The question of the week...to go with a messenger bag or panniers for bike commuting? I've been using a messenger bag for a few weeks now, and although it is very cool looking, I am wondering about the long term practicality of it. It is quick and easy to stuff the normal commuting items like a change of clothes and lunch, throw it over my shoulder and go. However, it can get old always having the bag on your back. Panniers would allow me to let the bike carry the bags and get the load of my back. With panniers, though, the bike has to be outfitted with a front or rear rack to accommodate them. This probably wouldn't be a big deal since I usually only commute with one of two bikes. One already has a rear rack, and the other one can easily be fitted with one. There is the added time of removing the pannier, but that shouldn't be a big deal, either.
For simply commuting I don't think it makes much difference which way to go. I'm thinking more long term...things like going out for longer rides and wanting to bring along a few things. This would get rather uncomfortable with a bag on my back. I'm also daydreaming about some short touring adventures, hopefully with the family. This would obviously favor panniers over a bag.
As I write this, the panniers seem more and more like the right thing for me. Now I just need to figure out a way to unload my messenger bag and score a pair of nice panniers.
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3 comments:
Panniers with a bike are the way to go. I commute 1.5 miles each way and used to wear a backpack. However, it was heavy with my work clothes and lunch in it and my back got even more sweaty than normal (which is quite a bit anyways). I added a bike rack and starting using panniers and it is so much nicer.
Glad to hear you're bike commuting. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for your comment. My messenger bag does OK on my commute - about 6 miles each way, but in the warmer weather it does get a bit uncomfortable. I'll be checking around for a future purchase of some panniers for sure.
-Simple Guy
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