Commuting - Keeping bags strapped down

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.
The bumps in the road on my commute have been enough to jar my rear rack bag to fall off a couple times now. The bag I purchased just doesn't exactly fit the rack when using the velcro straps (they turn out too short). I'm temporarily using a tire liner that I wrap around a couple times, but I'm wondering if you guys have a more elegant solution. Thanks!
savethekudzu
11-29-07, 05:03 AM
several places sell cargo nets (stretchable with bungee hooks on the perimeter). REI, your LBS, probably your LMS.
I use a couple of 2ft Velcro straps I picked up at and electronics store. I have also seen them at Home depot.
Mr. Underbridge
11-29-07, 06:32 AM
See, this is the problem with living in the big city. A good ol' boy wouldn't ask that question before having tried all possible combinations of duct tape, super glue, and bungee cords.
savethekudzu
11-29-07, 06:37 AM
I may be overdoing it on my backpack-on-the-rear-rack. I have:
- Two carabiners locking the top carrying strap to the front of the rack Just In Case
- Two bungee cords, perpindicular to one another
- A cargo net
See, this is the problem with living in the big city. A good ol' boy wouldn't ask that question before having tried all possible combinations of duct tape, super glue, and bungee cords. Well, I'm not a "good ol' boy" but I did live briefly in a place called Ellijay, GA. Does that give me some street (rural route) cred? :D
A cargo net sounds like a great idea--didn't know they made 'em for bike racks.
neilfein
11-29-07, 04:38 PM
If Bungee cords don't do it, pick up some very long velcro strips at any hardware store.
(They're also great for rolling up clothing.)
After problems with my elasti-strap du jour, I finally picked up a set of two of these for about $7 at WalMart. Not as effective or aesthetically pleasing as baling wire or duct tape, but it works in a pinch.
Ouabacher
11-29-07, 05:20 PM
A cargo net sounds like a great idea--didn't know they made 'em for bike racks.
Sounds like you might be guilty of the same issue as I. And I mean this sincerely. I often look for bike-specific solutions for problems instead of looking around for other (often cheaper) solutions to the problem.
LittleBigMan
11-29-07, 08:10 PM
several places sell cargo nets (stretchable with bungee hooks on the perimeter). REI, your LBS, probably your LMS.
+1 on the cargo nets. I actually got a similar product for motorcycles. They amount to a net made of bungees. Just cover your bag and strap it down, it won't come off. And you don't have to hook it nearly as tight as you do bungees, it's fantastic, and easy to use. You can even slip something extra under it when you need to, like a jacket when you get hot.
Mine set me back $5. Best $5 I have spent in a long time.
ATRodger
11-29-07, 08:20 PM
I picked up one of the above cargo nets in Wal-Mart's automotive section. Bag hardly moves.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.12 Copyright © 2013 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.