Topic: Urban Bike Commuters -- How do you carry your stuff?

[Angry Chicken]

...and who'd want to eat fries with a bunch of metal shards in 'em, anyway?

[dr_spock]

...and who'd want to eat fries with a bunch of metal shards in 'em, anyway?

Think of it as iron supplement.   

We used to have a folding metal basket.  It attached to the side of a rear rack and folds up to the side when not in use.  I think my GF bought it from Canadian Tire.   It was handy.

[dorin]

We used to have a folding metal basket.  It attached to the side of a rear rack and folds up to the side when not in use.  I think my GF bought it from Canadian Tire.   It was handy.

I've got a set of those folding side baskets as well on the commuter, but somehow I don't think they're as neat as the front basket.  The front basket is also larger so it seems more useful.

[dr_spock]

Yup, you can also keep an eye on your stuff with a front basket.   I've had stuff bounced off the back and not notice it for a few kilometers.   Then I had to back track to find it. 

[random006]

When I had a bike on which I carried stuff, I used paniers on a rack over the rear tire.  The top surface of the rack was almost never used.  I found the rear configuration preferable for reasons of balance and stability.  Currently, I carry only what I fit in a fanny pack or - if necessary - a backpack.

I might be buying a new hybrid.  If so, I will add the rear mounting rack and paniers once again.

[safristi]

  a new HYDRID........so yer bike will have 500lbs O' Batteries..and a STOP-AND_GO tranny................wot do U CALL HER!!!! .....GLOWINNA DARK?.......U pedal_phile U............Mummy why are his tyres SO FAT!!!?

[roby]

I've been commuting for a year and a half.  I call it "competitive commuting".  I can't go slow on a bicycle... I push my limites.  Started a year and a half ago with a 4k(1 way) ride in to work on a mountain bike... bumped it up to 8k(1 way) a few weeks after... back down to 4k(1 way) through the winter.

I used a backpack all winter, but it's getting beaten up... although I'm still using it.

Summer came and I bought my first ever expensive road bike and I'm hooked.  Started riding 11k to work, then 15, 17, 20... then 30...  Now my wife is done school so I don't have to drive her anywhere before riding... so I've started commuting from home this week.  48k(1 way).  It's fricken amazing!

I'm looking to purchase a faster backpack.  The Ogio no drag.

There's no way I'll let paniers cramp my speed/style... not that you can even put those on full carbon bikes anyways.

Allready dreading winter... but I plan to do no less than 8km/day, I already have a parking spot where I can drive to to bike the difference.

Cheers,
Roby!

[safristi]

..R.I P Roby.........................Oh c'mon........get back inna saddle.............it's ONLY -45C

[sparky]

Depending on what you need to carry, a large sling pack might be just what you need. It's easier to get on and off than a regular backpack, and it rides lower on your back for better balance and comfort. And you take it with you when you stop off along the way, which you can't do with a basket and probably wouldn't with panniers.

[dorin]

The problem with messenger bags is that they put uneven pressure on one shoulder.  Even though they ride lower on the body, they still don't solve the perspiration issue.  IMO messenger bags are just a fashion accessory if your ride is any longer than 5-10 minutes.  There's a reason why companies like Chrome which started with messenger bags now make messenger backpacks (which is what I'm seeing real bike messengers using, those and cargo racks).

Panniers are very easy to get on and off so if you don't take them with you when you leave the bike somewhere then it's not the panniers' fault.  As for a basket, no you don't take the basket with you but you damn well take whatever you put in the basket with you.

[sparky]

The problem with messenger bags is that they put uneven pressure on one shoulder.  Even though they ride lower on the body, they still don't solve the perspiration issue.  IMO messenger bags are just a fashion accessory if your ride is any longer than 5-10 minutes. 

I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing here. What is a "messenger bag"? One of those overgrown purses or mail-carrier style bags? I'm talking about a proper sling pack with multiple adjustments and a sternum strap to keep it stable and comfy. Wiith a reasonably moderate load, mine doesn't pull on the shoulder at all, because in a riding position, the weight sits  centred on the small of the back. A cheap, crappy pack won't do the job, and even a good one isn't meant for a heavy load. But mine will comfortably transport, say, a netbook, your wallet and a change of clothes. Or a camera, raincoat and lunch. As for the perspiration issue, well, for a fat boy I don't sweat much.