Decided between a pannier rack and a backpack for my 6 mile commute

I spent like 3 weeks going back and forth on this. The backpack seemed easier since I already had one, but my back would get all sweaty in the summer. So I dropped $40 on a used pannier rack and a dry bag off Craigslist from a guy in Portland. First day out, I hit a pothole and the whole thing flopped sideways into my spokes. Almost went over the handlebars. But after I tightened the straps and figured out the balance, it's way nicer. Now I can haul a 6-pack of beer and a change of clothes without feeling like a hunchback. Has anyone else had their pannier setup try to kill them?

2 comments

2 Comments

blair_green8620d ago

Wait, @jake_martin16 nailed it though. Milk crate zip tied to the rack is peak commuter energy.

jake_martin1620d ago

Dry bags are pretty floppy for panniers, that's probably half your problem. Get a proper stiff sided pannier or a milk crate zip tied to the rack and your beer won't try to murder you anymore.