Morning all,
I've recently started a new job with a laptop that I will need to take to work and back on the bike. At my previous job, I used a laptop sleeve and put this into my backpack for the commute however my new employers have said that the laptop will only be covered for insurance purposes if it is conveyed in the bag provided by them with the laptop and therefore cannot use the same setup. They have suggested that I use panniers, which they are willing to pay for within reason, and this is where I'm hoping the hivemind will be able to help as I have no good clue at all about what to look for and what is good. I also have no idea what they consider "within reason" as they have simply said to let them know and they will then either agree or disagree.
With some bike packing plans next year in mind and the option of using a rack/panniers across both my Free Ranger which has rack mounts, and Mk2 Scandal which doesn't, I had been thinking of suggesting something like a Tailfin or Aeroe rack and seeing what they said. My thinking being the laptop bag could be kept in a suitable drybag which would then be strapped to the rack thus fulfilling their criteria while giving me a decent rack for bikepacking as a fringe benefit. The Free Ranger is fitted with PDW Full Metal Fenders while the Scandal has a Mudhugger so being able to switch between the two without too much faff would be advantageous.
If work are going to pay then for me tubus rack and ortetlib panniers are the way to go. the ortleib panniers have a great mounting system that allows you to get them on and off really quickly and easily. to remove you literally lift a handle and lift the bag. tubus racks are much stronger thanmost and thus willlast yers. I've use panniers and racks a lot over the years. tubus racks are the only ones that I have had and not broken
Ortleib even do a bag specifically designed for this usage
What about an Ortileb quick rack and fixings for both bikes? Can be swapped in a minute or two
For carrying the laptop a proper laptop pannier from Ortlieb, Carradice or similar. Would think drybag solution is way worse than sleeve in a rucksack.
If work are contributing then this might fit the proper office solution as well as tick the bike packing rack duty.
Or just leave the laptop at work if they're worried about you carrying it to other places.
The Quick Rack looks a good solution. I'm guessing that refitting the rear guard would just necessitate bolts with a sufficient length?
The requirement from work is that the laptop is conveyed in the supplied Targus laptop bag (~37 x 28 x 12cm) which is why I had considered using a 20/25l drybag and then strapping this to the top of the rack. I have never ridden with panniers before so to my mind this would allow for the weight to remain central on the rack instead of being one sided.
one sided panniers make no noticeable difference when riding
Good to know as I've always commuted with a backpack and have no experience in this sort of thing.
I've got a Tailfin and an Ortlieb Quickrack, and I think I prefer the Quickrack.
Is that on the basis on ease of fitting or feel on the bike?
one sided panniers make no noticeable difference when riding
This. I have my laptop, d-lock, waterproofs etc in a single Ortlieb pannier. Always been fine.
Ortleib quick rack has its own mudguard that fits to the rack. It's a nice system. I stick the rack on for during the week when commuting and it comes off when riding offroad at weekends
I already have PDW Full Metal Fenders so am sorted for a rear guard and it's not something I'm looking to change given both the quality and the expense.
@ransos how big is your laptop and which Oreleib pannier are you using please?
Ffs, another reply deleted.
It's a standard Ortlieb back roller and a largish laptop, 15" screen I think.
I've been using my Tailfin Aeropack for taking my laptop and a change of clothes into work and while it does work it's not that great. I've got a 13" laptop and it goes in flat but not very well so it doesn't make great use of the space. Before Covid WFH when I was going in every day I used a pannier which was much better for that.
EDIT The Tailfin is a really nice piece of kit and works exactly as advertised, it's just that it's not great for commuting with a laptop IMO, but then that's not what it's made for.
Mine is a 15" laptop and has to be transported in the supplied bag which measures ~37 x 28 x 12cm. Do you think that would fit as if so that might be just the ticket.