Monday 25th March 2024, by Mark McKee
After many years of cycling to work with a rucksack on my back I decided to give a pannier a try. Why? Mainly because my shoulders and back were straining under the weight of a laptop and associated tools and puncture repair kit, as well as work clothing all packed in a certain order into my bag. I wanted to see if having a single pannier would make it easier.
There is a bit of a cycle style adjustment to make: on my first ride in morning traffic the pannier side bag slightly impeded my movement in traffic. I often squeeze into tight spots between vehicles to get to the front for a change of traffic lights, so I managed to briefly brush the pannier along a bus, but only momentarily, I hasten to add! Once I found my stride I was able to judge the widths more accurately and I've had many months of straightforward commuting.
Getting used to a pannier on one side is a bit of a learning experience but is quickly overcome, especially when taking off with the weight unevenly split as the bike leans to the left:
The setup was pretty easy. I ordered a rear carrier frame and then the pannier bag. Job done on a Saturday morning. Obviously a bike without a pannier is more pleasing to the eye, but you've got a trade off between a stiff back and shoulders or a pretty look! This is my road bike, where I only commute on it when my gravel bike is not functioning, so it won't be getting the pannier treatment!
Verdict?
So, would I go back to putting on a rucksack on my back? Not a chance! In fact within a day of riding with a pannier, I knew I had made a good decision and it is one I am sticking with.
