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I'm searching for a pannier bag for Mrs B to start using with her e-bike that has a pannier rack on it.
Size wise, it needs to be big enough to hold her laptop and a few other things, with a proper padded sleeve for the laptop.
It needs to attach securely to the rack and be easy to put on there and take off.
Off the bike, it needs to be comfortable to carry, ideally with proper rucksack type straps, not just a shoulder strap.
Ideally it will not be too ugly looking and not mega money.
Is this moon on a stick territory or does such a thing exist?
Ortlieb Vario?
After using Ortlieb, I wouldn't go back to other brands, the attachment system is brilliant.
The Thule Paramount ticks all the boxes apart from possibly the budget.
Problem with carrying a pannier in a rucksack style, is it will get filthy from any spray from the wheels. Do you really want to carry a mucky pannier on your back?
Personally I'd get a rucksack and put it inside the pannier bag. Then when you get to destination, put the pannier into the rucksack and carry it that way.
When I commuted, my panniers were filthy all winter. Mudguards do help keep the worst off, but I would often be carrying a wet and mucky pannier into the office.
with a proper padded sleeve for the laptop.
Buy a separate padded sleeve. Mine has been in one, in pannier, surrounded by clothes for many a commute without issue.
Problem with carrying a pannier in a rucksack style, is it will get filthy from any spray from the wheels. Do you really want to carry a mucky pannier on your back?
The Thule one gets round that with a reversible panel that covers up the pannier hardware and keeps the backpack straps covered whilst it's on the bike and a waterproof cover that goes over the rest of the bag in truly horrendous conditions and then stashes away in it's own pocket so the wet and muck is contained away from the other contents.
I have the Thule shield, which has a carry handle on top and a clip-on over-the-shoulder strap, but no rucksack mode:
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/bike-packs-bags-and-racks/panniers-and-bike-bags/thule-shield-pannier22l-_-320491
I really wanted one that converted into rucksack, and that Thule Paramount one looks great. However, I have full-length mudguards (SKS longboards) and I've found that my pannier bag still picks up tons of crap on the bottom and sides during winter commuting. Even with Thule's reversible back panel thing, I reckon my clothes could still get grubby.
But other opinions are available 🙂
Agree with the "cavernous waterproof pannier you drop the other bag into" idea. A nice pannier bag from Basil or Willex will make the ebike more useful day to day anyway.
Mrsmidlife has a super double set of Willex from the Rijksmuseum gift shop with Rembrandt's The Night Watch print. I wonder if I can get some made with an XR3i and a doily?
https://www.basil.com/en/bicycle-bags/
https://www.willex.be/en/willex-bags/?nrofresults=192&offset=0
Ours are zip tied, locked and wired to the rack so they don't go walkabout when it is parked.
Isn't the answer to this type of question usually 'Decathlon'?
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/cycling-double-pannier-rack-backpack-27l/_/R-p-332663?mc=8667830
I'm not sure if either of those has a laptop compartment, but I agree with a previous poster - you'd probably be better off with a completely waterproof separator laptop sleeve.
topeak used to make the perfect laptop bag
sadly (and no idea why) they discontinued it a decade ago. Mine is getting closer and closer to the end of its life, no idea what I'll replace it with
Using the shoulder strap on an Ortlieb pannier works fine, assuming the pannier is not going to be carried for miles? I carry full supermarket shops using the shoulder straps. If you do want rucksack straps, Ortlieb make an adapter that clips to the pannier (using the QR system) and can be folded inside the pannier when you are cycling. It's not cheap, however:
Alternatively, just drop a rucksack inside the pannier, and strap the empty pannier to the outside when walking (or leave it on the rack) as suggested by everyone else.
Personally, I would avoid the faff and just use the shoulder strap unless it is really necessary to carry very heavy loads for long distances off the bike.
Thanks all for the suggestions.
The Thule one looks great so may have to hunt around for a deal. Failing that the Decathlon one looks good to.
The rucksack inside a pannier idea hadn't occurred to me but might be a decent solution.
I use an Ortlieb back roller for my daily commute, with my laptop inside a generic padded sleeve. I wear the pannier with the outside next to my body and I find the shoulder strap is perfectly comfortable unless walking a long distance. It's getting a bit worn now after 15 years of daily use, when the time comes I'll replace it with exactly the same model.
what about a bucket pannier from Fjallraven/specialized collab - could just pop a laptop bag in that. (not sure if still available)
Carradice super C A4 pannier or bike bureau pannier are basically what you have requested less the laptop sleeve. Shoulder strap included and the bureau has a flap that goes over the pannier hooks and looks like an old school office bag not wierd cyclist.
https://carradice.co.uk/collections/cycle-touring
The Carradice site seems to not show the features of the bureau properly. SJS site has better pics and explanation.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/luggage/carradice-bike-bureau-left-hand-black-26-litre/
Laptop sleeve available as an extra so you can stay matching.
https://carradice.co.uk/products/laptop-pouch?_pos=1&_psq=lapt&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Edit: sorry just seen the not shoulder strap request. The Thule one looks good in theory but the removing from the bike then unzipping the back, relocating the zip and zipping up in a damp wok bikeshed looks like a right faff. YMMV.
Ortlieb here and still going strong after 30 years. I actually bought replacements in a sale but not yet needed.
I zip wire them on to avoid theft and drop tote bags inside so i can put shopping and gym stuff in.
Really good panniers, bombproof in fact.
Ortlieb Vario?
Its a rucksack pannier
I have a vaude one which does all those things. looking online they're quite expensive, but I picked mine up for $10 in a charity shop in Potsdam last year.
lomo do a rucksack pannier, not sure about laptop sleeve though. I have a separate padded laptop sleeve that I can move around rucksacks.
Don't think the laptop sleeve is a deal breaker.
Ortleib looks great but as with the Vaude it's a bit spendy.
I fully agree that a shoulder strap should be sufficient, but Mrs B has decided it won't be comfortable enough and long experience teaches me it's best not to argue when she gets such ideas in her head.
I've got one of these and I am extremely happy with it.
Edit :. Sorry hadn't read this "Mrs B has decided it won’t be comfortable enough"
I have one of these, I think it meets your criteria if you also get a laptop sleeve. Might not be easy to find one in stock though.
https://www.lomo.co.uk/products/25l-bike-pannier-dry-bag/
After further discussion we seem to be moving towards the normal rucksack inside a pannier idea as suggested on here.
This seemed like a good price for the pannier but apparently it's the wrong colour...
This one may be an option...
I'm thinking the pannier will need to be a fairly decent size to fit the other bag in so 20 litre ones are unlikely to work.
I have one of these Halfords ones too, and it seems bigger than the 20L size suggests.
It’s wide and doesn’t taper like my Thule one. I use the Thule for laptop and clothes, and the Halfords if I need to carry something bulky, even though on paper it’s the smaller bag.