What's The Best Bag For Commuting By Bike? Saddle Bag Vs. Panniers Vs. Backpack

What's the best and fastest way to commute to work by bike? We went to the wind tunnel to find out...
What do you want us to test next? Let us know down in the comments.
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Thanks to Stefano Giappino and the team at the Politecnico Milano.
Commuting to work by bike is great. You'll save money compared to the alternatives. Plus, you get to ride your bike, making it a win-win in our books.
But, let's face it; most of the ways of actually carrying your work stuff aren't exactly aero-looking. Your bike can be as aero as possible, but, if you have your work clothes and laptop in a huge backpack, could that be holding you back?
We wanted to find out, so we pitted the backpack vs a full bike packing setup vs panniers. If you've read this far before watching the video, comment with your predictions.
If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍 gcn.eu/yI
To find out more about the fastest way to commute, check out "Pimp My Commute" here: gcn.eu/yK
Photos: © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / www.tdwsport.com
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Leave us a comment below!

[@Einfach_nina_be]

Obviously the most aero way to transport my luggage is in my giant basket in front of my Dutch city bike. Duh

[@theantgodfather1]

Nina same as my bike

[@jjjj2411]

Can I ride in your basket ? :)

[@supernoodles908]

@@jjjj2411 that's cringe mate

[@Einfach_nina_be]

@@jjjj2411 sorry, weight limit is 15kg 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Youlube87]

I miss Amsterdam. That's where I rediscovered the joy of riding bicycles!!

[@mikedew9929]

When Emma said the top tube bag "looks like a triathletes lunch box" it proved she was the perfect choice for a GCN presenter

[@alexjrashman]

I was thinking the same thing!!

[@thijsvandenbroek5333]

gazzervw did any other presenter leave? Or is she just an extra one

[@gazzervw]

Thijs van den Broek as far as I know she is an extra face , they haven't mentioned anyone leaving . So let's hope no one has

[@covboy70]

Except she has won the Alpe D'Huez TRIATHLON at least once! ;)

[@MISJPEREZ]

mike dew yes

[@SwedishHouseFifa]

I work from home so my commute is really simple, I do like to use an aerohelmet to get to my desk tho #Aero

[@LaughingSaint66]

SwedishHouseFifa in Hawaii aero helmet is a must always windy af

[@M3T2W01f]

I work from home, too. However I go downstairs and I haven’t figured out how to bunny hop stairs. :/

[@robbchastain3036]

And you can get out of bed faster if you sleep in one.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@@LaughingSaint66 Too embarrassing. Tons of people in Hawaii wouldn't wear one unless they were racing.

[@spencerlemon2679]

I have a hard time understanding why any cyclist (who lives a reasonable distance from work) doesn't commute. After getting into cycling I've noticed more and more how awful sitting in traffic is for my mood (and physical health). It's just so claustrophobic. Great video. More on this subject please

[@SwedishHouseFifa]

Always when im in a city im the fastest person by far.. cars are so slow and you get stopped by red lights all the time.. it's just as Quick riding your bike on bike paths.

[@hiddenSeeker]

I agree, however, it depends on your job... Commuting by bike is not really practical when I have to show up in a suit every day.

[@cybertonto72]

do you have a locker or a place to keep a change of clothes? In my last job I had to wear business clothing and used a locker and took a few changes with me

[@julianbulatao9527]

I tried cycling to school for a while, but the drivers are so bad in San Diego, not to mention the sidewalks are way safer than what little bike lanes they have here... Been hit too many times, decided it just was not worth it

[@scotty686]

I can't comprehend people who sit in traffic by choice.

[@chrispig7748]

Emma, you’re doing a great job!

[@Hjydfdhd7]

such a GCN mum

[@turbofan450]

I use a milk crate, securely zip-tied to the rear rack. I place everything I want in my backpack and put the whole thing in the crate. Super versatile.

[@joestevenson5568]

#bodge

[@jeffreywilliams3646]

I specifically selected my current apartment so I could commute by bike. I have one question for Si and Emma to consider (maybe for a follow-on episode): which method of carrying gear is safest in the event of a crash? If I'm carrying my laptop and I go down, I'd really like the laptop to survive.

