I used to commute with my gear in a backpack - a nice bright yellow thing that I juuuust managed to squeeze everything into (most of the time). But then I added a luggage rack to the faithful old bike so that I could fit a child seat for the Co-Pilot. Seeing as I didn't need the passenger seat for the commute rides I thought I might as well use a pannier. And I was an instant convert: I got to carry more stuff without getting a sweaty back.

The down side is that it puts more weight to the back of the bike and, because I use only a single pannier, it throws the balance off a bit. Actually, I've just been told that panniers should be used in pairs because bike wheels don't like being loaded asymmetrically and it tends to cause spoke breakage. (That seems pretty logical to me, what do you reckon?)

Priority bump

I've been considering replacing the pannier (which I've had on permanent loan, thanks SuperGran) because it's starting to show a bit of wear. This purchase has just been bumped up in priority from "maybe" to "necessary" because on the in-bound ride this morning I busted one of the mounting brackets (aaah, sorry about that SuperGran). I don't have much confidence in a pannier dangling from the rack by one lonely hook!

Candidates

So, the question is what to buy? A quick look around the interweb throws up a few likely candidates:

But that doesn't narrow it down much. Do you have any ideas on good panniers for commuting?

Courier bag armpit attachment

While I'm on the subject, I've got a midget courier bag that I use at night to carry the battery pack for my helmet light. But how the hell do you fit these bloody things so that the bag doesn't end up swinging around under your arm?

Comments

Home brewer

My Tioga panniers are nice and large (always got room to spare) and the outer pockets are very handy when stowing stuff quickly while riding eg. windbreaker jacket. But being nylon they are not fully waterproof - so on wet days (heavy or persistent rain) I have to double bag to keep things dry. Also they are not wearing very well on the regular commute (there are wear holes developing & the zips are getting dodgy) and I will probably have to replace them by year's end.

Buswalker has got a set of Ortlieb's which are fantastic - waterproof and very well made but cost big 35308 - but you get what you pay for here IMHO

see ya

HB

Phil

I'm a fan of the Ortlieb as far as panniers go, and the Topeak system is also a great one as far as simplicity is concerned. I think Tioga panniers are a bit light on for daily commuting in wet weather.

It all depends on the load carried, though.

But for most commuters the Topeak with the zip out pannier and their rack system get my tick of approval despite the lack of waterproofing, although it does have a rain cover available.

Bike Worker

Carrying along extra plastic bags is enough to protect clothing and shoes inside panniers from the rain. The bags are also useful for locking in the smell, if you have to keep the panniers near your desk!

lelak

I ended up splashing out a set of Ortlieb panniers after a rainy day defeated my other "water-resistant" cycle bag, and cost me a mobile phone and the contents of my wallet.

Spend the extra 35317; you won't regret it.

Martin Hartley

I use a fairly inexpensive set of Tioga panniers. http://www.bicorp.com.au/ProdView.aspx?Product=T1PRPSBK

Good for capacity, but not for heavy loads. I think these are best for carrying a change of clothing and toiletries for the shower.

Ask yourself what you are going to regularly carry in it and then get panniers to suit. Long distance off-road touring and camping will have different requirements to daily commuting to work/school/college.