That's actually a pretty sharp-looking case, I prefer the black ones for the look as it's more stylish, yet the alum ones tend to bring more attention in traffic when you need to be seen. I agree with you on the gargantuan-looking heaps of plastic they are making now, plus they put tons of ugly as-heck stickers/graphics all over them to "represent" their brand. I like simple/plain/functioning over flashy.
I only dislike tail boxes as I can't swing my leg over, and end up Muay Thai kicking the side of the box when I don't feel like stepping on the foot peg to fling my leg over. I would like to get some side panniers that are half as wide as the typical ones for city running just for the basic things like rain suit and battery jumper etc., so I don't have to run my tail box. I liked the small compact one you made from what looked like a pelican box some time ago.
I don't remember seeing you mention it, but what does the weight difference come to between this one and the usual alum one? I wonder if the 70's padding inside this one adds to it any. Thanks for sharing and giving us more options.
