Utility Cycling - Ideas for Packing Groceries ... ???

I need some ideas for packing groceries on my Electra Townie. I would really like to add some kind of rear rack that would allow me to carry about four bags of groceries, then carry another one or two bags in the front and/or middle (?). I would like to try and figure out someway to stop carrying a backpack.

Yesterday, carrying the groceries on my back really hurt my back!!! I have a bad back, and so I need some ideas here on what to do ... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Without investing in an Xtracycle or the like or perhaps a trailer, I think the most you'll be able to fit on a bike is 2 in front and 2 in back. You can get front and rear racks that will hold panniers and there are panniers specifically intended to be used to carry grocery bags.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600066&subcategory=60001004&brand=&sku=8641&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Panniers

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000112&subcategory=60001079&brand=&sku=24396&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Racks

Unless you live really far from the grocery store, you're probably better off making more trips than trying to pack the equivalent of a carload onto your bike.

Do not know the townie (only seen pix) but if you can fit a front and a rear rack you could also put one basket on each side + one on top of each rack, = 6.

Possible buyt not something you want to do more than twice a year.

Xtra or trailer is the way to go if you want to haul this often.

I need some ideas for packing groceries on my Electra Townie. I would really like to add some kind of rear rack that would allow me to carry about four bags of groceries, then carry another one or two bags in the front and/or middle (?). I would like to try and figure out someway to stop carrying a backpack.

Yesterday, carrying the groceries on my back really hurt my back!!! I have a bad back, and so I need some ideas here on what to do ... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

What about a trailer? Even a used child’s trailer can hold a lot of groceries. Just a thought.

What about a trailer? Even a used child’s trailer can hold a lot of groceries. Just a thought.

A trailer is by far the best , and safest, solution to grocery shopping on a bike. Most folk's always
buy more than they went in the store for so the trailer solves the carry problem nicely. :thumb:

PLUS you got a plain bike when you don't need to shop in the deal!!:D

Without investing in an Xtracycle or the like or perhaps a trailer, I think the most you'll be able to fit on a bike is 2 in front and 2 in back. You can get front and rear racks that will hold panniers and there are panniers specifically intended to be used to carry grocery bags.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600066&subcategory=60001004&brand=&sku=8641&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Panniers

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000112&subcategory=60001079&brand=&sku=24396&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Racks

Unless you live really far from the grocery store, you're probably better off making more trips than trying to pack the equivalent of a carload onto your bike.

Thanks for the links! What kind of a rack would I need for the Nashbar Townie bags? You are absolutely correct about making more trips ... I take advantage of every opportunity I have to buy something, anything, even if only one gallon of milk, or a couple loaves of bread ...

Even if I do get a trailer, I will still need some kind of rack with bags and a basket. I need to make trips across town to pick of specialty items, and things that are on sale.

A trailer is by far the best , and safest, solution to grocery shopping on a bike. Most folk's always
buy more than they went in the store for so the trailer solves the carry problem nicely. :thumb:

PLUS you got a plain bike when you don't need to shop in the deal!!:D

The trailer is starting to look like a must for our needs ... I still need something to allow me to do shoping when I get off work though. And I don't want to be hauling around a trailer to work everyday!! Also, there really is no place to put a trailer at work ...

Trailer would be great for making big hauls from our house to either Cost Less (only 1 1/2 miles each way), or Food 4 Less (3 miles each way). Problem is riding in the street though ... There are numerous stretches where there is no sidewalk, and no shoulder at all!!!

Also, there are many obstacle along the way that would not allow me to pull a trailer through/around, so I'd have to ride out in the street .... Not sure if the trailer would work going to Food 4 Less ... ???

For now, I'd prefer investing in rear rack, with some kind of bags, and either a front basket, or front rack with side bags, and maybe a bag for the top of both front and rear racks?

Don't worry too much about riding in the street. You help pay the taxes that built it, after all. I would stick one of those reflective "slow moving vehicle" triangles to the back of it.

