Commuting - bike bags?

I commute about five miles one way to work on my Trek 820 mountain bike, but I don't have to carry a lot of stuff with me. I don't have to change clothes or carry a computer or a lot of books and papers and stuff. I might have a day planner with me about the size of a notebook but sometimes not even that. I hate backpacks. what can I get to carry stuff either on the bike or on my back that's not a backpack. a messenger bag? something that clamps onto the frame? one of those things that straps to the handlebars or seat? should i get a rack thingy for the back?

I've seen a lot of bags of different types but I was wondering what some of you commuting veterans would reccommend?
here's what I basically want to carry:

basic tools
spare tubes
sandwich
cell phone
maybe a day planner or a book (sometimes not even that)

Thanks!

I would use a clamp on type of rack to the seatpost and a small trunk bag. Quick on and off.
I use a bolt on type rack with an Arkel tailrider trunk bag. It's the perfect size for those day trips. I also use a set of small Arkel panniers T-22's for the comute to work or beach trips.
Hope this helps.

A rear rack with either a trunk bag or panniers could carry all that. I use panniers for my lunch, work clothes and purse, (yes, I'm a guy carrying a purse).

My tools and spare tube are in a small wedge.

I hate riding with a backpack, as well. If I hadn't installed the rear rack, I would have given up commuting after two days. :)

I carry about what you do to work. I use a small Crosstown bag from eBags.com. It holds everything I need for my commute,is well organised,and I don't have any wrenching to do when I swap bikes. It's not waterproof,but it's small enough to fit under my rain gear.

Checked eBags' site,and they're out of them,so I'd suggest a size small or medium Timbuk2. If you're not too picky about color,you can get them for cheap/reasonable off eBay.

You could also cosider handlebar bags and front racks. I use a rear rack myself. A trailer would be a bit much. There are even bags that fit inside the main frame triangle.

Early in the season when it is too cold for my cycling jersys, I wear long sleeve soccer shirt. I then use a fanny pack to carry keys, cell phone, tissues etc.

Here's a bit of a DIY:

Buy those hardware bags that are not too big, not too small and have a zipper to close the top. Something very similar to this: http://cgi.ebay.com/2-Craftsman-Tool-Bags-Brand-New-Never-Used_W0QQitemZ4446718422QQcategoryZ42362QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Get some bungee of the same color and use that to secure using the side "pockets" of the bag.

I use this system to carry 30 lbs of Sealed lead acid batteries on my rear rack. Mine isnt actually one of the newer ones, its quite vintage, made of canvas and just one solid color of army green. Looks great and goes really together with my forest green bike, and my brooks saddle. I'm gonna try to post a picture soon.

I was planning on buying one of those topeak rear bag that slides on to my topeak rack, but damn, $70 for such an ugly bag made me have alot of second thoughts.

For such a small load why not just get a big seatbag/wedge bag? I got one from REI for $24 but there are tons of options.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&catalogId=40000008000&storeId=8000&partNumber=733830&memberId=-2000&link=1&cm_ven=ad_Froogle&cm_ite=datafeed&source=9081&cm_pla=na&cm_cat=datafeed

You'd be surprised how much stuff you can fit in there! Depending on the size of your planner it would be perfect. I keep a multitool, tube, and tire lever in the bottom section and use the strap to keep it snug (and not so 'expanded'). The top section has my wallet, keys, phone, pen, etc.

--Illah

rando...

I have a Trek 7000 (1994) MTB...before they made them ATB.
I used to have Panniers, both sides, on my ride.
Now I carry a Arkel Bug Backpack/Pannier. I put a Jandd Expedition Rack on it.
Solid as can be, and plenty of room for everything ya need!

I have been commuting on this ride since June 22 2006, 100%
Love the set up!

