New Commuter Bike Day!

[Nightwatchman9270]

Found a Novarra Forza for $150. Not thrilled with the shocks suspension. But it's aluminum and light! Way better than my Schwinn! Any recommendations for panniers and a rack?

[Rylito]

I looked into getting Ortlieb bags as I see them on probably 75% of the commuter bikes going by me, but I saved some money and went with these instead: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003D4GSH4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are nice and sturdy and have held up well to nearly two years of daily use, including removing them from my bike to take in to the office every time I get to work.  They still look almost brand new.  The only complaints I have are I wish they had an outer pocket for easier access to my keys, and the inner liner is made of a rugged, waterproof plastic that occasionally folds into sharp points which can scratch if you're not wearing bike gloves.  It's easy to remove the liner if you don't need it but I just never bother.  I usually ride with gloves on anyways.

I got my rack at a local bike store and don't remember who made it, but I think it was around $25.

[sixwings]

congrats! I have 2 waterproof panniers for my work commute, one for my work clothes and one for my food. Don't combine them in the same pannier!

[Just Joe]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YOJAL98

I've been using these for two seasons.

[PDXTabs]

Any recommendations for panniers and a rack?

Ortlieb panniers on an Axiom rear set rack.

[Nightwatchman9270]

Thanks all! I was going to go with Topeak but the back seemed pretty pricey. The rack and bag would be like 90!

[Nightwatchman9270]

Yikes! After looking at the prices I may either stick with Topeak or even just a 25 dollar rear rack and a milk crate I have.  Any reason not to go with that?

[Just Joe]

A milkcrate won't be waterproof but it also won't be appealing to people with sticky fingers. I never lock my bike alone outside - it is inside at home and work.

On the other hand the panniers I chose and most others as well can be removed from the bike in a jiffy. The case of my panniers it is simply a few snaps.