Those Townie bags mount to a regular rear rack. http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000112&subcategory=60001079&brand=&sku=20208&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Racks

You can mount them to a front rack too, but I think you would need one with a flat top on it, and those are harder to come by now that the lowriders are so popular. A Cetma rack would be an ideal grocery getter too.

http://cetmaracks.com/
http://www.bikeforums.net//showthread.php?t=469994

There are a lot of different configurations you can use for a grocery getter. One of mine is a European Trekking bike. I also use my Raleigh Superbe with a decent sized saddle bag for beer run, any bike can be used for utility purposes but some are better suited than others. I generally prefer a hard basket over a pannier for grocery runs. I use the reusable bags and they neatly drop into the baskets and away you roll.

I also have a set of the Performance Transit Grocery (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=18210&subcategory_ID=2312) bags that will work on most bikes with a rack. They get used on the tandem, or any other bike I happen to be on that has racks.

Aaron:)

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/41899/2683444210066886751S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/43747/2697217040066886751S500x500Q85.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/HEB002b.jpg

I can carry 100 lbs.

Does anyone use, or have experience with, the TrunkitLarge, from Racktime?

Are your side baskets easy and quick to remove? That might be another good possibility for my Townie. I've noticed lots of people around town using the metal baskets on both sides in the rear, and some with another large basket in front.

I like the idea of being able to simply drop the bags of groceries quickly into the basket and off to a quick run home ... !!! I would still like to add another container to the top of the rear rack though, like maybe the Trunkit Large (or Small?).


There are a lot of different configurations you can use for a grocery getter. One of mine is a European Trekking bike. I also use my Raleigh Superbe with a decent sized saddle bag for beer run, any bike can be used for utility purposes but some are better suited than others. I generally prefer a hard basket over a pannier for grocery runs. I use the reusable bags and they neatly drop into the baskets and away you roll.

I also have a set of the Performance Transit Grocery (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=18210&subcategory_ID=2312) bags that will work on most bikes with a rack. They get used on the tandem, or any other bike I happen to be on that has racks.

Aaron:)

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/41899/2683444210066886751S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/43747/2697217040066886751S500x500Q85.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/HEB002b.jpg

I can carry 100 lbs.

What is that cool setup you have behind your seat? Where can I order something like that? And how much?

I've never seen anything like that before! That would be ideal (I think) for me to take my lunch and two water bottles to work. I could carry my (very small) book bag over my shoulder. Would I still be able to wear my fanny pack?

The only thing I would need in addition is some kind of setup for groceries after work ... which is only two or three trips each week.

For commuting and grocery-getting, you may want to look at a rack like mine.

http://www.brucew.com/gallery/albums/portland-bath/commute_no_flash.sized.jpg
I use a trunk bag for commuting. But it's a pain to also mount grocery panniers unless your rack has a second set of side rails, like mine.

http://www.brucew.com/gallery/albums/portland-bath/shopping.sized.jpg
Here are the Nashbar Townie Basket grocery panniers mounted on the lower side rails. I don't have to fuss with the trunk bag to mount the grocery panniers, and the grocery panniers don't interfere with the side pouches of the trunk bag.

That's a Tubus "New" Cosmo rack in stainless-steel. I got it from Wayne at The Touring Store (http://thetouringstore.com/). It's breathtakingly expensive, but being stainless, it should last forever. It's also rated for 88 pounds--much stronger than bargain racks.

Plus, compared to fussing and cussing to mount the panniers along with the trunk bag on a single set of rails, the convenience of the lower side rails is worth every penny.

You might try looking for a used Bob trailer on Craigslist. It is really nice for hauling groceries and it tracks behind the bike so you won't even notice it is there. Because it only has one wheel, it doesn't work as well for large loads but for compact loads, like groceries, it is great. The big advantage of the Xtracycle is your load is located between your axles so it rides in a VERY stable way. You will notice when you have really heavy loads on regular panniers, you will get a fishtailing type of motion.

Just how much stuff can you really store in the two side panniers, and the top bag? How would books and papers be protected from rain in the panniers? Or the bag you have on top? Would there be any way to attach side metal baskets, or would your rear rack get in the way?