[@Pratalax]

Bobble-be!

[@cybertonto72]

Your laptop is 90% a goner if you go down on a bike, best thing to do would be to make sure it is well padded

Jeffrey Williams try and roll instead of going straight into your head, that's what I do. ;)

[@ooojamaflip]

Priorities Jeffrey. Laptop before personal survival?

[@Toastybear1]

CnE every time- I get sick pay, but I'd have to pay for the laptop

[@shenava]

First off, well done Emma. You already look like a natural fit in the team and a welcome change to the GCN sausagefest. On to the video, Whilst in pure aerodynamic terms the saddle bag might be quickest, attaching the weight that high up on the bike will act like a pendulum every time you get out the saddle making the bike feel less stable and little bit unnerving unless I am always seated which I don't like because my backside needs relief from time to time. I have found that a rucksack is not comfortable on my back or my shoulders over any reasonable distance and exacerabates back sweat. Meanwhile the panniers may not be the most aero I personally find them the most comfortable way to commute and in the real world are not any slower compared to the times I have commuted with my rucksack. I have tested all the above and found the wind speed and direction played a much bigger role in the time it takes me to get to work compared what type of bag I picked.

[@kidagave1]

shenava do you not like sausage?

[@Long_Toe]

Putting backs at the front makes you more aerodynamic. It's an argument Jan Heine from bicycle quarterly uses for randonneurs

[@zero5uk]

You get used to the subtle movement of saddle bags. As long as its cinched up real tight and not overloaded (Tailfin marketing blurb did an embarrassing biased test loading it only with heavy bottles of water) they're excellent. For touring though. Too much faff for a daily commute. As Emma pointed out.

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

The quality seat packs are extremely stable. Just like anything you can overload them but day to day I actually forget I have one on there. They do sit some what high but they are also very central so they are way way more stable than panniers and much more comfortable than backpacks. I don't get all sweaty and my experience is that they are actually really easy to pack. They are just large bags after all.

[@TypeVertigo]

There are solutions for improving the stability of extra-large bikepacking saddle packs. Here's one as reviewed by Russ Roca of Path Less Pedaled kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpaoXpudiLV6g9E

[@harryhawk3542]

Off the back of this video I ended up ditching my pannier and moving to a large saddle bag (14L) which fits just about everything I need for my commute and has left my bike feeling a lot nippier and more responsive on the roads. Great video, thanks for putting the time into this subject.

[@szabiakanich]

One more huge thumbs up for Emma. Great to see her on the GCN team. Fantastic addition. Also great and informative video. Love it.

[@ccc369]

I use all of them simultaneously - including front panniers from time to time ;) - Fantastic videos by the way - Thank you very much for all the information in your super well produced and presented videos!

[@ooojamaflip]

Go commando at the office. Pants and socks = wasted watts.

[@stustjohn]

CnE ha ha!

[@jinngeechia9715]

Only Cipollini is worthy to do that.

[@MonsieurArlequin]

Is cycling naked better than clothes?

[@bhumiriady]

Fantastic video as always! I didn't know that we can commute without compromising aero! Chapeau to Emma and Si for covering this topic!

[@olliesmithphd]

Emma's an absolute natural! Great job getting her on board: Really excited to see more content with her in it!

[@matthewlakelin1677]

Great video and Emma is a great addition to the GCN team. One note of practically, I changed from a rucksack to a giant saddle bag because after a few hot journeys the smell from my sweat absorbed rucksack made me very unpopular with my colleagues in a very small office.

[@alessandrobattini8855]

Good video around a very interesting topic, please keep adding more :)

[@spencerlemon2679]

You should do a commuter video putting a bike, an ebike, a driver, and public transit against one another. I'd love to see the Orbea Gain or a Focus Project Y in action. I like the idea of ebikes as replacements for cars

[@peter_smyth]

Spencer Lemon And a runner. My friend uses his 10 km commute as half marathon training.

