zacster

I've been using a Knog bag as my commuter pannier for a few years now and it is getting kind of ratty. This bag has a system where the attachment clips onto the bag and then it hangs from the rack but it has no attachment at the bottom to keep it fully secure. I've been using a bungee cord to keep it stable and I don't really have a problem with that. The bag itself has a pocket for a laptop, a rain hood that is zipped into the bottom of the bag that I've never used, a wide shoulder strap, and a few internal pockets. The thing I never liked about the bag is that it is relatively flat so it is pretty limited in what goes in. Being flat though it keeps my clothes from shifting, so maybe that's a good thing

I"m looking for a replacement that attaches easily and securely, has a little more space but will still keep my clothes secure, and will easily convert to a backpack or messenger bag. It does not have to be waterproof as I never ride in any rain that's hard enough to get things wet. I am not looking for big panniers that I can travel with, just a commuter type bag, and single sided was always sufficient. A wine bottle pocket would be a nice addition too as the guys in the wine shop think it is funny that I come in sometimes with my commuter bike and bag, but other times in my roadie kit and I put the bottle in my middle rear pocket of my jersey. Isn't that what Italian cycling jerseys are for?

Anyway, any advice? I'm sure this is discussed ad nauseam in other threads, but it is getting colder out there and we need to go through all the arguments again.

Viich

Arkel - I just replaced the attachment hardware on my nashbar pannier with arkel's, and it's amazing.

Their bags look great. I'm also using a timbuk2 laptop bag, was considering the arkel commuter but found the timbuk2 for $50 on kijiji.

Unca_Sam

Ortlieb's stuff is known for weather resistance, and they have a universal strap system (costs extra) to convert most of their panniers to a backpack. REI carries their stuff. They also feature a clip at the bottom to keep the pannier in place. I bought my bags on craigslist for a significant discount.

zacster

Both the Arkel and Ortleib bags are relatively expensive. I never liked the look of the Ortleib bags either, they just look too much like a hard core cyclist bag. I'd probably appreciate them if I were traversing the country or doing a long tour somewhere, but I'm just riding to work. When I first bought my Knog bag people would comment on how nice it looked as a shoulder bag, then I'd point out it was actually a pannier. And I ended up with a second Knog bag that doesn't have the pannier attachment that is just a larger version that I still use.

Just poking around I see Banjo Brothers, Timbuk2 and a few others. I'll have to go to REI and one of the big bike shops and see what they have. Most stores just don't carry much, riding in NYC with a pannier is somewhat uncool. All the young people use messenger bags, only the old folk use panniers.

crazyravr

I splurged and bought Bontrager DLX trunk bag. Amazing piece of hardware. The main compartment is expendable and insulated. The side panniers are zipped up and ready to unfold as required. Comes with a built in rain cover too. Another bonus is the easy clip on/off mechanism. Absolutely love it.

Skipjacks

Axiom Kingston. Thank me later.

https://www.amazon.com/Axiom-Kingsto...ngston+pannier

(Don't spend $70. Check eBay for a better deal. I spent $50 each on the two I have)

It's just a bag. No pockets. No tie downs on the outside. Just a bag with a big empty storage space. It's perfect for commuting. (There is a zippered pouch in the flap of the bag, but it doesn't take up room in the main storage area)

One bag holds a full change of clothes. Shoes, socks, belt, undershirt, outershirt AND my 13 inch ultrabook perfectly (I don't think I could cram a full thickness old school laptop in with the clothes). I have 2 so I can take a lunch, paperwork, stop at the store on the way home, etc etc.

They are well made. I've had mine for over a year and they still look brand new (I don't ride through mud and muck much)

They hold firmly to the rack. No wobble at all. I don't even just the rack lock that keeps them in place. Just the main clips and the bungee cord.

It is not water PROOF. But it's very water resistant. I've been caught in a couple mild showers. Everything inside stayed dry. They have a waterproof spray on coating. You can always reapply that. They sell the spray at any outdoor store. But I also keep one of these in the zippered hood of each bag

https://www.amazon.com/Ibera-Bicycle...+pannier+cover

....they fit perfectly, fit in the zippered compartment of the bag. And I've been in DOWNPOURS with the covers on and contents of the bags stayed bone dry.

Here's my amazon review of the bags
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r...SIN=B006Z0O6X6

LPcreation

I just picked up these and love them so far.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...-set?v=ocean22

pdlamb

If you poke around, you can get Ortlieb in gray, or blue, or something other than very visible red or yellow, if that helps.

Oh, you mean old folk who've tried the rest and found the best?

zacster

I mean old folk like me.

Skipjacks

Check this out. Just saw it on Nashbar.

Waterproof pack.

$15 plus an additional 25% off through this weekend

https://www.bikenashbar.com/cycling/...r-bk-rgwp-base

It might suck or be tiny. I have no idea. But for $11.25 plus shipping...it might be worth rolling the dice

Seaway

Sierra Trading Post has a few Orlieb messenger bag style panniers for sale.

I don't have enough posts to include a URL, but add "www." to the front if this sierratradingpost.com/s~ortlieb/

fietsbob

These, there, are rectangular, so the mount is at an angle,
to not kick it as you ride ...

zacster

I was just in REI and was completely underwhelmed. I think my Knog bag is much nicer than any of the Ortlieb or Timbuk2 bags they had there. None of them looked like they would be good as a messenger bag or backpack off the bike, and truthfully that matters more than how it looks on the bike. I think I'll just use what I have until it completely falls apart, maybe I should just buy another one now. They are a lot cheaper and I think better looking than the Ortliebs. I just wish the attachment system was better. As a messenger bag they look really nice. There was a guy in the store also looking at bags and when he saw my Knog he said "that's what I'm really looking for". He bought an Ortlieb.

ripkin

Archwhorides 

OP should simply buy new what he already has and says he likes, no need for discussion.......eazy peazy

zacster

Yes, thank you for repeating what I already said.

fietsbob

I have 2 front Ortlieb bags strapped together , with webbing ,
so they come off as one .

Its easy to do with a strip of webbing added under the hook bar ..
pierced by the screws that hold it together

my front rack goes over the wheel , you can do the same with rear bags.

noglider 

I see plenty of people using panniers on the Hudson River Greenway, but that doesn't mean I know what's cool.

zacster

They must all be old like me.

Aubergine 

Archwhorides 

[Moderator refiles into the Rhetorical Question Thread Forum]

Harhir

I swear by my 24 year old set of Ortlieb panniers. Still no tears and water tight as on day one. Well worth the investment back then.

zacster

Now that I've retired I don't need a bag. That Knog bag will live on.

autonomy

Well, that's a neat solution.

FWIW, as already mentioned, Ortliebs can be found for reasonable prices at Sierra. I have been commuting for a few years with mine.
Pros: Waterproof and dustproof. No issues off-road. Can just rinse inside/out.
Cons: Few pockets. Buckles broke. Mesh pocket on one is separating. So they're not as indestructible as people say.