Commuting - Luggage

So what does everybody use to carry a change of clothes or other items during the ride/commute to work or wherever ?

I have my Arkel UBP (Utility Back Pack). It's soooooo awesome. Very sturdy, and kinda neat lookin' too. I don't go anywhere without it, really--that and my little "Los Angeles Bike Tour" bike pack...carries my sunglasses and smaller items quite nicely.

I am using a Eastpak backpack. It works really well so I am happy with it. I wish it had some padding on the side that is against my back though.

Sussette,

Is it the Lady Bug, or what? I thought about getting an "Arkel" pannier or pannier/backpack.

Fubar, it's too wierd, I use an Eastpak that was handed down to me (I am cheap), but I strap it to my rack. I can put it on my back in an emergency, but the sweaty back syndrome led me to use the rack.

When I'm walking (alternate exercise,) I strap on the Eastpack!

A pannier would provide me better balance, though.

I use a Gap nylon messenger bag and a "milk crate" strapped to my rack.

I got the Gap bag on sale for $12.99 a couple months ago, since this model has been replaced. They had been $34.99 (USD). Last weekend, though, we saw all the old bags on sale for $1.99. I bought another one, plus a different style, as backups.

The bag holds my laptop and magazines. I put my "man bag", that holds my diabetes supplies and Palm III, in the crate. The crate also holds groceries and other purchases I make on the way home.

Jonathan

Originally posted by Pete Clark

When I'm walking (alternate exercise,) I strap on the Eastpack!

A pannier would provide me better balance, though.

You'd look funny walking along with panniers strapped on. :dance:

I'm well pleased with my inexpensive Avenir panniers. They cost $24 about 4 years ago. For local use I don't see how they could be beat: lightweight, attach and detach with no fumbling in only seconds, tapered in front to avoid kicks from big feet like mine, and they hold a lot.

They might be too light for touring, but for day trips and in-town shopping they're ideal.

I have heavier Performance panniers with rigid backings, and they're fine but they're VERY difficult to get on and off, they are just as prone to leak in the rain as the Avenir set, they don't hold much more, and I never use them now.

Originally posted by JonR
You'd look funny walking along with panniers strapped on.
I see your point...

Which reminds me, Arkel (Canada) makes some panniers that double as backpacks. :thumbup:

For most riding I use a single Carradice pannier, but for shopping trips I add the other one. They are light, stiff, water-resistant, and clip off in an instant.
Often, on a ride along the seafront, I will stop off for some shopping, and its amazing how much you can fit in a single pannier without affecting your balance.

Originally posted by MichaelW
[...] its amazing how much you can fit in a single pannier without affecting your balance.

I've noticed the same thing--to read some articles and books about cycling, you'd think it was courting disaster to have an unbalanced load. I've never been able to tell any great difference while in motion, though on some stops you can feel the imbalance. The convenience outweighs (so to speak) any little wobbles, at least on reasonably short trips. I suppose an unbalanced load might stress some parts of the bike more than usual--but bikes are pretty tough.

I bought a cheap bag with many pockets from WalMart . I fasten it to my rack with a rackstrap. It works very well for my needs.

I notice that most of you have a bike rack. I will have to consider one when I get a bike.

Originally posted by fubar5
I notice that most of you have a bike rack. I will have to consider one when I get a bike.
I recommend the Blackburn mountain rack, at least if you get a mountain bike. Mine has taken quite a lot of beating (not off-road, just in crashes!) and is as good as new except for some scratches. And it's pretty reasonably priced for such a good rack.

I was looking at a bikerack at nashbar and it siad it fit on virtually all bikes. I may not wind up with a mountain bike. I need to invest a serious chunk of my money in a long term mutual fund, so I will probably go to some pawn shops or something and try to dig up a deal.

My rack is a black CyclePro, and cost $25 at an LBS in Lawrence, KS, not too long ago.

They also have shopping bags - open on top with straps/handles - for $35. They aren't the Blackburn bags, but they are less expensive, and seem pretty sturdy.

Jonathan

Racks for 700c are a bit higher than for 26" MTB wheels.
When looking for a bike, make sure it has threaded eyelets at the wheel dropouts and 2 at the seatstay, above the level of the wheel.
You can fit a rack to a Kona style micro-sized frame, but the rack stays need to be bent down to reach the low eyelets. This forms a 4 sided shape. If your stays are horizontal, the rack forms a much more stable 3-sided triangle.

I have a Blacburn and a low-budget copy, but both perform well. The type with a plate of metal as a mud deflector are less usefull for strapping things to the top with bungie chords.

