yizzung

Deciding on a rack for my new commuter. I currently have a nice laptop bag that I take on the daily train and also use when traveling for work. I need to attach it to my bike for the last remaining miles to the office. Ideally would like to keep my existing bag rather than buying a new, laptop-specific pannier.

A flatbed rack on the front is appealing b/c I won't need a new bag and that type of rack probably goes best with the style of my townie bike. (Photo here - https://yizzung.posterous.com/kogswell) I used to strap the bag to the rear rack of my mountain bike with a cargo net bungee, but it wasn't terribly secure because nothing was supporting the bag from underneath.

How do you get your laptop to/from work? Milk crate? Plastic bucket? Thanks in advance.

Photos are helpful...

seau grateau

UmneyDurak

I keep mine in my messenger bag, and put it inside one of those school binders.

UD

yoder

Probably not any help to the original poster who wants to keep existing bag.

Barrettscv 

You should be able to put the Laptop enclosed in your bag within this hardcase.

Otivia Cargo Cashe: https://www.otivia.com/cargocache.html

barturtle

I currently use a Carradice SQR Slim, it fits my 14.1" Tablet PC in a Neoprene case, as well as a change of clothes and such.




However, since you want to keep your existing bag, may I suggest a Wicker Basket on a rear rack, such as this




Though I'd suggest getting a saddle and grips to match...the ladies will totally swoon when you give a cute little puppy (borrow one) a ride around the park. ;-)

yizzung

That's ok. I just love seeing the pics... (Nice Civia, btw.) Keep them coming!

HardyWeinberg

in a sleeve and stuffed into pannier.

yizzung

Or I can just tow my 90-pound labrador behind me in a wagon...

Seriously though, I did do the milk-crate-zip-tied-to-rear-rack-solution on my old mountain bike. That worked OK but (a) looked totally ghetto, (b) made the bike feel top-heavy, and ultimately (c) broke off... Dang laptop bag wouldn't lay flat inside there anyway.

yizzung

This thing looks super nice: https://www.velo-orange.com/voporteurrack.html

And I guess the rails can be removed.

irclean

I carry my laptop to school in my Arkel commuter bag:

https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/com...?fl=1&site=cdn

It was not cheap at $169 CDN, plus another $21 for the optional rain cover, but now that I've been using if for a few months I think it's worth the extra dough. The hook system makes all the difference - it's a breeze to get it on and off the rack. It has the built-in laptop pouch which is suspended and I can carry a crapload of stuff in the bag. I love it.

yizzung

That thing is sweet.

moralleper

I picked up the previous year version of this bag without the outside pocket for $44 at biketiresdirect.com. it has worked out great. It is 100% waterproof with sealed seams. It has a rigid back panel, with a neoprene sleeve for the laptop.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/pdnxr...pannier/pp.htm

swbluto

I use my Targus backpack that comes with a cush laptop compartment. I love the backpack.

vaticdart

+



(Pac Designs Ultimate Mess Bag + Tom Bihn Brain Cell)

Still a messenger bag though, most people prefer panniers, which the Tom Bihn Brain Cell would fit in fine (I've tried panniers a few times, I don't).

WCoastPeddler

We get a fair bit of damp and wet weather where I live, so I put my laptop in one of these:



https://pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1080


and then I carry it in one of these:



https://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/u...er-bag/product


I'm a bit reluctant to put my laptop in a pannier or on my rear rack -- seems to me that the pounding and vibration that it would/could be subjected to cannot be good for it. I think the courier bag is a better solution for softening any jarring effects, and is much more comfortable to ride with than a backpack.

wneumann

Waterfield sleeve inside a Chrome Metropolis.

irclean

Obviously, to each their own, and all you're going to get here is subjective viewpoints. That being said, My Arkel Commuter's built-in laptop pouch is padded, suspended (sits ~ 2 inches above the bottom of the bag), has 2 straps; both vertical and horizontal, and is further protected by a high-impact plastic shield that forms the back of the bag. I have dropped the bag with my laptop in it (not from the bike - from my own butter fingers), and there was no damage whatsoever. It is very well designed and a lot of thought went into its design. Personally, I hate carrying anything on my back while riding because I end up with a backpack or messenger bag shaped sweat stain on my shirt. Besides, if I'm going to carry extra weight (besides my own considerable spare tire) I want it to be carried lower on the bike where it's less likely to affect my center of gravity. BTW the extra weight, even when loaded down with my laptop, binders, and textbooks is not noticeable until I try to lean the bike on its kickstand. If you don't like the Commuter, Arkel offers its laptop pouch on 3 other bags in their "Commuter" lineup.

Spend my 2 cents wisely.

TRaffic Jammer

in my bag on my back

Luddite

Panniers

macteacher

WOW...that is a beautiful bike. What kind is it? Mind if I ask how much you paid for it? I really like it.


And here is what I use. A bit pricey, but worth it, considering the laptop is a 17" at $3000.

Bolo Grubb

I put Arkel hook system on my Eddie Bauer bag and turned it into a pannier.

https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/acc...asp?fl=1&site=






Been working pretty good for me and my 14" thinkpad.

You could also just get a large pannier that your current bag will fit in, maybe one of these.
https://www.rei.com/product/780448

Mr IGH

Topeak Basket holds my laptop backpack, or a 30pack of beer

Mr IGH

I think it's the commuter they sell at REI, has disc brakes, dyno lights and 8 speed Alfine IGH. ~$800 if I remember correctly.

MondoSam

I use the Arkel Commuter also. Yes, expensive, but I absolutely love it.