Good commuting panniers?

I'm taking Amtrak to Michigan this afternoon, so I packed an extra small bag. I'm getting on my bike to come to work today with my backpack and my workout bag slung over my shoulders, and I think, "This is just dumb. I have a couple racks sitting in my workshop. I should put one of them on my commuter and get some panniers."

So, I think I'm in the market for some panniers suitable for commuting. On most days I will just have my usual change of clothes, but on occasion will pack more. Nothing monstrous. Recommendations?

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Permalink Reply by Tominator on August 12, 2014 at 7:21am

Jannd Commuter Pannier. On my second one. Last a long long time. Holds a lot. Rugged.

http://brandscycle.com/product/jandd-commuter-pannier-6578.htm?vari...

Permalink Reply by David Barish on August 12, 2014 at 8:18am

I had Banjo Bros and liked the bag. I had trashed it riding around a washed out path and foolishly trying to plow through some brush. Anyway,  I have a pair of Ortlieb back rollers and agree. I love the secure mounting and yes they are waterproof. My only complaint applies to pretty much all panniers- Its one big hollow bag. Thee is a small compartment in which I stash tire levers, a tube, a Park took and such things. Everything else is in one big compartment and its not the most convenient thing to wade through to quickly find a wallet or a phone. Otherwise, I am very happy.

Rich S said:

Ortlieb. They're lightweight and mount securely. The mounting brackets are adjustable so they'll fit most if not all racks. Most importantly they're waterproof. I was caught in a huge downpour on Sheridan about a month ago. Rode 5-6 miles before I hit the Harris Bank drive-thru for shelter. Opened my bag and everything inside was bone dry. 

Permalink Reply by Beans on August 12, 2014 at 8:40am

Ortlieb.

Permalink Reply by Eric R on August 12, 2014 at 10:54am

Ditto. Have had them for about four years. Use them every day. I removed the metal S hooks after a few months due to the elastic wearing out but never had any issues w/o them.

AM 9.5 said:

I have used a set of Timbuk2 Tandem Panniers for a few years.  They are water resistant, meaning the fabric itself is waterproof, but they don't have a roll-top to keep water out.  In light to moderate rain, they keep everything dry so long as you can close the flaps completely.  In heavy rain, water tends to creep under the flaps, but in the heaviest of rain the worst I have experienced is just a little water in the bags--nothing soaked. 

Best feature is that they have magnets that hold the two sides together off of the bike (and hold the bags against a steel rack), which makes carrying them off the bike with the handles convenient.  They are also tilted to provide better heel clearance for bikes with shorter chainstays.  My one complaint is that the elastic strap that connects to the bottom of your rack gets stretched out.  Otherwise, my set has lasted well through 4 years of commuting.

http://www.rei.com/product/811081/timbuk2-tandem-panniers-medium

 

Permalink Reply by Allison Kallo on August 13, 2014 at 8:53am

I love my Ortlieb. I have the back roller classic and have used them for touring and everyday commuting.

Permalink Reply by JMinHP on August 13, 2014 at 9:02am

I went the inexpensive route and picked up Axiom LaSalle DLX panniers ($60 for the pair) over 1 year ago. I use them daily and I haven't had any issues with them. I would definitely buy them again, even more so considering the price differential between them and Ortlieb/other higher end bags.

Permalink Reply by SixtyTwoPercent on August 13, 2014 at 4:35pm

I am in the camp of leaving suits and shoes at work and wear a super light backpack (think smaller than a camelback) to/fr work. I carry undies, socks, keys, lunch, etc. inside. My shirts and suits go to the cleaners near the office.

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