I have to buy food for myself and my two boys, one will be 12 in January, the other 17 in April, and they both eat a lot of food!! Sometimes my youngest son drinks almost a gallon of milk in one day!!!


For commuting and grocery-getting, you may want to look at a rack like mine.

http://www.brucew.com/gallery/albums/portland-bath/commute_no_flash.sized.jpg
I use a trunk bag for commuting. But it's a pain to also mount grocery panniers unless your rack has a second set of side rails, like mine.

http://www.brucew.com/gallery/albums/portland-bath/shopping.sized.jpg
Here are the Nashbar Townie Basket grocery panniers mounted on the lower side rails. I don't have to fuss with the trunk bag to mount the grocery panniers, and the grocery panniers don't interfere with the side pouches of the trunk bag.

That's a Tubus "New" Cosmo rack in stainless-steel. I got it from Wayne at The Touring Store (http://thetouringstore.com/). It's breathtakingly expensive, but being stainless, it should last forever. It's also rated for 88 pounds--much stronger than bargain racks.

Plus, compared to fussing and cussing to mount the panniers along with the trunk bag on a single set of rails, the convenience of the lower side rails is worth every penny.

Just how much stuff can you really store in the two side panniers, and the top bag? How would books and papers be protected from rain in the panniers? Or the bag you have on top? Would there be any way to attach side metal baskets, or would your rear rack get in the way?

I have to buy food for myself and my two boys, one will be 12 in January, the other 17 in April, and they both eat a lot of food!! Sometimes my youngest son drinks almost a gallon of milk in one day!!!

I don't know a thing about wire baskets or how they mount. Had 'em as a kid. People could hear me coming for miles with the damned things rattling. Plus they get dented. Some people love 'em though. I'm just not one of them.

Grocery panniers are, by definition, open-top. The Townie Baskets come with a rain cover useful for short distances (<5 miles) in light to moderate rain. How much they hold depends on what you're carrying. TP and boxed, bulky prepared food? Not much. Produce and meats? Quite a bit. Canned goods? Knock yourself out. Each will hold two gallons of milk with room for flat stuff (meats work well.)

The stores in my area all have handbaskets in addition to carts. I use a handbasket because a handbasket plus a handful (bread, milk or something) is how much I can carry in the panniers.

If I were shopping for a family, I could probably do it with these and three or four stops a week. But I'd prefer something with more depth, like the ones from Arkel (http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/utility/overview.asp?fl=1&site=). Actually, I think I'd do a trailer for once-a-week and grocery panniers for fill-in during the week.

The trunk bag I use is the Arkel Tailrider (http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/tailrider/overview.asp?fl=1&site=). I bought it specifically because it's smaller than most. That keeps me traveling light. Still, I can pack my "Noah's Ark" lunch and snacks (2 sandwiches, 2 oranges, 2 apples, 2 granola bars and 2 trail mix bars), plus a hardcover novel and a work shirt inside, with flat repair stuff, sunglasses, keys and crap in the outer pouches. Once a week I roll up a pair of jeans and an tuck them under the top straps, bringing them home at the end of the week. Oh, and my U-lock hangs from the top straps too.

I'm wondering just how much weight will the panniers take? And how much weight will the rear rack handle? I would like to have one pannier on each side for balance ... I'm thinking that I could easily pack 20 pounds of food into each of the extra large panniers. And another 15-20 pounds on the top. And if I put a basket on the front, maybe another 10 pounds of food there ....


I don't know a thing about wire baskets or how they mount. Had 'em as a kid. People could hear me coming for miles with the damned things rattling. Plus they get dented. Some people love 'em though. I'm just not one of them.

Grocery panniers are, by definition, open-top. The Townie Baskets come with a rain cover useful for short distances (<5 miles) in light to moderate rain. How much they hold depends on what you're carrying. TP and boxed, bulky prepared food? Not much. Produce and meats? Quite a bit. Canned goods? Knock yourself out. Each will hold two gallons of milk with room for flat stuff (meats work well.)

The stores in my area all have handbaskets in addition to carts. I use a handbasket because a handbasket plus a handful (bread, milk or something) is how much I can carry in the panniers.

