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Permalink Reply by djm on June 3, 2011 at 2:35pm

Ive commuted with a laptop in my pannier for years and I havent had any problems (although I havent dropped the bike on that side yet).  Most modern laptop hard drives are fairly robust when the heads are parked (disk isnt rotating).  Have a good ride!

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Permalink Reply by Steven Vance on June 4, 2011 at 7:54pm

Second this.

Turn off the computer to have the most assurance. 

djm said:

Ive commuted with a laptop in my pannier for years and I havent had any problems (although I havent dropped the bike on that side yet).  Most modern laptop hard drives are fairly robust when the heads are parked (disk isnt rotating).  Have a good ride!

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on June 5, 2011 at 4:52am

I third this, BUT back up all important data before your trip!  Just in case something does happen.

Steven Vance said:

Second this.

Turn off the computer to have the most assurance. 

djm said:

Ive commuted with a laptop in my pannier for years and I havent had any problems (although I havent dropped the bike on that side yet).  Most modern laptop hard drives are fairly robust when the heads are parked (disk isnt rotating).  Have a good ride!

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Permalink Reply by Rico on June 5, 2011 at 3:04pm

I second and third Ryan's statement on backing up your data. Recovering data from physically damaged drives is tedious and expensive :/ I commute all the time with my work laptop and I have had no issues.

Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:

I third this, BUT back up all important data before your trip!  Just in case something does happen.

Steven Vance said:

Second this.

Turn off the computer to have the most assurance. 

djm said:

Ive commuted with a laptop in my pannier for years and I havent had any problems (although I havent dropped the bike on that side yet).  Most modern laptop hard drives are fairly robust when the heads are parked (disk isnt rotating).  Have a good ride!

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Permalink Reply by JeffB on June 5, 2011 at 3:40pm

Thanks for all the replies.  I've just finished day 2 of my trip and so far no problems (except for a brutal headwind all the way to Manitowoc).  I decided to put it in the bag I've strapped to the top of the rack, rather than the panniers.  Its in a padded case, on top of some clothes, and in between a bundle of maps and more clothes.

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