[@ericoschmitt]

That has been done in Florianópolis Brasil. Motor bikes win, bikes next, running third, then everything else. Usually yearly a group of volunteers go from federal university to central bus terminal in rush hour using different routes for each transport mode, and we compare later!

[@ericoschmitt]

@John We had skaters on that test. Also inline skaters, e-bike, runners, walkers, people taking bus, car, foldable bike etc etc. Each transport mode had 2 or 3 people going by different routes. It's called "Desafio Intermodal" or "Intermodal challenge" I'm pretty sure this wasn't "invented" here and must have been done in big cities around the world. Maybe google for it?.. Also, even though Florianópolis isn't NYC, I'm pretty sure it is quite representative.

[@9034833838]

@@peter_smyth Your friend is a fucking mad man

I used to commute with a taekwondo backpack and panniers. After a couple months it became apparent it was faster if I put more in the backback with no pans, but I did have to support the weight... I like that I can hear her over the music. I realize sound reinforcement isn't easy across venues and you guys and lady try very hard. Thank you for an excellent channel.

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

Rucksack - sweaty back Saddle bag - too small Panniers - the past, present and future Train heavy, race light! Ps you can go with 1 pannier for less drag.

[@MrUlski]

Ser Garlan Tyrell agree - with 2 panniers they are comparing a larger volume to a smaller volume rucksack. They should have run the test with a single pannier bag. For me it is not about the wind resistance though. I mainly use panniers because I want to avoid biking with stuff on my bag - I agree that panniers look silly on a bike but I can live with that.

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

MrUlski gigantic bum bag, err, saddle bags look silly too. You have to embrace the commuter/tourer look. That said some of the ortlieb stuff recently just looks like a shoulder bag that just happens to clip on to a rack.

[@MrUlski]

Ser Garlan Tyrell ortlieb ftw. The good thing about ortlieb is that you can trust that your clothes says 100% dry in there

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

Unfortunately it works both ways, as if you have to put wet clothes in them; that moisture ain't going anywhere!

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

Why would you go in circles?

[@noahmills2884]

Doing great Emma! Great addition to the team!

[@AceDomil]

Emma is a rising star! Great to see that her sense of humour shows through - the look when Simon mentioned commuting on an aero bike was priceless. You lads better get her a proper fitting sweatshirt. Looks like she's wearing one from Matt's hand me down bin on entrance steps! No way to treat a rainbow band winner!

[@petermead4990]

Another great job, Emma. You add some beauty to these guys.

[@jafersorianocamargo6723]

I really enjoy Emma on the last vids, her warming personality and cycling expertice, plus She's lovely

[@AB-fh9zh]

Fantastic work, thanks for this!

[@pascaladl]

Surely you should always ride with panniers and then have an extra free 20 watts to enjoy during races or club rides?

[@JimKJeffries]

I commute on mountain bike, with panniers. When I get on my carbon roadbike, it feels amazing.

[@geoffbaker4452]

Not only is Emma a pro cyclist and great presenter, she is also a scientist with a PhD in something earthy and very technical . Her skills come in handy in videos like this that involve real science.

[@alainpfammatter8224]

Well done. Very interesting investigation. I will stick with my rucksack because its more practical. Ty

[@GioBen68]

Very informative and, guess what I was already looking for a saddle bag. Your video convinced me to swap my rucksack for a saddle bag 👍🏼 Btw great to have Emma part of the team 😀

[@Mr1998frankie]

Great video! Feels weird seeing you in a place I know so well, I often have lunch in front of that jet!

[@hisdadjames4876]

Im planning an unsupported long distance ride, so this was super helpful and consequently Im going all-in for the giant saddlebag👍

[@becmango]

Things I didn't know that I needed to know. Thanks gcn!

