Jaimie Robinson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago. Jaimie commutes by bike every possible day along Chicago’s Lake Shore bike path. She is a regular writer for Chicago Bridge, a blog for professionals working in the field of aging.
Don't be fooled by the seemingly stuffy name, Eva’s Office Pannier. Not only is this bike bag designed to be taken into the office it is also very suave.
I think this bag is made for women, hence the name Eva, but I feel it is gender neutral because of it its black exterior and green interior. So, dudes, consider Eva just stands for Extremely Voracious Animal (EVA).
While walking out of the office to jump on my bike a co-worker asked, "How are you going to bike with that bag?" I responded, "Oh, you see, it's actually a bike bag" and proceeded to show them how the rack hooks were hidden.
Clip, Clip. One word said twice to describe the simple mechanism to put this bag on your rack.
My trip, like many bike commuters in Chicago is a bumpy one. I am privileged to bike to work on the Lakeshore bike path, but it is still full of cracks, bumps and potholes! No matter what came our way Eva and I held tight, and I had no concern for the safety of the items in my bag.
Holy Smokers can I pack Eva tight. She put on a few pounds when she rode with me. She held a pair of work appropriate clothes, work shoes, my makeup bag, my lunch, a hairbrush, my water bottle, a book, wallet, keys, phone, and sometimes file folders and a laptop.
On occasion, my very boxy Tupperware I bring for lunch would make it hard to zip her up. But like any reasonable women trying to squeeze into those skinny jeans, we made it work.
In the interior of the bag there are two pockets. The main one is where I store my Tupperware lunch, shoes, and clothes that I bring to work. This pocket is much larger than the other. The smaller pocket has been built to hold books, file folders, and a laptop. I have mostly used it to hold my books and on occasion the laptop.
There is also a front pocket that is large in size, but small in capacity. I often use this pocket for my keys, ID, phone, and sunglasses.
There are some nice small holders inside this area for your cell phone, and other items but I usually just throw everything in there and spend extra time fishing things out.
I love the handles. But I equally love the adjustable shoulder strap. The handle are perfect for the quick grab and go off and on the bike rack up the stairs and to the office. The strap is perfect for the walk to the gym, the walk to lunch and for looking cool.
My wish list for Eva is that she could come in a more stylish look. She is made of black canvas-type material that works for a neutral, office type of look. But I would like to consider myself a practical stylista, and for that reason it might be nice to have the option of a printed canvas bag.
Also on my wish list would be for the bag to have an expandable feature. There are times when I need to bring to work a little more than the bag can hold, especially on days I need to bring in my laptop.
If you are a straight guy or lesbian, consider Eva the sweet girl you wish you had the balls to talk to in high school, who now rides on your backside everywhere you go. She holds everything you need. She can hold her own when you want it rough, and she loves it you hold her handles.
If you are a straight lady or a gay guy, consider Eva that dependable girlfriend who will be there for you when you need her. She is simple enough that whatever you wear will always top her outfit, but she fits in nicely with your style. She is practical and is happy to follow you around.
The Eva’s Office Pannier sells retail for $129.00, but is on sale this summer (2011) for $119.00 at Bike Bag Shop.