Hi everyone,
I have a new job and would like to try bike commuting. Distance is 20mi / 30km and I have a gravel bike (Canyon Grail).
I need to carry a 13” laptop and a few essentials only (notepad, pen, keys, lock,..) but no extra clothes.
I tried a backpack but I didn’t like it and I’m looking for alternatives.
I looked for a framebag but couldn’t find any for laptops.
Next options were paniers. I found options from ortlieb and tailfin (quite expensive, btw) but the paniers were either gigantic or too small for a laptop.
What other options exist?
Many thanks!
by Own-Reflection-9538
15 Comments
Could do a front basket and an outdoor laptop bag if you want easy and cheap install. I commute to school on a gravel bike and find full fenders and a cargo rack with a folding basket on the side to be the best method.
check out bags by bird, quite pricey but excellent quality
Not cheap but I use an Ortlieb gravel pack with the small commuter insert. Big enough for laptop, phone, D lock, water bottle and compact clothes like a wool sweater and shirt
I put a 14″ MacBook Pro in a Thule hard case in an Ortlieb sport roller, fits great with lots of space for other stuff.
Convertible pannier/backpack. Best of both worlds. I have a 27L one from Decathlon, it’s fantastic. Gives me a pannier when on the bike and I just need to close 2 zips and I have a backpack I can easily carry when I get to my destination. It has a padded laptop sleeve, and other organisational nets and pockets in the bag.
I commute on a gravel bike with my 13” laptop in a Two Wheel Gear convertible pannier/backpack. They make two sizes, I have the smaller one and it is just right for my laptop, lunch, and change of clothes.
Ortlieb Vario is great. Doubles as a backpack and has a separate laptop compartment.
Ortlieb Backroller pannier and the commuter insert (which features a padded laptop sleeve). Fully waterproof and some vibration/impact protection.
I am a huge fan of my Arkel Orcas. If you’re Canadian it’s cheaper than ortlieb not sure about other countries. Their cam lock system is amazing, so much so that I bought a rail system to sew my girlfriend a hybrid pannier/backpack for commuting to school with her laptop.
You should check out their [commuter line](https://arkel.ca/collections/commuter?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21358324528&utm_content=&utm_term=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=performance_max&utm_campaign=PMAX_Bike-Bags_Not-Branded_CAN&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21358328551&gbraid=0AAAAADn8BnZ6kY6_KBM-Zx2XNFsuUPxlf&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzKKW2dX_kwMVPSKtBh16UwTIEAAYASADEgLO_vD_BwE) maybe something like their “18L Signature M Waterproof Pannier”
I just did this this past summer and ended up sith a rockbros pannier. I just stuff the whole laptop bag inside.
I grabbed an REI branded pannier on sale a few years ago for ~$60. It’s not a real brand but it works fine. Fits a 17″ laptop.
I installed a rear rack on hybrid bike and strapped laptop bag on top of it.. Brought clothes and lunch for a 16km x2 commute
I use an Arkel Haul-it basket and then secure my backpack to that. Super easy to take in and out and can use with a variety of cargo.
If you don’t mind having it somewhat fixed on a rack, why not try making one custom compartment yourself?
Buy quality waterproof material, some foam, inner lining and good tailor. Cost should no be more that what’d you pay for pannier.
Jack the bike rack and voile straps
Panniers and a rack are overkill to carry a 13” laptop and you’ll be annoyed taking them on and off repeatedly to go on real rides