[@PlexusTen]

I have commuted ~10km every day into central London for the last two years. As a uni student, I've found that the best set-up involves: - Wearing cycle clothing to and fro - changing in a large, accessible toilet upon arrival and before returning home. - Keeping large textbooks/items in locker at uni. - Carrying (in an ordinary backpack): day clothes, large laptop, books, 2 inner tubes, multi-tool, tyre levers, allen keys, mini-pump, etc. The extra room in my backpack allows me to buy groceries. I prefer backpack to panniers (haven't tried saddle-bag because it's volume is inadequate) because I don't have to worry about leaving my laptop and any other valuables unattended. Having waterproof panniers isn't that impressive because keeping the contents of your backpack in 2 layers of plastic bags is just as good. Also, panniers make general balance and filtering through traffic more awkward. - Showering at uni - keeping towel and toiletries there. *Find somewhere at work/uni/school where you can let your wet/sweaty/dirty cycle clothing and towel air out/dry during the day, unless you want to ride home in sweaty gear or casual clothes. - I have two U-Locks (ABUS GRANIT XPlus™ 540) attached to my seat tube which take the weight off my back. I really recommend this set-up because it allows you to safely cycle anywhere without your backpack. - My Cannondale QUICK CX 2, which has wide 700x38c tyres, suspension and hydraulic disc brakes, makes me have a lot more control and confidence on some of London's busiest and most poorly surfaced roads. I very rarely get punctures too. To go faster, I've attached Specialized Dirt RodzTM Bar Ends to help get a lower and more secure body position. Also, cycling into uni in my day shoes with flat pedals seems much more practical than carrying an extra pair of shoes everywhere and struggling to clip in and out at the ~15 traffic lights along the way. I'd say that my "set-up" is suitable for commutes shorter than 20km. Any longer, I'd swap to a road bike but I'd still keep the backpack. I'd only use panniers if I was working somewhere more remote/safe. As for the saddle bag, it would be hassle having to take it off all the time and carefully pack it. Any Q's let me know!

[@AdventureCampingAustralia]

Most paniers just clip off and have a shoulder strap which would allow you to do the same thing without the weight on your back. In saying that I've been doing what you do for 10 years & am going to try panniers, the older I get the harder it is to carry the weight on my back.

[@zrsgamboa]

At 5:57 "That does look a little bit like a triathlete's lunchbox really, doesn't it?" LMAO!!! REALLY lovin' the new stuff with Emma! Great stuff, GCN!

[@salkdjfasldkfjsdlk]

Great video. Osprey Radial 26 works for me. Holds my clothes, shoes if I needed (usually leave a pair at work), computer, small stuff, optional gear, rain cover and vented. All with some space left over in case I need to bring something unexpected.

[@stustjohn]

Go Emma! Great to see a new presenter, especially such a lovely, cool person like you!!

[@markmathews1072]

Emma is a natural; "see the back of this door" and "fannage" are going to go down in GCN folklore. Well done Emma, brilliant video!

[@mashed9603]

Excellent video!

[@sharpyt1]

I have the exact bikepacking bag setup from this. Makes intervals and long extended commutes far easier than a rucksack! It just means you need to plan ahead a bit with bulkier items and a laptop is a no-go.

[@TypeVertigo]

Exactly my sentiments on the laptop. The bikepacking setup is out if you really need a laptop with you. Panniers can work, but the backpack is the best option for your laptop's health, especially if your streets are crappy.

[@johnobrien5464]

I think I'll stick with commuting in my normal cloths and use a backpack and save myself as about 10 minuets on packing what I need to bring and also getting changed when I get to college. No unsightly giant saddle bag needed

[@tomalcolm]

John O'Brien there is real truth in this. If you can wear normal clothes and ride slower you can actually save time by not needing a sponge bath and costume change. You can even wear the same shoes!

[@TypeVertigo]

Lovely work from Emma Pooley. Am surprised how quickly and naturally she fits into GCN hosting duty - three videos in and she feels like a pro at it. Well done ma'am!

[@grayl2]

I’ve been rocking the big saddlebag since 2009 on my 60km round trip commute. Formally a vaude 10+2 and latterly a Carradice SQR Slim. The carradice is very heavy though, so might try one of these new fangled things. They don’t look very quick release though. Happy to see I found the right option early on, disappointed to see I can’t make it an easier.

