Commuter Bike Setup

[PedalUma]

Oh I hadn't thought about that before... It's a good point, I guess it can work better for light stuff, and put the heavier stuff in panniers or in those that look like baskets but go on the back

Remember about if you were a Nautical Engineer designing a sailboat, where you would place weight? Up high out at an end, or low and centered?

 

[joha]

Remember about if you were a Nautical Engineer designing a sailboat, where you would place weight? Up high out at an end, or low and centered?

Heey It's an excellent analogy! Thank you, I'll take it into account when I need to carry heavy stuff

 

[Go-Rilla]

I had panniers on mine, but hated the way they flop around, tend to want to rub against a wheel, make wheel/tire access less easy. I added a front basket to mine and use a milk crate on the back rack when I really need to. I have all sorts of bungies attached to the rack and the basket, so I can strap pretty much anything in securely.

 

[PedalUma]

I had panniers on mine, but hated the way they flop around, tend to want to rub against a wheel, make wheel/tire access less easy. I added a front basket to mine and use a milk crate on the back rack when I really need to. I have all sorts of bungies attached to the rack and the basket, so I can strap pretty much anything in securely.

Panniers have a bottom strap to keep them from flopping.

 

[Go-Rilla]

Panniers have a bottom strap to keep them from flopping.

The ones made by Aipas still flap about.

 

[6zfshdb]

Pannier design has come a long way in the last decade, and new models don't look at all like the old saddlebags of the past. Many have quick release mechanisms that attach & detach in seconds. Rigid backboards keep them from "flopping" and away from the tires. Bottom strap hooks keep them securely attached to the frame.
IMO, panniers should be the first choice for carrying gear, especially heavy items.

 

[Go-Rilla]

I'm not necessarily anti-pannier, but I see that the OP was asking about carrying a backpack with a laptop in it, and for that, I do not see panniers as the most effective solution. A backpack with a laptop could be fairly easily bungeed to a rear rack or placed and secured in a front basket more easily than any option panniers offer.

 

[6zfshdb]

IMO, the ideal solution is a convertible backpack pannier, such as the one I mentioned in Post #52.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I'm not necessarily anti-pannier, but I see that the OP was asking about carrying a backpack with a laptop in it, and for that, I do not see panniers as the most effective solution. A backpack with a laptop could be fairly easily bungeed to a rear rack or placed and secured in a front basket more easily than any option panniers offer.

Ortlieb Pedal-Mate pannier has been specifically designed to carry your small office with you.

I totally confirm what @6zfshdb said about modern panniers. I use them for grocery shopping but also on my sporty rides, like the one below.

The pannier here is Ortlieb E-Mate, currently sold as Pedal-Mate.

 

[Go-Rilla]

All fine and well, but if the OP has a backpack that already houses their laptop, it seems to me that the best advice would be how they can carry that laptop.

 

[Brendon@OEB]

Hence referencing the Ortlieb Pedal Mate with padded laptop sleeve and quick release handle. Very easy to take the bag completely off the bike with laptop secured

 

[Go-Rilla]

Hence referencing the Ortlieb Pedal Mate with padded laptop sleeve and quick release handle. Very easy to take the bag completely off the bike with laptop secured

I respectfully disagree. That requires them to buy another backpack, no?

 

[Brendon@OEB]

Respectfully go read the original post.

Panniers =/= backpack but yes it'd be a different bag designed and intended to mount to the rear rack and have a padded laptop sleeve, thus protecting the laptop from damage and the elements as well as removing the weight from the riders back.

 

[PedalUma]

I respectfully disagree. That requires them to buy another backpack, no?

Yes, but they do not have to be brand name and overpriced. It is the most practical solution. I got a waterproof pair for something like $50 for a UCSB student. The current backpack can find a good home.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

The OP really needs to try some of these suggestions. I'd start with a quick-release pannier like the Ortlieb Pedal-Mate, as that would be the ideal place to carry the weight physics-wise, and Ortlieb has a system to keep the bag in place.

A visit to a bike shop with a good selection of storage options would probably help narrow the options.

I see a lot of cyclists riding with backpacks, but I'd personally rather have the bulk and weight in 1 or 2 rear panniers.

 

[gkochner]

The OP really needs to try some of these suggestions. I'd start with a quick-release pannier like the Ortlieb Pedal-Mate, as that would be the ideal place to carry the weight physics-wise, and Ortlieb has a system to keep the bag in place.

A visit to a bike shop with a good selection of storage options would probably help narrow the options.

I see a lot of cyclists riding with backpacks, but I'd personally rather have the bulk and weight in 1 or 2 rear panniers.

I appreciate the suggestions and was going to go with the Ortlieb Vario PS as it can convert into a backpack that I can wear into the office.

Instead I decided to get 2 panniers for less than the cost of 1 Vario and got different variants of the Banjo Brothers pannier (one hybrid, one not). There isn't a dedicated laptop sleeve so I had to buy a case for it, but still ended up costing less and should work well.