the standard one:

View attachment 62527

Big advantage, this is not connected to the wheel!

I’m a bit confused. Why is it a big advantage to not be connected to the wheel? And why would you change to a much taller rack that clearly will cause a much higher center of gravity with a pannier on it? I’m all about keeping weight low and solidly attached to the lowest attachment points.

 

[RMSDivine]

A rear rack attached to the swingarm will get 100% of the shock, whilst the one attached to the bike frame will get a reduced shock, as this will be partially mitigated by the shock absorber.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I’m a bit confused. Why is it a big advantage to not be connected to the wheel? And why would you change to a much taller rack that clearly will cause a much higher center of gravity with a pannier on it? I’m all about keeping weight low and solidly attached to the lowest attachment points.

@Dallant: R&M Superdelite is a full-suspension e-bike. The rack @RMSDivine showed is fully suspended, that is, it belongs to the sprung mass of the e-bike.