[@Verkehrskegel.87]

Since I'm commuting at roughly half the speed on average and I also prefer a sweat free bag I will continue using my one pannier. Why? It fits everything I need, transforms into a backpack in seconds and it's just so convenient! But nonetheless interesting video! Nice work

[@sireevessireeves5072]

That's interesting about the ruck-sack being less aero. On motorcycles we have speed humps on leather jackets for improved aerodynamics. Maybe they could design and aero-sack that would function similarly. Maybe its a difference of speeds too. Awesome content!

[@TheNormalUniverse]

wow what a fun and well done video!

[@laurynaspetniunas8193]

I love these kind of episodes ! 👍👍

[@Ripper7620]

I've always gone with a backpack, as the drag from saddle bags is self evident. I don't opt for any bag that sits under the seat, because I keep both my bike lock, as well as the most attention getting tail light I could find, which I attach to the seat post. Thank you very much for this video, it confirmed what I had already assumed to be true.

[@KimJongSkill492]

I’ve just started riding to work on my TT bike and I’m so glad I found this video! I’ll be happy to swap out my backpack for a saddle bag, and I’m hoping to grab a disc wheel soon to make my morning commute even faster!

[@daveseemerollin6357]

You're a beast

[@NielsHeldens]

1:59 I bet Si slid the editor a couple of bucks for that clip

[@Jorge_Rodriguez83]

Hahahaa, I think so too!!

[@barrymccloskey]

paid him more like!

[@CaseyWindom]

Lol!!

[@robbchastain3036]

And I would like to say that I, too, appreciate the addition of Emma to the team of presenters. And all the new presenters, for that matter, such as Steve at EMBN.

[@larney37]

You guys are so delightfully British! I actually had to look up "sartorial". That is not a word used often here in the States. Love the channel!

[@Pratalax]

Still super stoked for the fact that Emma's presenting for you guys now. She's doing a great job. The colour and contrast in this vid is looking super, also. NGL, would be nice to hear from Neil, too. Big love!

[@danielwrightson6625]

Carradice enormous saddlebag on a quick release frame under the saddle. Carries plenty with no need for a rack. Perfect. +1 for Emma, great addition to the team!

[@strokenumber3]

Ms Pooley is a great presenter, very efficient in her presentation style, information clearly and logically presented. And, she has what is much needed in a presenter; she has a personality.

[@lautarosarsotti666]

Hi, cheers from Buenos Aires. I found my best commute kit is a messenger bag, It keeps my bike pretty, and my back almost sweat free. I guess on the wind tunnel it would perform similar to the rucksack. The trick is in leaving as much possible at the office.

[@Sir-Prizse]

I bought a bicycle messenger bag, not the most elegant one, but it really fits in a lot.

[@GordonMoat]

I've seen aero backpacks for motorcycling. I'm now tempted to try that, in place of a lightweight backpack.

[@adammorris6348]

I ordered a saddlebag in the middle of watching this video when it was first uploaded. Best thing I've done for my cycle commuting, I've squeezed trainers, beer.. You name it, it's been stuffed in. An sometimes be a bit weighty behind but generally feels sound as.

[@jamiemilbourne4498]

I use a Topeak rack bag with stowable panniers. Pretty similar to a giant saddle bag with the panniers stowed but with the benefit of them being there if I need them. Perfect for this time of year when you need a big coat in the mornings but not in the afternoon!

[@nevillellewellyn8101]

Great to see Emma - perfect choice! A witty foil for the chaps. May be a rush XS GCN kit order is pending??

[@ricky7396]

Get them all. I have x2 sets of panniers city ones, and big ones for camping/touring, backpacks and just got a handlebar roll bag.

[@andrewthemorley]

That was eye-opening, never knew about giant saddle-bags before. I hate how bumpy my racks make the bike but hate back-sweat more, so will definitely look in to saddle bags.

[@andrewthemorley]

I also dislike the higher centre-of-gravity of backpacks (I pack about 4kg to work), the bike feels more stable with panniers - would love to see a road test comparing the luggage methods.

