I'd imagine that if the same was invested in a pannier bag it would be a better experience, although I agree it does alter the handling and doesn't look as nice with a rack. I could not go back to a rucksack with a sweaty back and pain in my shoulders. Each to their own though.
Reasonable ratiocination for pannier rancor:
- Thread starter Andrew_Culture
- Start date
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I like Skol
A Minging Manc...
- Location
- Sunny Ashton-under-Lyne
This^^^^^^ I simply use a carrier bag or day bag which slips inside the pannier. (Cheap) pannier stays attached to the bike at all times and the carrier bag keeps the contents dry in inclement conditions. The slowest part of the process is tightening the drawstring closure on top of the pannier and seeing as how most rucksacks have the same drawstring and clips this is hardly a disadvantage.
OP
OP
Andrew_Culture
Internet Marketing bod
- Location
- The People's Republic Of Suffolk.
If the pannier is in need of a waterproof bag inside it to make it usable, why not bin the pannier, and just bungy your rucksack to the frame, all the advantages of a pannier, and at the same time you also have the advantages of a rucksack. (Me I'd bin the rack and the panniers, and stick with a rucksack. easier to use, quicker to load and you can carry it on your back when needed.
Teuchter
Über Member
- Location
- Erskine, Scotland
For bags inside panniers, it's worth noting that 100% waterproof, roll-top dry bags are much cheaper than 100% waterproof roll-top panniers.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Take all your clothes to work on Monday for the week (or weekend as you don't live far away) in a ruck sack and use on of these for carrying lunch etc http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&product_id=34 You can borrow mine to try it out if you like to see if the size is right 
OP
OP
Andrew_Culture
Internet Marketing bod
- Location
- The People's Republic Of Suffolk.
Take all your clothes to work on Monday for the week (or weekend as you don't live far away) in a ruck sack and use on of these for carrying lunch etc http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&product_id=34 You can borrow mine to try it out if you like to see if the size is right
Clothing isn't too much of an issue; I cycle in wearing shorts and change into black jeans that I leave at work.
To be honest I think it's having the extra weight on the bike that troubles me; I love being able to nip about on my single speed. The rucksack is very comfy and has the advantage of being able to carry a LOT more than my pannier bag. It also has enough space for me to pop into wines of interest on the way home (when funds allow), although that being said I did carry a bottle of wine home in my bottle cage a few days ago, I cycled very carefully indeed
That saddlepack above can take 7 litres of space and I find plenty big enough to carry everything I need although at the moment I am just using a small LIDL saddlepack for essentials as I drive in on Fridays which is when I drop off / collect clothes etc.
Arjimlad
Tights of Cydonia
- Location
- South Glos
I'm sorry my post about the plastic bag wasn't clear - I didn't express myself too well.
I meant to suggest having a plastic bag to take in & out of the pannier, with all your stuff in.
The best ones are probably like those you pay 50p for at supermarkets, for longevity. Not neccessarily for waterproofing, just for sheer convenience.
I know what you mean about having extra weight on the bike. I used to have a pannier on for winter, then a rackbag, and having taken off the rack, I now simply have an ancient sort of cordura belt-bag with a shoulder strap which I use round my waist like a belt. It's not quite a bum-bag but that would probably be the closest thing to it. It holds wallet, phone, multi-tool and packed lunch. Waterproofs get stuffed into my back jersey pocket. If I need to take clothing into work I use a backpack.
I meant to suggest having a plastic bag to take in & out of the pannier, with all your stuff in.
The best ones are probably like those you pay 50p for at supermarkets, for longevity. Not neccessarily for waterproofing, just for sheer convenience.
I know what you mean about having extra weight on the bike. I used to have a pannier on for winter, then a rackbag, and having taken off the rack, I now simply have an ancient sort of cordura belt-bag with a shoulder strap which I use round my waist like a belt. It's not quite a bum-bag but that would probably be the closest thing to it. It holds wallet, phone, multi-tool and packed lunch. Waterproofs get stuffed into my back jersey pocket. If I need to take clothing into work I use a backpack.
I've just re-fitted my rack for the winter to replace the saddle-bag with a q/r release, which is just a bit too small for the extra gear that might have to be carried in the winter commute. I use a rack bag, with pannier(s) optional if there's shopping to be done. You soon get used to the extra weight and I would never go back to using a rucksack.
For the O/P, I'd suggest a second cheap pannier to balance up the bike, spread the load and keep messy stuff that might spill away from more delicate stuff. Using good plastic bags inside the panniers is a good idea for convenience and extra protection.
For the O/P, I'd suggest a second cheap pannier to balance up the bike, spread the load and keep messy stuff that might spill away from more delicate stuff. Using good plastic bags inside the panniers is a good idea for convenience and extra protection.
