Following a 15 year bike commuting hiatus, the gas prices and increased sedentary life have me longing to get back.
Have mostly just been using my single speed utility bike to ferry to the gym or basic errands.
My drive is only like five miles and that’s a dumb way to do this.
Have already upgraded the bike to a Brooks B17 saddle, Surly Moloko handlebars with some upgraded grips and tires as well. The ride has already become profoundly more comfortable.
Some big hills, so upgrading my drivetrain (42t 130BCD chainring/16t flip flop) to a better Surly 40t chainring and White Industries Eno 18t freewheel.
Have attempted using ChatGPT for this (Don’t do that!)
Did years of commuting with a messenger bag on a road bike and still attribute my lumbar pain to it.
Looking for a proper waterproof solution backpack/pannier solution.
Aside from the Ortlieb and North Street options that are designed to keep collected moisture off from you are there options out there in the 20L volume variety worth looking at?
by WhatTheWhyTheHowThe
5 Comments
My Arkel Signature M has served me well and kept my things completely dry through some pretty heavy PNW rainstorms.
I generally advocate for starting what you already have. If you have a backpack/pannier already you can get waterproof covers for them.
That’s a good looking bike. I’ve never seen the crossbar split like that.
I have a basket on the back of my pannier. I just chuck my backpack in it.
I started with cheap saddlebags and just tossed all my stuff in a waterproof stuff sack that I already had.
The Rockbros roll-top panniers are a good budget option if Ortlieb is out of your budget. Also, you might want to shorten the arms on that rack so that it sits more level.
Got this bro