Paniers V rucksacks

[Scilly Suffolk]

I'm afraid that I think that's one of those "If you have to ask, you'll never understand" questions, but I'll try.

When walking round town, when walking round the office, when shopping at Tescos, I don't want to shout "I'm a cyclist" at everyone. I feel that carrying panniers does that.

Still none the wiser: I understand that you don't want to "shout" that you ride a bike, my question is "why not"?

As for the CoG thing, do you ride much off road?

Not at all.

 

[lejogger]

I use panniers for commuting and obviously for touring, but when my commuter was off the road last year, I used the 'best' bike and a rucksack instead. It wasn't a super dooper rucksack, so I did get a sweaty back. I also felt that it restricted breathing by being tight across the chest, gave me neck and shoulder aches and I found it more difficult to turn when performing the safety glances behind.

Now this is very unscientific, because obviously we're talking two different bikes, but I felt that in terms of riding efficiency, I was faster with the rucksack than I am with the panniers. Obviously the commuter is heavier and has a rack and guards etc, and the 'best' bike is carbon, but even taking that into account, the greater manoeuvrability offered by a 'naked' bike even when carrying weight on the person seems to offer speed and agility advantages.

So if my commute was about getting to work as fast as possible then I'd rucksack all day long, but the most comfortable option for me is to use the panniers - my suit gets less creased, and I can take additional tools in my rack bag, and I don't get as many physical complaints. I also actually enjoy commuting on a heavier, less agile bike. I carry all sorts of stuff I don't need to and treat my commute as training miles, hoping that come the summer club rides when the carbon gets dusted off, I'll feel the benefits of my fitness, a lighter frame, improved aerodynamics, and more agility to a greater extent.

 

[Nebulous]

Horses for courses I think. I've an old MTB for a fairly short commute and use a rucksack. I don't carry a lot - waterproofs, some clean clothes and a cable lock and have no issues at all. I hate it on the rare occasions I have to take my laptop home though, as carrying it round my neck seems to make a big difference.

Last year I did a two day commute on my roadbike with a rucksack and it was a royal pain.

My ideal setup, as I currently see it, is a bike with rack(s) mudguards and hub dynamo for touring/ commuting, and a good roadbike for clubs runs, leisure etc.

 

[lukesdad]

I did a 350 mile ride with a full rucksack last june MTFU will ya

 

[david k]

I did a 350 mile ride with a full rucksack last june MTFU will ya

was that your warm up?

 

[G-Zero]

I've done the C2C (unsupported) three times over the years and always managed with a large rucsac and until fairly recently did my commute with a rucsac.

I very recently converted to a rack and single pannier, which works well for me and I really wish I'd done it years ago as it's so much more comfortable.

 

[fossyant]

The other great thing with rack and pannier bike on a commute is when you burn up roadies...they don't like it, apparently, not that I would do such a thing.

Don't know what you are talking about (two panniers and fixed gear really upsets them).

I've used rucksacks for years, and have a airflow one from Decathlon that is great. Unfortunately, my RTA damaged my left shoulder so the rucksack only aggravates it, so switched to panniers a year later (two years ago). I'm using the Topeak MTX system, which is a rack top bag with in-built side panniers and just slides and clicks in - quite good and holds enough for the commute. It has meant a great difference to my shoulder. I don't regret changing, and still use the rucksack if using the MTB to get to work - but I keep the weight out of it.

Weight wise, it's just on the bike and you soon get used to it, just like a rucksack. It makes your non-panniered bikes feel very light. Fully loaded my panniers weigh more than the bike, so I'd rather not have that weight (3 x heavy locks) on my back.

I am, however, looking to possibly get some Ortleib Front Roller Classics - not too big (fit on the rear too) and come in red/black to match the bike and they are waterproof (I use a cover for the Topeak one). We are getting issued with ipads for work, and it just won't fit (safely) in a fully loaded MTX bag - which is when I'll need to carry it.

I don't like the look of racks/panniers on a bike, but it's not a problem for the 'work' bike - that needs to be useful. It's covered in ruddy lights and mudguards anyway.

 

[PJ79LIZARD]

I've bought a topeak trunk bag pannier combi for the summer for exactly the same reason. Since my rta I can't use a rucksack as it hurts my shoulder. Got it last night, quite impressed with it. Well made and expands out to a decent size. More than big enough for my needs.

 

[david1701]

panniers are nice, but its horses for courses really. I'm better off with a messenger bag (if my load is light) off the bike so for short rides I do that. In fact I'm looking for one atm as I usually use my domke camera bag and its very easy to over pack. All I want normally is ipad, tools, jumper, wallet, headset

 

[Randochap]

There are lots of choices, but for bigger loads, panniers are your friend. For smaller loads a rack top bag. Some prefer a handlebar bag as it is accessible without getting off the bike. Keep the centre of gravity low.

 

[MattHB]

I use panniers a lot, but I'm a pacrat and like to take the kitchen sink just in case I need to do some washing up at a moments notice the biggest issue isn't inbalance, it's the fact that in a head wind it like riding with 2 huge air brakes!