I just got an Arkel Utility Basket Pannier like Technogirl's to replace my left Performance Transit Epic which got damaged. The Arkel panniers mount and dismount from the rack very easily. And to address JonR about looking funny, the Arkels all have rings for attaching a shoulder strap. The UBP is VERY well made. Another good thing is that Arkel makes all its panniers so they don't extend above the rack when mounted so you can still strap something on top if you need to. My Performance panniers do extend above the rack. Also, JonR, I bought a suspension kit from Arkel to make my Performance panniers easier to mount and dismount.
Regards,
Raymond

Sounds like a good setup, Rainman.

I wished today I had mounted my panniers; I got across town and then decided I'd like to buy groceries. Out of luck.

I've got a Blackburn rack on my commuter with a rack pack on it. The pack has a main pocket with smaller side pockets, one in the back, and one on the top flap, so it can carry quite a few odds and ends without being too big.

If I need to carry more I put on an Axiom pannier, I've only ever needed one. They clip onto the rack at the top and have a strap that clips onto the dropout with an S-hook to hold the bottom. Like Jon said, I've never had balance problems with only using a pannier on one side.

I also try to plan ahead to have extra clothes and food at work so I can travel as light as possible. For instance I rode my road bike in today with only what I could carry in my jersey, (wallet etc.), because everything else I needed was already at work.

Yes, actually one of my most useful pieces of "luggage" was my office desk! I was lucky to have a big desk with lots of drawers, and one was devoted to spare bike clothes and spare office clothes. This was invaluable on several rainy days!

We also had a laid-back enough atmosphere that I could drape wet garments over filing cabinets, shelves, etc. to drip.

Office workers note: try to get in a position where you know how to do essential tasks nobody else understands--you'll find it brings some cycling perks! ;)

It is very interesting to hear of all the various bike setups. I really think bikeracks are the way to go. My experience is that a backpack(especially with a heavy load)puts extra stress on the sholders/neck. It can be very uncomfortable.

Servus,

Being a slave to fashion and style (along with not having the appropriate braze-ons) I do not have a rack on my new bike. My old Trek, on the other hand, does. I have a Blackburn, like many other denizens of BFC and it has served me quite well. Old or new, doesn't matter - it works. I usually wear a backpack when I ride, the ones from Jack Wolfskin (Germany) are my favorite. Room for a hydration bladder, plenty of padding in the right spots and lots of room in the main compartment. Most bike-specific models come with a built in rain cover which is REAL handy. Rack boxes (like my aging Cannondale box) fit on top of the rack and provide a more stable storage solution, IMHO. Some are expandable and have days of room in them for whatever you plan to carry.

I recommend to try out a few options and decide which is the most efficient for you.

Some links:

www.jackwolfskin.com
www.vaude.com
www.deuter.com

All of these have English based pages, if not completely in English, and the packs they have are all top-notch.

One piece of luggage that no one has mentioned is the saddlebag. Im not talking about those tiny under-seat packs, but a proper 15-25l Carradice saddlebag.

Consider the total weight/price/volume of a Ti frames saddle, a Blackburn rack and a rack-top bag. Compare it to a Brooks B17, and a Carradice saddlebag.
The old-fashioned solution is still pretty competative, esp if you have a racing bike with no eyelets.
Saddlebags are highly aerodynamic, and can carry a lot of weight, close to the centre of gravity of the bike. Some people find they interfere with their thighs during pedalling, but in the UK, a large number of serious century riders use them.

Modern pannier fitting systems no longer use that hook on an elastic to secure the bottom. They use much more efficient "door handle" shaped bits of plastic for a quick action.

I like the timuk2 messenger bag for commutes and shopping or hitting the greenbelt. My MTB is my commuter, so I prefer not to have a rack on it.

I am right there with Dirtsqueezer. I use my MTB for commuting and use a messenger bag for work/errands. I am currently rebuilding my old MTB and turning it into the city cruiser bike. I have a dual aluminum basket that will be mounted on the rear. I have had this basket on a 3-speed, and it worked out well. However, it does cause balance issues on occasion, especially when loaded with groceries.

Steele-Bike, or DirtSqueezer--

Re: messenger bags--I've been curious about them, seen a few around town (not only on messengers, who by the way all seem to have vanished here), and could afford one myself (in contrast to not being able to afford things like a new bike, hard drive, health insurance, etc.)

So could you list a few pro's and con's from your own real-life experience, such as max. you have carried in a messenger bag, shifting weight as a problem, how you feel about a 10-12 mile ride with loaded messenger bag, etc.?

Thanks!

Well, i've used a backpack, both on my back and strapped to the rear rack, homemade panniers on the rear rack and currently use a Timbuk2 messenger bag.

