http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Tag: commute - Recent Posts en Wed, 13 May 2026 01:29:34 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=4#post-354400 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:02:21 +0000 gembo 354400@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@greenroofer’s ortlieb has runners on both sides at the bottom, or at least on all four corners </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=4#post-354399 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 19:20:14 +0000 acsimpson 354399@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>At the other end of the spectrum I used the predecessor of this bag for a while.</p> <p><a href="https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-bags-baskets/halfords-messenger-bag-184670.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-bags-baskets/halfords-messenger-bag-184670.html</a></p> <p>It was adequate. For a while it was my main pannier but I only needed to occasionally transport a laptop. I don't recall ever using it in the rain though so not really suitable for everyday commuting. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=4#post-354396 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 18:24:01 +0000 steveo 354396@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm another bike bureau user. Great bit of kit, only downside is it looks like 1930's school bag. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=4#post-354394 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 17:38:19 +0000 Greenroofer 354394@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have this. It's excellent.<br /> <a href="https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/office-bag+F70726" rel="nofollow">https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/office-bag+F70726</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=4#post-354391 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 12:49:41 +0000 wingpig 354391@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have never trusted the slide-out clip of the Union34 with a laptop. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=4#post-354387 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 11:49:47 +0000 Dave 354387@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've always just put mine into a simple neoprene sleeve and dropped it in whatever bag I'm using loose with everything else. They are solid state now (no hard drive with spinning platters) so should not be troubled. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-354386 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 11:27:54 +0000 Baldcyclist 354386@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My main concern about chucking laptops in panniers is the extra weight to lug 40 miles a day. I'm not going to carry charger/docking station/mouse/cables about with me, work has been ordered to buy those for both locations.</p> <p>I'd got my communte bag weight down quite nicely by leaving everything at work bar a clean shirt, and basic puncture repair tools whcih came in a bag.</p> <p>I still have my &gt;10 year old EBC pannier bags which have stood the test of time well - also only ever used 1, so brand new one spare whcih will do me till I die I suspect.</p> <p>Watching with interest on laptop padding techniques. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-354381 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 10:14:59 +0000 neddie 354381@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For delicate, expensive, and annoying-to-fix things like laptops, it's best to carry them in a lightweight backpack.</p> <p>Just put the laptop in the backpack. Everything else, clothes, docking station, charger, mouse, etc. can go in the pannier.</p> <p>That way, the laptop is nicely cushioned, and "automatically" comes with you when you leave the bike.</p> <p>YVMV </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-354380 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 09:12:19 +0000 SRD 354380@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>i shove my laptop (sometimes two) in a pannier every day, including when i commuted to London. just used my ortleib. usually with a lightly padded sleeve, sometimes both a thick ibm and mac air jammed in together. never ahd any problems. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-354378 Mon, 06 Sep 2021 23:04:55 +0000 crowriver 354378@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@vladimpala, can't beat the Carradice in my opinion. Purpose built for the job.</p> <p>If your existing one is past its prime, the hooks and rail can be replaced. Or get a new one.</p> <p>Carradice also do this nifty Super C 'A4' pannier for commuting:<br /> <a href="https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/panniers/super-c-a4-pannier" rel="nofollow">https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/panniers/super-c-a4-pannier</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-354377 Mon, 06 Sep 2021 22:45:00 +0000 gembo 354377@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I put my laptop into. Padded sleeve that came with the bizarrely cheap pannier briefcase that @SRD put us on to about ten years back. I still have that in the garage quite a highly designed bit of kit for the massively reduced tenner. The fitting would slide out and it could be used as a briefcase or small carry on bag but I never fully warmed to it. Sat very proud on the rack. It did have loads of padding. Union of Genius or something like that. Probably the firm went bust?</p> <p>Anyway I use the padded sleeve and fill my panniers with old galoshes and bubble wrap and other detritus also clothes etc. so works well Ortlien rear rollers. Repaired with seam grip over the years. One is on last legs but the other is still going strong. I also have a yellow Sustrans one with a lid that is fine, the fixture less good. And Alttura ones that are too small and ebc ones made by Vaude also too small.</p> <p>If I was asked to design a pannier it would be along the lines of an ortlieb but with two runners along the bottom to stop the fabric ever touching the ground. Padding on the inside at the bottom and a padded laptop sleeve. They would come in pairs and @Morningsider would be employed to roll the tops for me. No one rolls the tops like @morningsider. So neat. