Panniers for e-trike commuting?

July 18, 2022 12:46 PM

I purchased myself a recumbent trike with e-assist, to use primarily for commuting. The trike has a pannier rack over the rear wheel. I need to add a pannier that can carry my laptop plus some other daily essentials. There are lots of sites reviewing panniers, but I'd like recommendations from real people!

I currently use a Timbuk2 Commute messenger bag. When I had a (shorter) bike commute, I threw that on my back and called it good, but you can't wear a messenger bag on a recumbent. I'm open to options that will either securely attach my existing bag to the trike's rear rack, or panniers that replace my bag. I'll need to carry the contents of my bag with me into the office, so if it's a pannier, I need to be able to easily/quickly detach and convert it to a shoulder bag/backpack, then reverse the process for the ride home.

I need to carry a 16" Macbook Pro, battery adapter, and headphones, plus a notepad/pens. I'd also like to carry a replacement tube and other flat-fixing supplies in a second pannier or other bag, so something at least sort of matching would be ideal (but only one needs some sort of quick-release feature so I can take it upstairs with me).

I'm planning to mostly commute during fair weather, so extreme weather resistance is not required, but I'd like to be able to deal with a surprise rain shower without ruining my work laptop. Value-for-the-money is good, but I just mid-life-crisis'ed myself an unreasonably expensive thing, and I'm willing to pay for a nice bag if it will improve my experience!

posted by Alterscape to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

Best answer: Ortliebs. They make a number of different styles. I have used their "sport packers" and "gravel packs", but they also make commuting-specific bags. They're all rainproof, bulletproof, easy on/off, and secure.

You'll probably only need one pannier; carrying a flat kit is a good idea, but that could just be a little pouch in the pannier.
posted by adamrice at 1:14 PM on July 18, 2022 [1 favorite]

I have what I think is called a "shopping pannier" or "grocery pannier" (here's a list) which is, sort of, like a tote bag built out of technical material, and I put my regular work bag into that when commuting into the office. It has the advantage, to me, of allowing me to use whatever bag I feel is work-appropriate without adding will-this-attach-to-my-bike consideration to the mix.
posted by gauche at 1:19 PM on July 18, 2022 [1 favorite]

My latest set of panniers are the Ortlieb backrollers and they've held up so far (about 1 year). This is my 3rd set of panniers over the years and are the best of the bunch.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 1:44 PM on July 18, 2022 [1 favorite]

Ortliebs all the way - indestructible would be one way to describe them. Moreover, they are extremely safe to use because the mounting system they use is super-secure. I've had panniers come loose before which not only could mean loss of personal belongings but also has the potential to cause road hazard.

This has never once happened to my Ortiebs.

Worth every cent. Ortliebs are the real deal. Every ounce of fandom they get is well deserved.
posted by jacobean at 1:57 PM on July 18, 2022

Easy DIY bucket pannier. Instructions all over the internet.

If a magic genie or fairy or whoever said "choose a brand new pannier - ANY brand or pannier you can imagine" I would still want an easy DIY bucket pannier (with reflective tape). Ideally the kitty litter kind with the folding lids.

They're durable, waterproof, theft-resistant, hold more than you'd expect, and they never sag into the wheel (even when you overload them).
posted by aniola at 1:57 PM on July 18, 2022

Arkel- I have had my 2 for over 15 years. They are amazing. My husband has a version that can turn into a back pack. Also their customer service is very good - I had to get one replaced after a theft. I carry my lunch, a laptop, a charger, shoes and sundries.
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 5:00 PM on July 18, 2022

Another vote for Ortliebs. I have Backrollers on my commute bike and love them. Seriously waterproof (as long as you close them right) and I love the latch mechanism.

N.B.: I'm a professional bike mechanic.
posted by workerant at 6:39 PM on July 18, 2022

Response by poster: I ended up with one Ortlieb Back Roller (The high-vis variant) to carry a change of clothes and spare tubes/tools, and one Arkel Haul-It to carry my existing messenger bag. I've been riding that way for a month and it seems excellent so far!
posted by Alterscape at 8:34 AM on October 7, 2022