I'd have to say the panniers are the most comfortable. Both the backpack and the messenger bag cause my back to get sweaty. the panniers are nice because the weight is supported by the bike and mostly you don't notice they're there.

Jon, I really like my messenger bag. I've entertained the notion of becoming a messenger so that was one reason for the purchase. Also I like that the bag is made in San Francisco and is of excellent quality. There are lots of pockets and a water-proof lining. Timbuk2 also makes their bags in a variety of sizes, so you can get one to match your needs. Oh, and you can pick your colors. The bag was also much cheaper than a rack and quality panniers.

The drawback is that your back gets sweaty, like with a backpack. The straps can be adjusted so the bag doesn't sway. It depends on the cargo you're carrying though. If you're carrying something that doesn't lay against your back well, like a big box, the bag can move around some.

As for riding a good distance with a load. The edge of strap has a tendancy to start cutting into your shoulder. They sell pads to fix this problem though.

I'd say that panniers or a trailer are the best for most people. The messenger bag is great for running errands or for a bike that you don't want to put racks on.

Thanks, thbirks, for the first-hand details. This will help me decide if I eventually want to get a messenger bag.

Servus!

I would LOVE to get a timbuk2 messenger bag, but RangerGirl questions my need for the other five bacpacks I currently own. MY birthday is coming soon and I can spend my birthday cash however I like! MWHAHAHAHAHAHA! ;)

Fubar,
I highly recommend a rack. Be aware that if you get a mtb with rear suspension, you will be limited to the racks that clamp to the seatpost, ie, no vertical supports, and limited weight capacity. Many bikes have threaded holes down near the rear hub just for mounting a rack with supports. Once you have the rack, you can do a lot of things. Eventually, you may opt for panniers or a rack trunk, but one excellent option until you do is to just bungee your backpack to the rack. I did this for a few months while I was deciding on which panniers to buy. It works fine as long as you bungee it down good and snug. As riders, we tend to automatically compensate for a lot of bumps, absorbing some of the bouncing around and road vibration. Dead weight strapped to the bike gets bounced more than you might realize. It just needs to be good and snug, not death grip tight. For a while, I even had a large handlebar basket bolted to the rack. That was handy. Of course, that is getting into realms of dorkiness that someone your age does not even want to contemplate. :)
Regards,
Raymond

I have been pleased with my Assiniboine panniers. I picked up a $25 set from REI (sale) and they are great for my commute (960 cu.in.) If I did a lot of touring or MTB, that would be different. I also use a bungie "net", it's kind of like a net made of bungie cords, with two clips. It will strap on top and hold anything from a basketball to an additional pack. I like it because it's snug and grips all around the add-ons. I haven't tried a messenger bag, but a backpack is a sweaty pain for my commute. Panniers get my vote, (even if inexpensive)!

I have an Arkel Ladybug backpack. For the commute, it connects to the rear rack as a pannier, and the rest of the day it's on my back as a backpack. I carry it even on days when I'm not on the bike. It holds lots of stuff, and seems to be very sturdy so far. It has a handy zippered pocket just inside the top for my work access badge, wallet, and cell phone. And it looks pretty neat. :)

No problems with using just one pannier on the bike, except sometimes when I'm walking the bike it tries to fall over on the side with the backpack. I'm thinking of getting a small folding basket for the other side to increase my grocery carrying capacity. Has anyone tried the Jandd grocery pannier?

Originally posted by JonR

So could you list a few pro's and con's from your own real-life experience, such as max. you have carried in a messenger bag, shifting weight as a problem, how you feel about a 10-12 mile ride with loaded messenger bag, etc.?


Jon,

I use a messenger bag and really like it. It rides a little lower than a backpack, more on my butt than my back, and to the side a bit, so sweat isn't quite as bad.

My bag holds my notebook computer, power supply, a couple accessories, plus an 8-1/2x11 notepad, and 4-6 magazines. Total weight is around 10 pounds. This doesn't bother me much, except on uphills. Then, I sometimes wish I had panniers. This is a weight issue, though, not so much a sliding around issue.

Overall, I like the messenger bag. I keep some spares - a small Timbuk2 bag given as a promotion, and a couple of Gap bags that I got for $1.99 each.

Jonathan

JonR,

In regards to your question about messenger bags...

I have had a couple different ones. Most of them seem to work well. The one I currently have is a Sun Dog with expandable zipper thingie on the bottom. I find they are quite stable if kept tight. The shoulder strap needs to be short enough so it rides above the waist and the chest strap needs to be tight when bent over the bike.

I would say they work better when not loaded down. They tend to get a rounded shape when packed full. I use mine for my 5 mile commute without any problems. I also use a large fanny pack for those lighter days.

I hope this answers your question.

