I’ve taken the plunge and bought my pannier. It’s a Carradice Bike Bureau. Last year I used my rucksack which wasn’t too bad, although my back did get pretty damn sweaty during the summer months. I would have continued using this bag except that now, I need to heft a 17″ laptop to and from the office. For the last few weeks I have been doing this and my back has been getting very sore.
I did a little research into laptop bags. Most of them just carry a laptop and not a lot else. I wanted one that would carry the laptop and all my gear. This includes a change of clothes, ipod, phone, keys, toolkit, puncture repair kit and my lock as well as a few other bits and bobs. My choice was largely decided after reading this excellent review.
So after a little umming and ahhing I decided to take the plunge. I went onto the Carradice site and bought the cordura version. I was prepared to pay the 10 odd pounds extra for the cotton duck version but unfortunately it was out of stock. The bag arrived two days later.
It looks slightly different than the one in the review. The flap that protects the bag when on the bike has an ortlieb style reflective diamond instead of a strip. This is also bigger and now covers the height of the of the main flap. Also the buckles are now black instead of silver plastic. I find the whole look understated and pleasing to the eye.
Inside the bag there is a partition for the laptop. My 17″ is too big to fit in lengthways but there is plenty of room sideways. All my other gear fits in nicely with plenty of room to spare. I’m not sure if the supplied strap will be comfy enough so I may have to replace it with something that has a little more padding. It’s a very well-made bag though (mine was made by Kelly) and I look forward to using it on Monday.
You can find my long-term review here.