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-354373 Mon, 06 Sep 2021 21:55:12 +0000 vladimpala 354373@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>With things improving (?) COVID-wise I face the a semi-regular return to the office and I need to find a decent solution to getting my laptop to/from the office without getting a sweaty back from a heavy rucksack (previously I just left it in the office 95% of the time). </p> <p>My aging Carradice Bike Bureau Pannier has done me well for longer than it has any right. It has external pockets for keys etc, can be ridiculously over stuffed in a vertical direction and (apparently) it came with a laptop insert - though I never used it. So the temptation is to get another one, but I think I would prefer to keep the laptop and other computer bits separate from the clothes etc.</p> <p>So maybe a dedicated laptop pannier that is easy to carry off the bike, plus another one for clothes/junk etc.</p> <p>Any other suggestions?</p> <p>P.S. does anybody else carry a laptop in a pannier - bit worried about the lack of suspension and the beating it might get from cobbles etc. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-304731 Sat, 13 Apr 2019 22:15:54 +0000 gembo 304731@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Result </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-304726 Sat, 13 Apr 2019 18:46:21 +0000 Ed1 304726@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I got it fixed this afternoon by the dressmaker in Corstorphine. A work friend suggested i go there.</p> <p>When I got it back I had to remember which side was broken before to notice as repaired side looks better than the original side. It only cost £5 and and only had to wait an hour. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-304715 Sat, 13 Apr 2019 08:27:08 +0000 gembo 304715@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@ed1 - had a look at bike co-op as they had some cheap altura panniers that I bought then spotted on everyone elses's bikes. However, the most recent iteration of this bag is twice what I paid for it at £67 the pair. Not worth that. Inwould go with ordering the decathlon ones.</p> <p>As a bodge, if you leave the bag on the bike can you secure to the rack with cable ties? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-304680 Fri, 12 Apr 2019 13:09:21 +0000 Ed1 304680@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Velcro strap that holds my pannier bag to bottom of the rack broke yesterday. This causes the bag to move forward clash with back of foot.</p> <p>I went to decathlon to buy a new double pannier bag they have stopped making mine.</p> <p><a href="https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rear-pannier-bike-bag-2-x-15l-id_8248118.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rear-pannier-bike-bag-2-x-15l-id_8248118.html</a></p> <p>The new bags they have in stock are rubbish they have no pull cord or plastic strap clips to close the storage area, mine has pulls cords and plastic straps. Nothing has ever fallen out the pannier. The new panniers in decathlon just have Velcro to close the bag. I like to squash many things in my bag so want one with the compression type pull cords and a strap ideally.</p> <p>Any ideas where has a big selection of panniers to get a similar one or where someone could fix mine. I know it only cost £25 and will cost that or more to fix but its better than the new ones in decathlon.</p> <p>I dont want one that has a zip as main closure method as zips always break, i dont want Velcro as main closure method as not strong enough if squash many things in it. I want one that has pull cords and straps ideally as better and there is redundancy of closing methods. </p> <p>I like to leave the bag on bike so ideally one that does not look too good.</p> <p>This one sounds sort of ok but not in stock but they could get it in <a href="https://www.decathlon.co.uk/540-waterproof-2x20l-bike-bag-id_8403056.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.decathlon.co.uk/540-waterproof-2x20l-bike-bag-id_8403056.html</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-274085 Wed, 31 Jan 2018 22:57:26 +0000 unhurt 274085@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Still resisting bike packing. Mainly because the seat packs always wiggle about and it's really hard to get things in &amp; out. But this is prety tempting (except for the being ruinously expensive thing):</p> <p><a href="https://www.arkel-od.com/en/seatpacker-15-bikepacking-seat-bag.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.arkel-od.com/en/seatpacker-15-bikepacking-seat-bag.html</a></p> <p>Warning: it's possible to spend a REALLY long time on the Arkel website... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-265123 Tue, 31 Oct 2017 14:41:53 +0000 crowriver 265123@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For those of an Elephant Bike, Pashley Pronto disposition (other sturdy load bearing bikes are available), I can recommend a set of Dutch/German style panniers made from Bisonyl. The kind of panniers that stay on the bike, fixed by straps to the rear carrier, basically big bags with top rain flaps fixed by clip buckle straps.</p> <p>Bisonyl is the stuff they use to make tarpaulins on lorry trailers: waterproof and very tough. </p> <p>I picked up a pair from a German retailer via Amazorg two years ago for just over twenty quids slightly more now due to Brexit pound woes), and they're still going strong. Total capacity rated at 46 litres, but I've crammed more than that in. Great for shopping or ferrying produce back from the allotment.</p> <p>There are of course fancier and/or more expensive panniers made from the same material that can be purchased from Dutch manufacturers. The pinnacle of such panniers has to be the enormous De Poort Newspaper Bags, with a total capacity of 80 litres and less than £60 a pair. At 48cm long, these *might* just fit on the rear rack of an Elephant/Pronto, but I haven't tried it and would worry about heel clearance. Probably more room on a longtail cargo bike e.g. Ute, Dummy, Mundo, etc.</p> <p>Googol "Bisonyl panniers" or "tarpaulin panniers" to find options... