Pannier bag for commuter

HokkaHokka

Hello,

I am just about to order a "Revolution Courier Race '11" for commuting to and from work everyday (5 miles each way)
I'm very new to all this so please excuse any ignorance on my part.
I will need a pannier to carry my shoes, trousers and shirt, my lunch and locks, pump etc.

I currently like the look of this: (Avenir Deluxe Double Pannier)

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/12229/Ave ... n=pid12229

or if not, two of these: (Revolution Single Pannier)

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... nnier-bags

If anyone, has any feedback or advice I would be very grateful.

Thanks!

HH

apreading

Personally I would say two singles are better than a double - because I only run one side 95% of the time and a double is cumbersome - the single is so easy to carry.

I would make sure to get something waterproof if using for commuting - non waterproof panniers just dont make any sense to me. I have the Altura Dryline and they have been good, but are a little more pricey.

Redmog

+ 1 for waterproof, mine have a rain cover in a zipped pocket at the top - there when I need it and no faff otherwise.

Do you need to lug all that stuff with you? I keep a suit, shoes, towel & lock here and the pannier holds only a shirt,
sarnies and waterproof which means I don't have creases in my suit!

Mr Plum

Waterproof can be more expensive so I've found that putting all your clothes etc into a 'Bag For Life' style plastic bag is very effective and has always kept my stuff dry.

Just echoing the above - do you really need 2 panniers? My lock always stays locked to the bike stand, towel/shoes/trousers stay in the office...

HokkaHokka

Hmmm, some very interesting points, thanks for the feedback.
I think both of the options that I mentioned are "weatherproof"
I'm actually starting a new job so I think I'll go in with a back pack for the first day to suss out storage & parking facilities etc and then make a final decision.
Thanks again!

MichaelW

The rack top is needed for occasional oversized loads so I prefer to use clip-on separate bags with modern QR style hooks. Most commuters who use panniers use only one side.

friedpizzainbatter

I have these:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... d-panniers

They've been great since I got them a year ago, no problems and waterproof.

HokkaHokka

Thanks again everyone!

@friedpizzabatter - Those do look good but a bit pricey. I'm about to buy a bike and the current favourite is from their shop (Revolution Courier Race '11) ....Might try and do a deal on the bags (fingers crossed)

friedpizzainbatter

They probably will discount if you buy a bike. If you're going to be using 0% 12 month deal though get them to agree to it before mentioning that's how you want to pay for it. Good luck. My sister managed to get 10% off her hybrid by pushing them a bit, so it's possible.

slowlanejane

I dont leave anything on the bike that I would be upset to lose, so I use dirt cheap panniers off ebay and replace as necessary. They are pretty water resistant but not totally, so I use a carrier bag inside to protect stuff.

I also use 2 singles, its not often that I carry both.

Do you really need to carry clothes - 5 miles isn't v far, you could do that without getting any sweatier than you do walking around on a summer day and I expect you dont shower & change then? I potter all over the place in a day on my bike in normal clothes. But I do keep "freshen up" gear stashed at work or in the pannier and if its a longer trip or a warmer day I take a spare top.

HokkaHokka

Cool, thanks for the advice guys!