Commuting - college commute, carrying my books

I just moved to a new place and the university is within riding distance (6.6mi). So, I decided I'd give commuting by bicycle a try. It's excercise, cheaper, and better for the environment, but I'm sure you're all well aware of all of that.

Anyway, I was thinking of getting a messenger bag, but I don't want to carry a bag on my body as I ride. It's 100* out here in Texas and a bag against me would get pretty uncomfortable. How can I attach the bag to a bike?

You want a rack. During college I used a wire basket attached to the rack to hold my backpack.
Since the search function is currently down:
A rack is attached to the bike by way of eyelets. If your bike does not have eyelets you can use P-Clamps (found in hardware stores) to attach a rack. Zip ties are the easiest way to attach a basket to the rack.

--A

I agree that a rack is the best idea. You can simply attach your backpack to the rack using bungies or just a cord, or get panniers. Either way works, and it is way less sweaty on a hot day. (It will change the balance of your bike, though, so if you ride aggressively you'll have to make adjustments.)

I am in the same boat in Arizona, too hot for a backpack. I am plannning on getting some wire baskets to hang on my rear rack.

Get a rack...helps me. I am in San Marcos.

I use a rubbermaid tub as a trunk and it works great for cheap

Graduate student here. 7.4 miles each way and the Arkel Bug is the best thing that I bought for my bike.

http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/images/00BugS.jpg


http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/images/bug_main_01.jpg

to buy it online (http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/backpack/overview.asp?fl=1&site=)

Yup, rack. Also- I've found that a zip shut style notebook will fit most textbooks inside, makes an easy load out of one class's worth of stuff, and most importantly keeps my textbooks all nice and spiffy for when it's time to sell them back to the bookstore! Although, if I had consecutive classes to worry about, those backpack panniers look like the way to go.

A milk crate attached to a rack is the way to go. Just drop your backpack in. I did this throughout college on my mtb. This is also a theft deterent, nobody wants a bike with a milk crate bolted to it. With a tight budget this allows you to use your existing backpack. It is time consuming to attach with bungee cords etc.

here is an idea I am toying with. I have several old milk crates. Bolt one of them to the rack. Cut the bottom off of another to make a lid/top for the one on the bike. Use 4 long shackle padlocks to make it a lockable trunk.

Now if this works like I am thinking, I have a lockable trunk that people can see in. Hopefully any want-to-be thieves sees that there is a flat repair kit, pump, cheap light, and helmet and decided it is not worth the hassle of trying to steal.

Want do you think? My biggest expense would be getting 4 padlocks.

this way I can drop my book bag in the crate and then lock up my bike gear wile I am in class.

Great idea. 4 padlocks sounds like a lot of work and expense. Use cable with on one side as a hinge and a single padlock on the other for quicker access. Make sure you bolt the crate on with a bit of clearance to the saddle so you're not constanty rubbing against it.

This is also a theft deterent, nobody wants a bike with a milk crate bolted to it.

Ugly is a great theft deterrent. I've had my ride for 16 years and never had a problem with anyone stealing things off it. The first thing I did was plaster the entire frame with stickers and duct tape. Deface the factory stickers, and remove the markings from good components. My bike looks like trash, but rides smooth as silk.

The milk crate is a great way to carry tons of stuff, but just make sure that you get used to riding with that much extra weight (if it's books and such) up high and on the bike. It's a little different for the balance than wearing a backpack.

My bike looks like trash, but rides smooth as silk.

I can attest to this. I rode a mountain bike for 12 years that fit this description perfectly. Now I am in a quandary. I finally saved up for a new commuter and it looks great. How much of my old philosphy do I apply here. So far I have not been able to bring myself to deface it in any way.

Are you a culinary student? I attached a cutting board to my rack :)

http://static.flickr.com/59/219493895_6ae2e0efed.jpg

I can attest to this. I rode a mountain bike for 12 years that fit this description perfectly. Now I am in a quandary. I finally saved up for a new commuter and it looks great. How much of my old philosphy do I apply here. So far I have not been able to bring myself to deface it in any way.

I'm saving up for a new bike (either a Bianchi San Jose or other entry level SS commuter,) and the first thing I plan on doing to it is either stripping/repainting it, or stickering the bejeezus out of it. I run most of my errands on my bike, and park it out front of the grocery stores in a rack full of other commuters and BMXers and Wal-Mart junkers. Anything I can do to make mine *not* stand out from the others is a plus.
Wiping it clean of brand naming is usually my first goal. If it looks like a no-name POC, people are less likely to mess with it. I've got more stickers on my bike than most punkers have on their cars. Duct tape handlebar-tape repairs, electrical tape tape holding things in place... The only stand out feature is the very shiny clean drivetrain.

Are you a culinary student? I attached a cutting board to my rack :)

A rack trunk with good insulation, and you've got a rolling gourmet picnic setup going on. Awesome!