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-265120 Tue, 31 Oct 2017 14:17:37 +0000 gembo 265120@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have been rolling with an EBC small rear pannier [made by Vaude] on one side and bigger Ortlieb as I have been waiting on a ukelele to arrive and oh yes four red glasses for unhurt's brother (still ben the hoose).</p> <p>Uke finally arrived yesterday so back to the smaller Vaude on both sides. I find with Ortlieb I use just the one as they are cumbersome. I end up overstuffing and am lopsided. So I go with two smaller now. This makes me a little more balanced. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-265101 Tue, 31 Oct 2017 13:08:34 +0000 urchaidh 265101@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I do like the look of the rucksac/pannier crossover, need to start dropping some serious hints in the run up to the primary gifting period.</p> <p>I use Ortleib rollers at the moment and my only complaint is they're a bit of a PITA to carry off the bike.</p> <p>On the issue of internal storage, I found this pouch in a tool store. It holds a spare tube, repair kit, tyre levers, gloves and a multitool and just happens to fit well in the single inside packet of my Ortleib.</p> <p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/3LDPlI3m.jpg"> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-264311 Wed, 25 Oct 2017 09:30:46 +0000 SRD 264311@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Our 'normal' ortleibs (Back rollers) never fit any of our racks very well (blackburn + various small frame ones). so we've never made use of the bottom hook bit. usually panniers too heavy to flap....</p> <p>New backpack ortleib came through with flying colours. Will do a blogpost when I find time. the transition between modes really is easy and feels secure and remarkably comfy on the back. It has an adjustable length hook concept, so may even start using that. </p> <p>The helmet net concept felt a bit insecure. </p> <p>Main downside is size. I struggled to get laptop, lock, and purse inside. if I needed to take my usual level of work stuff, I'd have to take my 'work pannier' as well. </p> <p>when it's not overstuffed, it closes well. I find it much neater to roll than the backrollers. but I wonder how the velcro will hold up in the long run. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-264294 Tue, 24 Oct 2017 23:22:39 +0000 mgj 264294@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I love my Ortlieb pannier; smart, waterproof and takes everything for my commute. Fit on my Blackburn rack is the only downside; could be better balanced.</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ortlieb-commuter-bag-ql3-1-pannier.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ortlieb-commuter-bag-ql3-1-pannier.html</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-264271 Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:57:30 +0000 jdanielp 264271@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That reminds me. I clearly need to adjust the clip (I hope that I'm using correct terminology) on my Ortlieb pannier because it keeps coming loose from the rack, allowing the pannier to 'flap' laterally while hanging from its hooks.</p> <p>I'm sure that a combination of the cobbles and speedbumps on the canal towpath are responsible for this, for causing the hook on my Altura pannier to even break at all and for causing its plastic mouldings to gradually gouge through the aluminium upright struts of my various pannier racks. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-264269 Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:28:12 +0000 claire3000006 264269@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have a Blackburn pannier, which I mainly chose for the colour and reasonable price. Within the first few weeks both clips broke in a single day (it was winter... I guess the plastic wasn't up to Edinburgh weather). The hooks are still intact but the bag just jumps off unless I secure it with Velcro straps. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-264266 Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:11:12 +0000 jdanielp 264266@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>One of the hooks snapped off my Altura Urban 20 pannier on the way home from work the other week (slightly delaying my arrival to the pub for the CCE meet) after eight years of regular use, primarily for commuting. I've been using one of my pair of Sustrans-branded Ortlieb panniers as a replacement (previously reserved for weekend trips). I'm missing the accessibility of the Altura (I'm finding the Ortlieb particularly difficult to close when attached to my bike) and its selection of interior partitions, but at least I know that the rain is unlikely to soak through it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-264253 Tue, 24 Oct 2017 14:02:22 +0000 SRD 264253@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just giving the new ortleib its first tryout - cycled to the station with pannier, detached, added straps and helmet net thing, and converted to backpack. so far so good. the helmet strap thing was much trickier than attaching the backpack straps. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-262862 Sun, 08 Oct 2017 07:36:42 +0000 gembo 262862@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ortliebs I have retained for the weekly shop. However, this is their downfall you sure can over fill them </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-262860 Sun, 08 Oct 2017 07:22:05 +0000 SRD 262860@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>for commuting, i prefer my timbuktu, which is easier to organise. but i went back to ortleib for the ability to eg chuck a pair of wellies in for our next cyclocross race. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-262856 Sat, 07 Oct 2017 20:24:34 +0000 gembo 262856@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@snowy I switched from ortlieb for that reason to your ones. Ortlieb do have internal pocket but keys rip it </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14764&page=3#post-262851 Sat, 07 Oct 2017 16:37:04 +0000 SRD 262851@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Finally invested in ortleib vario backpack/pannier. </p> <p><a href="https://www.ortlieb.com/en/Vario/" rel="nofollow">https://www.ortlieb.com/en/Vario/</a></p> <p>quite like it so far. </p>