If I were shopping for a family, I could probably do it with these and three or four stops a week. But I'd prefer something with more depth, like the ones from Arkel (http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/utility/overview.asp?fl=1&site=). Actually, I think I'd do a trailer for once-a-week and grocery panniers for fill-in during the week.

The trunk bag I use is the Arkel Tailrider (http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/tailrider/overview.asp?fl=1&site=). I bought it specifically because it's smaller than most. That keeps me traveling light. Still, I can pack my "Noah's Ark" lunch and snacks (2 sandwiches, 2 oranges, 2 apples, 2 granola bars and 2 trail mix bars), plus a hardcover novel and a work shirt inside, with flat repair stuff, sunglasses, keys and crap in the outer pouches. Once a week I roll up a pair of jeans and an tuck them under the top straps, bringing them home at the end of the week. Oh, and my U-lock hangs from the top straps too.

I was just thinking ... Which panniers are the most secure? Meaning simply ... which would be the hardest for someone to steal? Which are the easiest to lock down?

I'm wondering just how much weight will the panniers take? And how much weight will the rear rack handle? I would like to have one pannier on each side for balance ... I'm thinking that I could easily pack 20 pounds of food into each of the extra large panniers. And another 15-20 pounds on the top. And if I put a basket on the front, maybe another 10 pounds of food there ....

So somewhere between 60-70lbs. of food? That's a lot of chow. What time will dinner be ready? ;)

I have an Old Man Mountain Red Rock rear rack (that's a mouthful), an Arkel Tailrider, and an Arkel Utillity Basket. The quality of the Tailrider is top notch, but it won't carry a large volume of groceries. Mine is full when I carry a change of socks, underwear, pants, shirt, wallet, keys, tubes/co2 cartridges, and lights. I shop with my Utility Basket all the time. I take the Utility Basket off, and either attach a shoulder strap to carry it, or just throw it in a shopping cart to do my shopping. I've ridden with 40+ lbs. of stuff in there before with no problems. You can tell that the bike weight is lopsided, but it is easily manageable. Two Utility Baskets loaded to capacity would carry a lot of groceries. They work great for me, but I live by myself so don't have a huge volume of stuff to carry.

One thing I've changed about my shopping since switching to doing it by bike is that I shop several times a week rather than just one larger trip. I actually prefer this as it means I have fresher produce and can grab something if I have a hankering mid-week. Good luck!

Two panniers and a back pack. maybe I can carry three bags of groceries on my commuter bike. I only live two miles from the grocery store. Why not make two trips to the grocery store . that way you can carry 5-6 bags...

The baskets on my Staiger are the folding type from Wald (http://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/wald582rearfoldingbasket.html). FWIW I would get the boys on bikes and let them share the load. Make shopping a family affair:p My wife quite often rides to the store with me, but her bike only has a small wicker basket on the front.;)

Aaron:)

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/44239/2043382060066886751S425x425Q85.jpg

how much weight will the rear rack handle?

That was in my first post, here:


That's a Tubus "New" Cosmo rack in stainless-steel. I got it from Wayne at The Touring Store (http://thetouringstore.com/). It's breathtakingly expensive, but being stainless, it should last forever. It's also rated for 88 pounds--much stronger than bargain racks.

Bargain racks are rated for considerably less. The one on my other bike is rated for 30 pounds.

One thing to note about the Townie Basket: get a good rack with a kicked out rear leg as the bag is a bit flexy when loaded down

A rack like tsl's or something like http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000112&subcategory=60001079&brand=&sku=17025&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Racks

or http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000112&subcategory=60001079&brand=&sku=25279&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Racks

or http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000112&subcategory=60001079&brand=&sku=20205&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Racks

will work best for that bag

Ah, found a link I was looking for to add

You wanted to haul six bags of groceries?

http://www.koolstop.com/trailers/mule.html

Even if I do get a trailer, I will still need some kind of rack with bags and a basket. I need to make trips across town to pick of specialty items, and things that are on sale.

True enough.



For now, I'd prefer investing in rear rack, with some kind of bags, and either a front basket, or front rack with side bags, and maybe a bag for the top of both front and rear racks?