[@byoffer]

Very interesting. I am curious about safety. Years ago a coworker told me that rucksacks are dangerous in a crash, as they crash with the rider and can swing toward the head (especially since I carry a laptop each day). I have always used panniers because I think they are safer, and I hate the back sweat noted by others.

[@spiffo5349]

Glad to see Emma appearing in more videos!

[@markp353]

Good video. Do a follow up video to see how they feel when riding regards to balancing, cornering, climbing and descending. What's most aero might not feel the best when the bike is leaning and other angles. I am sure there are others like me that incorporate training with their commute.

[@thefucrew9865]

Great video, GCN !!! Very useful ! What model was that Topeak saddle bag ?

[@Xehpo]

I work a suit&tie job so I have to be dressed sharp at the office. Not going to work with either of the options presented in the video. So I don't know how aero the bag I use is, but it is definitely the best bag I ever had when it comes to doing the job - getting my suit to work without wrinkles. So yeah, it's a Henty Wingman. Absolute beast. Love it. And no, I am not working for them. So if you wear a suit and commute to work - Henty's bags are the way to go. You heard it here first.

[@chrisholdstock8247]

Messenger bag with support strap 👌 back doesn't get sweaty and more out of the way from the wind!

[@billinhouston3291]

Emma is such a delight. Great accent, great pronunciation of foreign languages, great dry humor and rapport with Si, smart as a whip.

[@user-gs7nd9ok3z]

Carradice Camper, Nelson etc are the way to go. I rode "fully loaded" across the USA using a Carradice Camper and an handlebar bag so they can carry lots....another vote for Emma being a great addition to GCN.

[@FazioliJapan]

Despite any fantasies I may have, 90%+ riding is commuting, so this video gave some food for thought. After 10 years at 28km/day: Back sweat is nasty, so forget the packs. I'm rather happy with the Tubus Fly classic (lightweight and gives a bit of an aero angle) paired with the Ortlieb Vario, which quickly converts to a backpack when needed -- a very handy feature when the weather gets nasty for the ride home. A giant saddle bag is tempting, but can it clip on and off easily? Anyhow, an excellent video -- please more of the same.

[@edwardjohntaylor99]

Great vid. As a follow up you could see how much of your daily commute luggage you could fit/bodge into a TT bike with dedicated storage. I'm thinking the on bike storage of a Cervelo P5X. Laptop in line with the wind...

[@benstanden8784]

Awesome video :D Very interested in this, I used to use panniers but didn't like that it ruined the feel of my bike. Rucksack for me - feels better, easier and best bike feeling.

[@DigitalCowboy000]

Ben Standen, I'm the exact opposite. I prefer to have the weight on my bike instead of my back.

[@benstanden8784]

It's interesting that people have such different preferences. When I was carrying loads (including a heavy lock) I much preferred panniers. Now that I only carry clothes and my lunch, I stick with a rucksack :)

[@desgamble9220]

I’ve always used panniers for commuting as they are so easy to use. I have some vintage Carradice canvas large and small. No sweaty back. The rack deflects most of the spray and road grime whilst the pannier bag with reflector gives the bike a wider more visible imprint on the road. So much so that it is noticeable that cars give me more space when they pass. Panniers are easy to pack and pull off the bike too. For mountain biking a small backpack with a few essentials is ideal. Under seat mini bags and dummy water bottles are great for carrying a spare tube and tools. I think bike packing gear is a great idea in some settings, but might be too much hassle for commuters to pack and remove from the bike.

[@malte5845]

7:01 haha Emma looks like a hobbit next to the giant Si on his bike standing on the platform😂

[@spiffo5349]

Simon is rather tall and Emma is rather short, together they make quite a stark contrast!

[@thedronescene7474]

Lmao, she is really short indeed

[@petesig93]

Panniers have a noticeable advantage in giving me a wider profile from the rear view. Thus most drivers choose to *change lane to pass* and I get more space on the road. I need them anyway for the amount of stuff I must carry.

[@phxrsx]

Plus the Ortlib panniers have a reflective shape on them.

[@milesroe5082]

I used a top quality hiking rucksack, that has a frame built in. This holds it off your back allowing air to flow through, and stops the contents poking you in the ribs.

