I'm referring to a basket that would mount to the rear rack, not a handlebar basket. I have a rear rack installed on the bike already. My concern with panniers are if they make the weight unbalanced if I only use one.
Jeremy McCreary
Bought it anyway
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
Not a deal-killer in normal use. You adapt to the minor unbalance without thinking. Might be different with a very heavy single pannier, but guessing you're not hauling rock most days.
What you might notice, though, is the difference in handling when you carry the same weight low in a pannier vs. high on a rack.
I'd argue my work laptop is a rock. It's a 14" laptop and weighs over 5 lbs. That doesn't even factor in the charging cable and everything else needed to take to and from the office.
Jeremy McCreary
Bought it anyway
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
Try and see how even a single 10 lb panier feels. Not a deal-killer.
Suggestions? I'm new to panniers and commuting in general.
DaveMatthews
Dave's not here. Cheating since 2018
- Region
- Canada
I went with a Topeak MTX DXP unit.
I also have their QuikTrack rack system which lets me easily remove the bag and bring it into the store etc. if I wish...
Brendon@OEB
Well-Known Member
There are fork mounted baskets but they can be very particular to setup and often don't play nice with suspension forks.
The basket I'm considering most is the Bikase Momo Basket - MIK Compatible or their Dairyman basket. I haven't found a pannier that would also function well as bag that I can take into the office. A pannier with a messenger bag or backpack strap would be ideal; I'd rather not have to carry it by the handle.
Brendon@OEB
Well-Known Member
I'll 2nd or 3rd the point that unless you have 20lbs in one pannier you really don't notice the weight imbalance as much. I've had 50lbs in one of my cargo panniers on my Tern GSD and that was really noticeable but still very rideable. You really only notice the weight starting and stopping.
On my commuter I keep the Abus chain loop on my right pannier so that's probably 5lbs on one side of the bike. It's not noticeable in the slightest.
On my commuter I keep the Abus chain loop on my right pannier so that's probably 5lbs on one side of the bike. It's not noticeable in the slightest.
Jeremy McCreary
Bought it anyway
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
Don't have enough experience with different pannier brands to make recommendations, but Ortlieb is a highly regarded brand with a wide selection of sizes and designs. Just got a single new Ortlieb pannier and Quick Rack and both seem well-made and cleverly designed.
Wife and I also have Topeak rear rack bags with drop-down panniers in their side pockets. Excellent design. Good for small to medium loads. A laptop might or might not fit.
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My bike came with Velotric's rear rack bag with included panniers. I like the bag, except it mounts via Velcro straps, making it difficult to take on and off.
I'll look into Ortlieb for sure!
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
You might also take a look at Arkel. Their mounting system is the easiest I've used. They're pricey, but have a good selection of panniers & bags.
Arkel Bike Bags | Bicycle Bags | Bikepacking
Our bicycle panniers and bags for touring, commuting or bikepacking are built to last! All panniers & bike bags are sold with a lifetime warranty.
arkel.ca
I particularly like the GT-18BP that converts to a backpack:
GT-18BP Classic- Convertible Backpack Pannier
Arkel is an ideal option for bike and hike trips / Quickly transform it as a backpack to bring as an airplane carry-on or carry with you.
arkel.ca
DaveMatthews
Dave's not here. Cheating since 2018
- Region
- Canada
That convertible is very cool!You might also take a look at Arkel. Their mounting system is the easiest I've used. They're pricey, but have a good selection of panniers & bags.
Arkel Bike Bags | Bicycle Bags | Bikepacking
Our bicycle panniers and bags for touring, commuting or bikepacking are built to last! All panniers & bike bags are sold with a lifetime warranty.
I particularly like the GT-18BP that converts to a backpack:
GT-18BP Classic- Convertible Backpack Pannier
Arkel is an ideal option for bike and hike trips / Quickly transform it as a backpack to bring as an airplane carry-on or carry with you.
Dave Rocks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- MISSISSAUGA
5lbs is nothing, you won't notice that.
Dave Rocks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- MISSISSAUGA
Why do you have to take the pannier off the bike?
I technically don't HAVE to take it off, but having one that comes off that I can use as my bag for my work stuff is ideal. Also, I'd worry someone might steal just the pannier, but who knows.
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