I use a lightweight messenger canvas bag. It's smaller than most bag, but it allows enough room for a shirt, wears, trousers, and socks. I keep extra shoes at the office.

I was amazed that a starched shirt can be soft-folded, ridden 10 miles, then crisp when you need it.

Carrying things on a bike is one of the real, but not insurmountable, problems faced by riders for whom the bike is real transportation, and not only sport. It's encouraging to see so many creative solutions so well expressed! I'm storing up new ideas from all these posts, for my own problem-solving. Thanks, everybody!

i really like having panniers - and they're espeically nice in the summer when a backpack can make your back hot and sweaty.

i have (sort of expensive) ortlieb panniers on my commuting bike - but this is because i live in the rainy northwest. if you need a really waterproof and indestructable pannier, ortlieb makes good stuff. they'll definitely outlive the bike.

what's funny is that when i bought them they came in a set, and at the time i thought, what a waste, i don't need two! ha! the utilitarian biker's need for luggage simply expands to fit the luggage-carrying capacity. either that or i'm a bit of a pack-rat on the bike...

-jb

Originally posted by junebride
...i thought, what a waste, i don't need two! ha! the utilitarian biker's need for luggage simply expands to fit the luggage-carrying capacity. either that or i'm a bit of a pack-rat on the bike...

This one is very deep... ;)

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by junebride
...i thought, what a waste, i don't need two! ha! the utilitarian biker's need for luggage simply expands to fit the luggage-carrying capacity. either that or i'm a bit of a pack-rat on the bike...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That really is deep!
I nominate junebride for philosopher of the day! :cool:

Just thought I would throw this in because it is timely. I use panniers, but if anyone has been thinking about getting a messenger bag, Campmor.com has a Kelty model on sale in their email specials message yesterday,5/22/01, at

Kelty The Hernando Courier Bag
Item Number: 79918 Price: $29.97 List: $55.00
<http://search.campmor.com/cgi-bin/redir?prod=53200

Now, I don't know much about messenger bags, but if I were going to try one this looks like a good candidate at an attractive price. Kelty packpacks are among the best. I have a travel backpack that is all but bulletproof.

FWIW,
Raymond

When I go for an overnight ride, I use my back pack purchase from Mountain Equipment coop. here in toronto, the back pack are so useful I use them when I go to work.....

I rode to the grocery store this evening and at the bike rack I met a young guy with a well-used Schwinn mountain bike and a Timbuk2 messenger bag that a bike-messenger friend in San Francisco got for him some years ago. He said he'd had no trouble with it. I was impressed with how he got three grocery bags full of provisions into it. He said that even with a load like that it didn't shift much provided it was cinched well at the waist.

I told him about Bike Forums (he has an Internet connection) so I hope we will gain a new (commuting!) member.

For about a year I've used a large Rubbermaid dishpan mounted on top of a rear rack, with rubber straps to hold things down. This lets me put a fully-loaded bag (bike messenger bag, knapsack, whatever) in side without worrying about it slipping off.

I can carry quite a bit (nearly two traditional grocery bags full), but I do notice that having all that weight back there affects the balance quite a bit, more than if I used panniers instead. The advantage of my system is that there's nothing low down to get caught on a car when cutting through tight downtown San Francisco traffic. Additionally, unlike with panniers, the thing is always mounted without worry of theft. I can stop for groceries on way home and pick up a couple of six packs and a couple of half gallons of OJ (when Safeway has a sale, I go for the goods) without a second thought. And, since it's all plastic and has rounded edges there's little worry of hurting anything I accidentally brush against, in motion or when parking. The inside dimensions are 16" L x 12.5" W (at top; shorter and narrower at bottom) x 6.75" deep.

Before I mounted the dishpan I just used the rack, but found that large load (commute to work meant packed lunch and full change of clothes, plus an occasional book, etc.) shifted too easily on the narrow rack. Wearing messenger bag or knapsack made my back uncomfortably hot and sweaty (I ride aggressively).

Sounds like a great and ingenious set up seanstriff!!!

Originally posted by seanstreiff
For about a year I've used a large Rubbermaid dishpan mounted on top of a rear rack, with rubber straps to hold things down. This lets me put a fully-loaded bag (bike messenger bag, knapsack, whatever) in side without worrying about it slipping off.

This is a man after my own bike-commuting heart.

seanstreiff, interesting setup, do you happen to have a picture of this?

For my very first bike tour, I hired a cheap hybrid bike, strapped a 25l day-pack to the rack with a few bungies, and stuffed my towel under the straps. I carried the bare essentials, but survived a week hosteling in Ireland with no problem, and it was probably the most fun Ive ever had on a bike.