[@photon1972]

No fenders on your commuter?

[@RobPiatt]

I’m a (2) pannier man myself. I need more luggage than I can fit in a rucksack - but I don’t mind the extra drag/wattage (and boy, can I feel it) as a) It’s good training into the wind, but b) I barely need to peddle with the wind behind me. Win Win. Emma - you’re bloody brilliant. What an asset. Nobody’s saying it, but Simon is awesome too.

[@cdoubleu8719]

Great video

[@bullwhipjohnson8247]

I've always been opposed to backpacks because they transfer the weight to your saddle. Very uncomfortable if the backpack is full and heavy. Plus as Emma said backsweat.

[@michaellee1663]

bullwhip johnson Also they throw weight on your shoulders, arms & wrists over a longer period, I know, I once made that mistake on a weekend tour ! Panniers thereafter for me, sod aero !

[@luis.sordi.]

Rucksacks also make your center of gravity higher, witch is not ideal for cornering.

[@EamonRobinson]

I used to commute and race. Having commuted for my first two years with panniers and the next 4 w/ a backpack (had to take the rack off to race and putting it on/off was annoying). Anyway, 100% backpack is the way to go. Getting the weight OFF the bike and onto yourself is the best for cornering. Your bike feels like it is in molasses w/ panniers on it when changing direction. If you are commuting or riding in a city where you have to swerve for surprise potholes and such, having panniers on your bike could be what gets you into a crash. The weight on the bike dampens the steering speed of the bike. For the weight issue, just think twice about about what you are bringing and pack light. You can always keep the panniers and toss them on on a day you /have/ to bring your entire PC with you. With panniers it is easy to get out of control w/ accumulations.

[@sudd3660]

i agree with the weight and backsweat. but i dont sit much on the saddle and with standing the extra weight helps with putting force to the pedals instead of pulling at the handlebars.

[@MAGAIVER]

Loving the videos with Emma. She's great for the channel.

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Danget Si! I needed the results of that Top tube bag!

[@BlueL1n3]

not sure if that really convinced me to ditch my panniers but great video & info

[@davemoore843]

Fannage, brilliant word!! I had better not say any more!

[@furai333]

Emma is awesome! She even loves "Fannage"! Great work GCN and go Emma!

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

I did my 1st bike tour last year up loch ness and had a full on head wind the whole time with panniers on the back ( I rode the great glen way ) and my average speed was just 10 mph and the drag was very very noticeable , I had to pedal down hill as well as up , but on the plus side the stuff that was inside those panniers kept me warm and dry over the 5 days there and back :) , I normally use a backpack like Simon on a day to day ride without any ill effects , btw Emmas perfect for the job , she's just amazingly normal with no airs and graces , keep up the good work Emma ;) ( she has a blokes sense of humour too so I cant complain about that :D )

[@ErikEmstad]

Great info. Would have like to see results for a handlebar/rando bag.

[@WillN2Go1]

I've already shifted my thinking from panniers to saddle bag. This surprised me. GCN has already convinced me load behind me saddle bag or on the rack instead of panniers. I think about my ruksack as well. My idea, is to make a couple of lightweight panels (low tech carbon fiber, I've got some laying around and some epoxy that's a bit old...). Mount two panels on my rack, so they open left and right. then a waterproof nylon bag in the middle. This will keep them from extending beyond 45 degrees. Then a simple drybag roll closure. Maybe a pocket to slide in my bike U-lock and cable so I don't have to fuss with a bracket or tying it down. Then pop open the two wings, drop in my day-bag, roll up the opening, clip on either end.. The two panels will close around the day-bag no tying, no bungee cords. The panels may not even be necessary. (The idea with them is that as they close they center the load. Normal empty position should be able to contain the bike lock but leave the panels lying as flat as possible. Just thinking out loud.