You can't really see the whole "BUG" in this shot, but might give ya an idea.
http://harleyzone.tenmagazines.com/gallery/Walkafire/109646.jpg

I agree with Illah that a wedge may be your best bet. I usually carry more than that, though, which is why I use (gasp!) a small backpack. Why? Three reasons:

1. I like a light bike. I HATE what a load with a high center of gravity does to the handling feel.

2. No hardware. No attaching/unattaching, no cleaning hassles.

3. When it's PISSING rain out, I can wear my backpack UNDER my raingear, and I don't have to worry about leaks at all.

So my back gets a little sweaty: I ain't made of sugar.

messenger bags are like backpacks but more comfortable and waterproof (if you buy a decent one). i highly recommend checking one out.

but obviously some have an aversion to carrying stuff on their back... if thats you i can't help but i never had any problems with my bag.

mine is a timbuk3, it is a few years old (i bought a pretty big size), and you can really load it down without it bothering your shoulders, but it works just as well carrying a light load like you describe.

rando...



You can't really see the whole "BUG" in this shot, but might give ya an idea.
http://harleyzone.tenmagazines.com/gallery/Walkafire/109646.jpg


Tell me you made that bike rack yourself! I want one - can you post them or a link? That would be great to have in the garage in the summer, and during the snow storms in the winter it could be safely hung/tucked out of the way so the car can fit in the ol' garage.

Back on topic, I'm thinking of going with the backpack myself and minimizing what I carry by leaving most things at work.

Check out some larger saddlebags from carradice (http://www.carradice.co.uk/sqr-saddlepacks/index.html)

Check out some larger saddlebags from carradice (http://www.carradice.co.uk/sqr-saddlepacks/index.html)

I agree. Something about the size of their Junior bag is a nice compromise between a wedge saddle bag and a pannier.

+1 on the wedge for you. I also used to carry a lot of stuff on my rack but hardly use it now that I have a messenger bag. The rack is now my poorly designed mud flap ( I need to get fenders but don't like how they look, ah vanity). What I like, rondo, about the messenger bag is the comfort and , mostly, the portability. I use it to carry the stuff around with me. I diddn't like the idea of carrying around a pannier or bag that doesn't easily sling onto me. Its water proof and adaptable. My wife and kids call it my man-purse, however.

I just went to REI and tried a messenger bag... not bad, I think that could work... seems awful huge though... maybe a smaller one would work better, like someone said. I'm wavering between that and the largest seat/wedge bag I can find. I looked at the racks and the trunk bags and they look cool and fit together great and everything, but kind of expensive for me right now. Thanks for all the ideas, keep 'em coming! :)

Tell me you made that bike rack yourself! I want one - can you post them or a link?

Google for PVC bike rack.
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/bikerack/makerack.htm

Google for PVC bike rack.
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/bikerack/makerack.htm

PVC can be a nasty material to have in the house (it outgasses and does un-fun things to your lungs)

For a cost-effective bike rack for a couple of bikes:
Look at this
http://www.dero.com/floor_rack.html
more images here:

http://www.dero.com/floor_images.html

I've not bought one yet but I'll probably do so shortly.

-sv

PVC can be a nasty material to have in the house (it outgasses and does un-fun things to your lungs)

-sv

You have got to be kidding me! Take a look under your Kitchen Sink! Bathroom Sink! cripes man!

Yes I made the PVC Rack from this site: http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/bikerack/makerack.htm

OMG if you are soooo worried about the Hazards of PVC Pipe, rip it out of your House/Apartment right now! LMAO This is a Bike rack in the Garage for Christ sake! (rolling eyes)

Here is a pretty good link to the explanation and hazards of PVC.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride

I won't go into my years of service on our ER Team, Vol Firefighter etc.... LMAO

Sorry about the Thread hijack

You have got to be kidding me! Take a look under your Kitchen Sink! Bathroom Sink! cripes man!

Yes I made the PVC Rack from this site: http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/bikerack/makerack.htm

OMG if you are soooo worried about the Hazards of PVC Pipe, rip it out of your House/Apartment right now! LMAO This is a Bike rack in the Garage for Christ sake! (rolling eyes)

Here is a pretty good link to the explanation and hazards of PVC.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride



I said _can_ be. It varies with the people involved but we don't have any pvc in any of the plumbing in my house for a good reason.

I don't really see the need for the hyberbole in your comment. I was just offering an alternative for people who might be more sensitive to the pvc.

-sv