I've found killer deals on panniers and such on e-bay or nashbar. Nashbar for the rack just watch
the sales.

Oh yes, DON'T for the flag that goes on the rear of the trailer!!! While geeky it's a lifesaver!:eek:

Even if I do get a trailer, I will still need some kind of rack with bags and a basket. I need to make trips across town to pick of specialty items, and things that are on sale.

True enough.



For now, I'd prefer investing in rear rack, with some kind of bags, and either a front basket, or front rack with side bags, and maybe a bag for the top of both front and rear racks?

I've found killer deals on panniers and such on e-bay or nashbar. Nashbar for the rack just watch
the sales.

Oh yes, DON'T forget the flag that goes on the rear of the trailer!!! While geeky it's a lifesaver!:eek:

I just came across Quik Pak trailers. They fold up fast into a suitcase like unit.

There are three of us: myself and my two hungry boys!!! They eat a lot of food, so when I'm shopping, I have to buy food for three people. I like to take advantage of sales, so that is when I'll need to carry lots of weight.

I'm think of building a flatbed for my Townie, and maybe one for my Switchback .... Not sure what kind of tub, crate, or box to use on top though .....


So somewhere between 60-70lbs. of food? That's a lot of chow. What time will dinner be ready? ;)

I have an Old Man Mountain Red Rock rear rack (that's a mouthful), an Arkel Tailrider, and an Arkel Utillity Basket. The quality of the Tailrider is top notch, but it won't carry a large volume of groceries. Mine is full when I carry a change of socks, underwear, pants, shirt, wallet, keys, tubes/co2 cartridges, and lights. I shop with my Utility Basket all the time. I take the Utility Basket off, and either attach a shoulder strap to carry it, or just throw it in a shopping cart to do my shopping. I've ridden with 40+ lbs. of stuff in there before with no problems. You can tell that the bike weight is lopsided, but it is easily manageable. Two Utility Baskets loaded to capacity would carry a lot of groceries. They work great for me, but I live by myself so don't have a huge volume of stuff to carry.

One thing I've changed about my shopping since switching to doing it by bike is that I shop several times a week rather than just one larger trip. I actually prefer this as it means I have fresher produce and can grab something if I have a hankering mid-week. Good luck!

What kind of weight can my Townie handle? Would 40 pounds on two side baskets (20 pounds each), another 20-30 pounds on top the rear rack, and another 20-30 pounds in the front be reasonable?


That was in my first post, here:



Bargain racks are rated for considerably less. The one on my other bike is rated for 30 pounds.

The bike can hold quite alot if wheels are true and inflatet to right.

The rack can hold what the seller say it can hold. Just remember the weak part is often the bolt that attatches the rack to the bike. Make sure that one is strong.

If I need strong rack for something I go dumpster diving. Often old racks are strong. Also the hole for the bolt is 1mm bigger, so I can use a bigger bolt.

Also some of the racks has got two legs on each side. Normally they are fitted with one bolt, but if you `we got a bike with two holes on each side in the rear (for fender + rack) you can install it using four bolts instead of two.

When I read your postings I keep thinking you need a longtail..

" Git 'er done " in one trip !!

http://www.huskybicycles.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=hb&Product_Code=160-120&Category_Code=ti&Product_Count=7

" Git 'er done " in one trip !!

http://www.huskybicycles.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=hb&Product_Code=160-120&Category_Code=ti&Product_Count=7

I've seen lots of those heavy-duty vending bikes around our neighborhood ... !!!

What kind of weight can my Townie handle? Would 40 pounds on two side baskets (20 pounds each), another 20-30 pounds on top the rear rack, and another 20-30 pounds in the front be reasonable?

If you're talking about 100 lbs of groceries I'd go with a trailer myself. I don't have a trailer (I admire from afar) but from what I've seen a number of people strap a rubbermaid container on a flatbed, or re jig a child's trailer (make craigslist your new obsession -- you can find nice deals on a used one) to carry groceries and supplies home.

