[Closed] Commuter pannier recommendations?

Ortlieb front roller classics. Ignore the name 'front' they are just smaller than the rears. I've used mine for over 10 years. Had life changing injuries via the commute, but the bags saved the bike..

I'm commuting again,6 years later, but using the canal netwrok, with the same panniers.

My laptop just goes in a shock proof zip case, then in the pannier. It get's a 13 mile each way canal commute, laptop fine, bananas not, nor porridge pots....(one popped with the vibration). Nana's don't survive the ride - I buy near work.

There was a longish thread on this recently if I remember correctly? Could be worth trying search?

editheres one:

I'm going to second the Ortlieb Front Roller Classics.

That said, I've been using an Ortlieb Office Bag, which is basically a rectangular briefcase with clips for the pannier, for about 20 years - it's bombproof and pretty easy to carry off the bike (as long as you don't want to go far) plus it has loads of room. I might treat myself to one of their Commuter-bags if that one ever dies!

The thing about Ortlieb stuff is that the initial teeth-sucking expense is offset by the indestructibility - make sure you like whatever you buy because you'll be leaving in your estate.

I bought some Thule Panniers after some recommendations on here. As folk have said, initially expensive but they seem to be holding up well with daily abuse. They are wipe clean too, so if they get a bit manky due to road grit/dirt they are easily cleaned/wiped down.
They hold loads of kit too.
Pump,tube,multitool. Laptop, clothes, towel, lunch...easy to fit and remove too.

I just bought a pair of Ortlieb Back Roller City for from Rutland.

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/accessories/bags-and-luggage/pannier-bags/ortlieb-back-roller-city-40l-pannier-bags-pair/OF500.html

Seem like great value at £69. I've fitted them to a tortec transalp (from Fawkes cycles) easily avoids disc calipers, etc and the panniers pop on and off easily while still being held on securely when riding.

I've got some Thule panniers.. Built like the Ortileb's, with thier version of 'click on and off'. They come with a shoulder strap that I leave on one of them, it tucks in when you roll to close, but makes life really simple to take bag into the office.

The longer I have them, the more I note that they are Very Good, but do have a few things I would change about the mounting, and in future would buy Vaude or Ortileb.

I've got a pair of the front Super C's. They're well over 20 years old and still going strong. Very tough, big enough for commuting (the expedition rear ones are huge so you'd probably only need to use one). Personally I much prefer the rucksack style draw cord and buckle closure to roll tops which I always find a faff compared to other bags. The pockets are great for wallet, keys, puncture kit etc. The cotton duck is way more waterproof than the usual nylon cordura of a rucksack. I'd be happy putting a laptop in them in one of those neoprene sleeve covers. I always put clothes in a polybag though, partly for convenience and to keep them clean.
https://spacycles.co.uk/m5b0s74p29/CARRADICE-Super-C-Front-Panniers
Another suggestion, although not panniers, is the SQR quick release saddlebags. Similar style of bag but seatpost mounted and pretty much designed for commuting. All Carradice bags are made in Lancashire too and spares service is really good.
https://spacycles.co.uk/m5b0s73p62/CARRADICE-Super-C-SQR-Tour

Although not sure about the usefulness of the rucksack part of this one

maybe not the rucksack but there is benefit in some that have at least a shoulder strap imo. I use mine for shopping and find it quite annoying having to always have them in my hand. Another selling point of ortleib, then

i have massively limited knowledge of this, but when i asked a while ago the recommendation was Ortlieb, which i went with and they are a quality product.

Ortlieb front/back roller classics. I've had a pair of the back rollers for about 10 years now, used daily/weekly for commuting and they're still working perfectly. Great, simple design that just works.

Been using this for my short commute for several years and has held up really well. Easy to remove and just sling over the shoulder.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/500-bike-messenger-bag-15l-plum/_/R-p-300844?mc=8605903&c=BROWN

Another suggestion, although not panniers, is the SQR quick release saddlebags

Also rack packs. I use the rack-pack more often than panniers when commuting. It’s well padded, expandable, has small fold-out panniers, a sewn-in tote-handle and optional clip-on shoulder strap. It’s one of the best and handiest things I’ve ever owned!

#imeldamarcosofcyclingluggage

Thanks all I dipped into this earlier and then went away and did some googling and you tube review watching.

I think it's either the front Super C or Ortliebs or that left field suggestion of the Decathlon messenger bag and since there's a store just up the road I might slip in and take a look if they have one. Saddle bag options didn't look quite as easy to fix/remove and I think Mrs GD will maybe appreciate that and the rack bags mean squeezing the laptop in on the diagonal which isn't ideal.

^ +1
Rack-packs are not suitable for laptops.

did you see this thread?

Racktime tour panniers. I have had them for two years and so far they've been flawless. Used five days out of seven in all weathers.

I'm back with my Ortieb front rollers. 15 years old, currently doing 750km a month commuting with a laptop (in a padded sleeve), and all the usual crap to go with work. My 12 year old pannier rack is starting to wear out though so I'll have to replace that soon.

Vaude if you can find them, as well made as Ortlieb and a little cheaper (may no longer be true since the leaving of EU).

Ortlieb, but one of the briefcase or shoulder bag style. Much better for packing. I have the downtown. With QL3.1 release. That is a game changer since it leaves a flat back for carrying off the bike and I can’t recommend it enough. Plenty waterproof too.

I also have a set of standard Ortlieb panniers. They are just a pfaff for commuting by comparison. Fine for a shopping trip or as a flotation device, but I want proper pockets and something that looks smarter.

Thanks. I'd planned to get to decathlon to look at their laptop bag suggestion but took kids sailing/ went for a kayak instead.

I am supposed to have this sorted or at least a temporary solution for her first cycle commute on Thursday - I'm a bit behind plan at this point. 😬

Another Ortlieb Front Roller Classic user (well, former user).

Easily got what I needed for most days in one bag, only ever needed two a couple of times - YMMV. Probably saved my RD a couple of times in the winter, and was only slightly scuffed

A strap borrowed from an unused holdall was used as a shoulder strap made them easier to carry

If you can get the laptop in, I found like others that Front Rollers (on a rear rack) are a better size and that a paid of loaded Front Rollers is much more comfortable to ride with than a single heavily loaded Back Roller on one side.

I also have one of the large Thule ones for carrying a 17" mobile workstation and charger when required, but it's about 8kg on its own...

Front rollers have a shoulder strap.

Just wanted to say thanks and ended up ordering a pair Back Roller City for £70 in the end. They're the old QL1 system but as both bikes they'll be used on one have exactly the same rear rack we won't need the tool free adjustment of the later QL systems and they'll mostly be going from the bike shed to the office door which is less than 50m so fancy carrying arrangements are probably overkill.

I could do with just picking up a cheap padded laptop sleeve online to complete this ensemble and I think we're done. Now just the gravel bike luggage to resolve.

Now just the gravel bike luggage to resolve.

This popped up on one of my WhatsApp off-road conversations, might be useful.

Morning all, if anyone is after bikepacking bags, Sports Pursuit currently have Roswheel ones at 50% off.