Panniers or Rucksack (haversack)

[Buzzinonbikes]

I wouldn't look back since getting panniers. I went for the Ortlieb front rollers so they aren't too big. Much more fun riding with nothing on your back, laying down the V.

 

[gaz]

Panniers. Well i'm more than anything but a backpack kind of guy. I've got panniers, trunk bag and a carradice saddle bag in my options. But mostly choose the panniers. Can carry more.

I hate backpacks due to sweaty back and limited removal / adding of clothing. I like to take my top layer off during the ride this time of year and without a backpack I can do that at the lights or whilst moving. However I have to stop and take the backpack off, take item off, put backpack on.
The only time I do take a backpack is mountain biking. Water in the bag ftw

 

[subaqua]

Panniers here. Used to be a rucksack but panniers fit more and are less sweaty on my back

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Another case for panniers.

Picked up a new rear wheel tonight for the tourer/regular commuter. Was riding a rackless Saracen Pylon, so used the rear pocket straps of the rucksack to strap the wheel to my back. I looked like a cycling USS Enterprise with a large disc flat on my back like Pratchett's Great A'Tuin

Strapped on so well I forgot it was there, smashed the back wheel on the corner of the brick wall heading down the passage to my back garden. Luckily the wheel was strong the only damage was to the brickwork.

 

[Mr Foldy]

Ortlieb Front rollers on the back of my Dahon. I can carry all the work clothes and kit I need including lunch. I tried a backpack but its great to have the weight off my back. I can move better and look behind better too. Oh, and no sweaty back!

 

[Salad Dodger]

Panniers on my e-bike, which is what I use for shopping and "business" (e.g. going to the bank, where I don't want to arrive with a sweaty back and looking hot and bothered).

Rucksack on my MTB, as then it doesn't matter how I look - which will be sweaty and knackered......

 

[Koga]

Maybe. I've seen some people riding with pretty big panniers though.

I agree. Note even small panniers can restrict filtering because the rear of your bike is likely to "swing out", ie normally you are past a car once your body is through, but with panniers you have an added bit to consider and this restricts your manoeuvrability.

 

[SquareDaff]

Rucksack in summer / rack bag in winter. I wear a Night Vision Evo jacket in winter (and other clothes too before someone says something! ) and find the combination of that and a rucksack restrictive around the shoulders.

 

[EthelF]

Panniers for certain. Have used my Ortlieb Bikepackers for about 15 years now, they are still almost as good as new, waterproof and quickly adjustable to increase capacity when needed/reduce protrusion when not. Never had problems filtering, but then again I ride a wide-barred hybrid and avoid tight squeezes! Occasionally use a rucksack when riding my mtb; hate it (the rucksack, not the mtb!) - sweaty back, more restricted movement, etc

Anyone have any thoughts on panniers vs rucksacks in the event of falling off/crashing? Sorry, not a nice subject to contemplate, and almost certainly no stats available, but I have occasionally pondered the issue.

 

[gaz]

I agree. Note even small panniers can restrict filtering because the rear of your bike is likely to "swing out", ie normally you are past a car once your body is through, but with panniers you have an added bit to consider and this restricts your manoeuvrability.

That's only when weaving between cars. Actual filtering and the bags don't restrict you too much, depending on your bar size and leg size, even the large ones aren't wider than you or your bike.

 

[Lincov]

Panniers are great, but I have also attached a small rucksack to my rack using bungees. Carrying a rucksack on my back is only a preferred option for short journeys, or when my son is in his seat on the rack.

 

[wheeliebin]

A saddle bag by Carradice?

.....now where did I leave my beard trimmer and my open-toed sandals.....?

What would you need a beard trimmer for?

For me it's trunk bag on the commuterMTB, small rucksack on the road bike. Too vain to put a rack on the road bike, though I much prefer the trunk bag = no sweaty back option.

 

[Koga]

That's only when weaving between cars. Actual filtering and the bags don't restrict you too much, depending on your bar size and leg size, even the large ones aren't wider than you or your bike.

Indeed weaving is a good description for that. Excuse my ignorance but what is filtering ?

 

[gaz]

Indeed weaving is a good description for that. Excuse my ignorance but what is filtering ?

Passing other vehicles which are either stationary or moving slowly, can be a single queue which you filter on either the left or the right of it can be in between cars on a multiple lane road.

 

[Koga]

Passing other vehicles which are either stationary or moving slowly, can be a single queue which you filter on either the left or the right of it can be in between cars on a multiple lane road.

OK, and yes I agree filtering with pannier should not be much of an issue, weaving can be.