If you too have been bike commuting with a backpack, it’s time, my sweaty friends – shed the turtle shell. Lift with your legs, not your back. Embrace the panniers.
The Classic 2.o Garment Pannier from Two Wheel Gear is sturdy and roomy – 55 liters of room – and has a universal attachment to fit on any standard rear bike rack. It’s for the “business professional bike commuter,” and basically looks like a double loaded laptop satchel. It’s got space set up for suit storage, but even for those of us who are non-suit-wearers, the storage space is flexible enough to fit any needs.
Everything about it is durable and high quality – even the zippers feel like they could take a beating and still keep zipping.
The bag includes a detachable shoulder strap for portability, although I can’t seem to schlep it as effortlessly as the models do on 2 Wheel Gear’s website; but hey, that’s why I’m not a model.
Only gripes – it’s a little heavy (read: sturdy), and the release system works totally fine but is a little clunky and, after struggling a bit while balancing the bike on a sign post, I can’t help but be jealous of the genius quick-release systems on some other bags. Final thing – the fabric isn’t waterproof, and while the waterproof cover (aka neon yellow hairnet) works great, it doesn’t protect from the inside-tire-splash zone! It would take a torrential amount of rain to get anything inside wet, but these evening summer thunderstorms managed to do it.
All around – great bag. Whether it’s for the daily commute or for a weekend cycle trip, the Classic Bike Bag is a great addition to any cyclist’s arsenal.