[@Risayogi]

On my first days of commute, I used one-sided pannier to pack my things to work, including my laptop. It felt comfortable on your back, but due to the horrible road condition here in Indonesia (potholes and non-standard speed bumps), my laptop screen got damaged because nothing absorbed the bump. So now I opt for rucksack. It put some weight on my back, but it is a lot safer for my laptop. My bike feels a bit faster too, unlike the sluggishness you get from pannier. As for giant saddle bag, I wouldn't put my heavy laptop there. It's just look unstable.

[@brian_gonzalez]

Great vid - thx!

[@gcn]

Thanks Brian

[@someguy9520]

Currently use a rucksack for school and other commuting routes. Though i now have a proper commuter(1976 Puch Jungmeister love it) am gonna slap on some panniers that i will simply leave on the bike. Also i mean removable panniers at that that simply clip onto a bracket onto the rear rack and can be used as a shoulder slung bag

[@joemcnamara7934]

Funny, I've gone through this same path of choices (minus the panniers). Even though the aero seat bags look better and are more efficient, I go with the backpack as it is easier to pack is faster to put on. One thing to consider is that you need to carry your bags once you get to work and carrying two aero bags is a pain. Backpack (rucksack) wins for me. Great video. Never thought I'd see commuting and wind tunnel in the same sentence.

[@DaveWarnock]

I'm not a regular commuter as I'm based at home. But ride to meetings etc most days. Panniers always win for load capacity, waterproofness and convenience. Except like today when I used my Bullitt Cargobike with lockable aluminium box.

[@trbeyond]

Loved the video. Glad you talked about the "yaw factor" but what about the "boss factor"? I.e. I'm going to be late to work unless I kick it into high gear ?!! Seems the boss factor may lead to the most aerodynamic option of all!

[@markreams3192]

I use a Camelback Mule backpack. It has good ventilation between your back and the pack to help minimize sweating. I normally take the hydration bladder out giving extra space to pack. I work in an operating room so I don’t need clothes to change into as I wear scrubs at work and keep shoes in my locker.

[@shamanbeartwo3819]

My bike is my car/transportation. For me, speed is not the issue. On the last bike, I had the nice waterproof panniers mostly because I did lots of camping in Seattle. Now, I just have a standard rack on the back of the mountain bike with a milk crate zip-tied on the top. The milk crate proved its superiority on a recent 6 hour ride when I stopped into a store for something to eat. I could not resist the box of chocolate croissants which fit perfectly in that crate. That was one of my best rides ever riding across Lake Washington at sunset while eating chocolate croissants.

[@inSideMusicGroup]

noticed a videoquality improvement. Am I the only one? Great :D content good as always :)

[@koenstrobbe8101]

This would depend on the distance traveled and which item you plan to carry. I occasionally commute 75km to the office and carry a laptop and computer stuff. Never put these in panniers or saddle bags. Too much vibration. A well-designed rucksack is ideal for such. Clothes, shoes and other stuff could go into the rucksack if you can handle the weight, or in a separate saddle bag. So for longer distances the combination of a rucksack and saddle bag is ideal to me.

[@wojciechgregorkiewicz2415]

Well done Emma. Great job with the door. It's an interesting topic. I've been using panniers for years, but having moved to rucksack I have noticed the reduced drag and just stuck with it since. It would be interesting to see the results at more realistic speeds though. Also I doubt many people get much chance to go aero on the drops around town. So that's another position to test. Maybe next time.

[@wojciechgregorkiewicz2415]

Rabbi Foreskinstein That certainly is a factor. But after a couple of seasons of moderate riding if found it isn't as bad as when I first started riding. Naturally if you're pushing intervals on your way home expect sweaty back

[@Skorpp13]

Great video (as always by the way). Anyhow I'm gonna keep my backpack I think. A big saddle bag could be a dirty solution in our often bad weather here.

[@galenkehler]

Ferre Franckx big saddle bag is much cleaner. Acts as a fender.

[@Skorpp13]

Yes, but not so easy to clean every day (when it's bad weather). Using a real fender is cleaner. But that's of course my thoughts :)

[@galenkehler]

No argument from me about real fenders. But you're not exactly making a fair comparison since you could still use a fender with either bag.

[@Skorpp13]

Let's make a deal : you use your saddle bag and I use my back pack, everybody happy :)