So, here is my review of the Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier, offering the women’s perspective! Joe recently reviewed the same panniers. I decided to add my own review because I am sure many readers would like a woman’s perspective on this unique pannier, designed for cycle commuters who want to look like the boss when they get to the office.
A while ago I started a new job, and much to my delight the office was within an easy commuting distance from our home. It was obviously time to get back on my beloved commuter, my Easy Motion Street 650 (which I reviewed here).
I have written a post before about the challenges of being a woman bike commuter (see Tips for Women Bike Commuters).
I have always found it a bit of a challenge, and this time around I only have basic end-of-ride facilities and not much storage room at my office – so it’s back to packing full gear in and out every day. As I’ve lamented in other posts, there are not many options for a business professional to arrive on a bike in all kinds of weather and still be dressed sharp for the day.
Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier – A Perfect Solution for Bike Commuters with Professional Jobs
Luckily, the good people at Two Wheel Gear had already thought about this problem and designed a solution. With a focus on the professional who bike commutes, Reid Hemsing set about creating the perfect cycling garment bag for people who need to get their clothes to the office in great shape – the Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier.
Related Post: Joe’s Review of the Two Wheel Gear Garment Pannier Set
Great Planning and Separate Storage Areas
Reid started with the old flight bag configuration. He kept all the separate storage areas, and a clip to fit a hanger for work clothes. And then he improved on the concept. Reid has added small storage pockets that are perfect for jewelry and dainties, and kept the bag lightweight by using mesh rather than solid materials. I find the small pockets really handy to keep my jewelry safe and accessible, rather than having it disappear into a cavern.
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 About $55. Please click here for current best price on Amazon. |  |
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There is also a generous space for your laptop, which will also expand to take a couple of files too. The laptop is cushioned by your clothing (on the inside of the rack) and an expandable pocket on the outside. All in all, this pannier allows you to hang 3 to 5 garments, plus pack in your shoes, towels, toiletries, work files, 17 inch laptop, tools, and accessories.
The outside pockets on the Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier are large enough for shoes, purse, lunch … whatever you can think of.
Fitting the Two Wheel Gear Classic Pannier to my Bike
Fitting the bag onto my bike took a few tries to get right, but in the end it was very easy to attach. My Emotion Street 650 is a European design, with an integrated rear rack that is slightly thicker than the racks sold in North America. I have had panniers fall off more than once, and even lost my beloved Arkel pannier a few years ago. The Two Wheel Gear Garment has clips that easily grab onto my rack. There is also an ingenious little “C” clip that locks onto the middle of the rack to ensure you don’t have any wiggle room for the sucker to jump off mid ride. These little clips have a nice cord attached to easily attach and detach.
I always place the pannier with the zippers facing away from me because I found that facing the zippers forward meant that my heels would brush the pannier. This is obviously the way it is meant to be mounted, as this puts the reflective details at the back.
The Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier Gets my Professional Clothes to Work in Good Shape
I assemble my work clothes on a hanger or two, and then attach them to the clip in the pannier that is designed to hold hangers. I tuck my dainties into a separate pocket, and my jewelry for the day into one of the mesh storage compartments in the top corners. I try to keep my storage pocket allocation consistent, so that I can quickly and easily put it all back together on the other side.
Storage for Keys, Cell Phone and Cycling Glasses
Another nice feature is the top pocket that sits on top of your rack when the pannier is in place for a ride. This is a great storage area for your keys, cell phone or cycling glasses. It also can fit a small cable lock.
The Two Wheel Gear Pannier also comes with a bright yellow rain cover that simply slips over top of the whole pannier. The rain cover sits in its own integrated pouch. When you are using the rain cover, it ingeniously creates a small zippered pocket at the top. Again, a great place to keep keys, since the pannier pockets are completely inaccessible when the rain cover is in use. Clearly, Reid has thoughtfully considered every bit of utility that a pannier can offer.
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Best of all, the rain cover works! I was caught in a torrential downpour mid-ride, and was able to quickly deploy the rain cover and continue my ride. I wish I had thought of carrying a waterproof rain jacket that day, but at least the rest of my clothes were dry!
Airline Compatibility of the Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier
The Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier is also great for traveling. The size is designed to fit carry-on luggage requirements for most major airlines. I have taken the pannier on several business trips.
Bottom Line on the Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier
The Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier is a godsend for this passionate cyclist who still has to dress professionally at the office. Thanks Reid Hemsing!!
This kind of incredibly practical pannier helps with the challenging process of becoming car-free. You can read here about how I have started cycling more and more, moving step-by-step to greater health!
Below are prices and details of several other panniers that we also recommend. Although I have to say that for business women, nothing beats the Two Wheel Gear Classic Garment Pannier.
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| People who want high quality waterproof panniers for commuting and touring | Set of 2 high quality panniers with great storage space. Surprisingly, the low price includes rain covers. These panniers are highly rated for commuting and for touring. Multiple compartments and pockets means you can be super organized. The 3-point interlock system secures the panniers from side swing. | Around $120 - please click here to see current best price on Amazon |
| People who want classic, rugged, waterproof panniers with a large capacity for commuting and touring | Set of 2 classic, rugged, and waterproof panniers. VERY highly rated by cyclists. Easy to remove from bike, as Quick Lock hooks open automatically when you pull up on the handles. Strap doubles as a shoulder strap. Includes a handy pouch with a zipper to store your laptop | Usually under $200. Please check current price on Amazon here |
| People who want basic, totally waterproof panniers with large storage and minimal frills | Classic, wide range of waterproof panniers, usually sold in pairs. Completely waterproof, strong, and very spacious. Most have a very simple design – they are kind of like a large bag, with minimal frills, such as pockets or sub-divisions. Highly visible | Around $110 - please click here to view current best price on Amazon |
| People wanting a versatile set of matching panniers for a budget price | Very versatile set of two panniers. They are highly rated, very affordable, extremely water resistant panniers that convert from panniers on the bike into great-looking shoulder bags or briefcases off the bike. Super easy to get on and off your bike | Usually under $150. Please check current price on Amazon here |
| People wanting a dual-purpose, good looking, simple pannier | Set of two slim-line, slate-gray (or blue) panniers; when carried over shoulder they look like a satchel. Very simple design, with a roll-top closure, and quite deep | |
| People who use multiple transport modes and want a stylish pannier that converts quickly into a useful backpack. | Can be easily and quickly changed from backpack to pannier and back again. Many handy pockets and a rain cover; super light and compact; safety lock to keep it on the bike; very good looking, with many reflective elements. Very rugged and very long-lasting | Usually around $200. Please check current price on Amazon here |
| Executives who want premium panniers to keep their work clothes smart, and that double as travel luggage | Set of 2 (joined) premium top-of-the-line commuter and touring panniers. Will carry your clothes (without creasing them) from your home to your office - or all over the world, as they are designed to double as carry-on luggage. Many ingenious pockets, and a waterproof cover that can be fitted over in seconds | Usually around $250. Please check current price on Amazon here |
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