Panniers

pcarbide

I have about a two mile commute to school, and learned very quickly that panniers were much better than riding with a backpack (at least for me-- less lower back pain, less sweat on arriving). I've been using my dad's pannier, but I want to get my own for the next school year.

I really want one that has some way to be carried on my shoulders, not just by the top handle. I'd prefer a backpack-esque one, but a messenger bag is good too. I've been looking into them, and the Arkel Bug and Timbuk2 Shift seem like the best-- has anyone used these, or know of better ones? Thanks!

corshamjim

The Arkel Bug works very well. There are lots of pockets, pouches, zips, etc, so it can carry all sorts of stuff really easily, for example a bunch of flowers, a couple of plants in their pots, etc, etc,. I found some of the stitching on the mesh pockets came undone on mine, but I easily sewed that back up again. It is indeed really neat to be able to use it as a rucsack when out shopping etc,. The hook mechanism is a bit industrial but works fairly well, albeit the handle straps needs untwisting from the hook mechanisms from time to time - it's nothing like as well designed as the Rixen+Kaul pannier fixing system, but the bag itself is so great I can forgive it that fault. I think Arkel have redesigned the Bug since I got mine a couple of years ago; I don't know if they've also redesign the fixing method.

For smaller loads I use a Carradice Junior saddlebag with a simple shoulder strap. The advantage of a saddlebag of course is the weight is central on the bike.