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Panniers are a revelation. You’ll try a backpack and be fine with it, but at some point you’ll get curious and will realise what you’ve been missing.
Not for me,I really dislike panniers.
It's STW so here's what I have - I'm very happy with my Whyte Portobello - Link to it
It is kitted out with mudguards, lights etc. Could take a rack but I'm never carrying that much.
It lived in a locker at the Park and Ride and was doing me well for the year up until Covid arrived. Not so useful as I've not been into the office since March 2020.
why are people recommending dyno lights? I'm out of the loop because the last time I tried a set (1992) they just went off whenever you stopped at a junction, so weren't really ideal. But I imagine they've got better since.
I just use those USB rechargeable ones these days.
Also, what tyres do commuters on 26" wheels use? Need to be able to handle a bit of slightly muddy bridleway at times.
Those highly reflective jackets you get now are, from a driver's point of view, totally amazing.
Also pedal reflectors. There's something about the motion that really jumps out in a busy environment
Hub dynamo lights are fantastic. Always work. Minimal drag. Modern German spec led ones have proper optics so light the road very effectively but don't dazzle. Built in capacitor keeps them on for a few minutes when stopped. And they are as near as you can get to being legal if it came to a court case (unlike 99% of lights).
The always on function has been a big plus - even in summer the daytime light is definitely more noticeable to drivers.
Not for me,I really dislike panniers.
I’m not crazy about panniers except for getting big grocery shops or touring.
I still hate rucksacks more though, even moderately weighted. But I absolutely love my expandable rackpack with fold-out mini-panniers. Still using the same (Agu) one from 20+ years ago and no sign of it wearing out. Fit and forget, it just sits behind and doesn’t flap about or cause wind bother. Attaches with 4 velcro straps underneath and has a shoulder strap and rain cover if required. Expands upwards and the two mini panniers fold out, also via zipped with zipped openings on the panniers themselves. Inside is padded with a removable velcro panel to organise stuff if required. Not sure if Agu still make them but there are similar out there. I’d be lost without it for regular commutes.
Also, what tyres do commuters on 26″ wheels use?
Ba
I used to use Schwalbe Landcruiser or Hurricane. The latter when commuting farm tracks and country lanes all winter. No good in deep mud or wet grass but gravelly/muddy patches are fine, plenty of volume for off-road excursions and yet still swift on the tarmac thanks to the slick centre-strip
Those highly reflective jackets you get now are, from a driver’s point of view, totally amazing.
Also pedal reflectors. There’s something about the motion that really jumps out in a busy environment
The reflective strip on loads of commuter tyres is great too, makes you very bike shaped in the dark.