If you get panniers mind how much your heel strikes the panniers when you pedal. It'll either be no problem or drive you nuts.

The amount of weight you want to carry sounds like you should check out the stronger touring style rear racks.

I have a basket on my handlebars and can carry around 10 to 15 lbs in it. I've grown accustomed to the steering with the basket full versus the basket with my locks in it. Practice makes acceptable, so to speak.

Good luck, and have fun! It's cool being able to depend on your own steam engine to bring home the goodies!!

This is an interesting thread because it tends to point up the modern outlook on things.

When I was a kid we shopped at the local grocery store only a few blocks from the house. We did not have a second car, so were limited to what my mom could carry, usually two paper grocery bags (I was too small to carry much, and my brother was even smaller) this was back in the early 1950's (we took the streetcar if we wanted to go downtown). The point here is that we shopped locally and did it every couple of days.

Then Krogers came along, it was way the heck across town, but my dad thought it was a lot cheaper so we drove there on Friday evening and loaded up the car. This is the current grocery shopping model, only nowadays there are several store that have different stuff on sale, so people go to two three different stores loading up; and most likely spend more on gas than they save.

The old way lends itself to using a bicycle for shopping. You ride a few blocks to the store and get a couple of bags of groceries for a day or two. I used an old girls bike witht the folding baskets for that back in the 80's, a bag of groceries in each basket and maybe a 12 of beer on bunged on top the rack. However there was a grocery store only six blocks from the house and there was only myself and my wife to feed. BTW, I fould the latches did not hold those side baskets closed and they rattled like heck. A couple of wireties held them fine and did away with most of the rattling.

What I am seeing here is people wanting to do the across town in the car type shopping on a bike. It doesn't make much sense to me. I would either shop locally, or bite the bullet and use the car to shop once a week. On the other hand I currently do neither because this town has a bike helmet law that applies to adults and I wear hats so can not ride my bicycles into town (it would cost a lot more than the gasoline does to fight the stupid helmet law), but I do usually manage to make it a month on one tank of gas. This is not a bicycle friendly town, the university bike team the cops ignore, the rest of us they hassle.

For us it's well worth the effort to shop around at several different stores to save money on groceries. I usually spend around $300.00 each month for myself and two boys. If I bought the same food at the small, local stores, it would cost me nearly double that amount! And I wouldn't be able to get some of my special items (health drinks, bread with low sodium, and good quality vegetable and fruits, 93% fat free hamburger, and many other special items). We live in an area that is mostly Mexican, with mostly ethnic shops catering to the majority population. So we have to commute to get what we need ....

As far as driving, it's no longer worth the cost! I can make around $3,000.00 extra each year by commuting for a few extra job assignments, but it costs me at least $6,000.00 each year to own and operate and maintain my van!! And that's with no car payments!!! So, I actually end up losing at least $3,000.00 each year ... !!!

So, green all the way for us is the best way to travel ... !!!


This is an interesting thread because it tends to point up the modern outlook on things.

When I was a kid we shopped at the local grocery store only a few blocks from the house. We did not have a second car, so were limited to what my mom could carry, usually two paper grocery bags (I was too small to carry much, and my brother was even smaller) this was back in the early 1950's (we took the streetcar if we wanted to go downtown). The point here is that we shopped locally and did it every couple of days.

Then Krogers came along, it was way the heck across town, but my dad thought it was a lot cheaper so we drove there on Friday evening and loaded up the car. This is the current grocery shopping model, only nowadays there are several store that have different stuff on sale, so people go to two three different stores loading up; and most likely spend more on gas than they save.

The old way lends itself to using a bicycle for shopping. You ride a few blocks to the store and get a couple of bags of groceries for a day or two. I used an old girls bike witht the folding baskets for that back in the 80's, a bag of groceries in each basket and maybe a 12 of beer on bunged on top the rack. However there was a grocery store only six blocks from the house and there was only myself and my wife to feed. BTW, I fould the latches did not hold those side baskets closed and they rattled like heck. A couple of wireties held them fine and did away with most of the rattling.

What I am seeing here is people wanting to do the across town in the car type shopping on a bike. It doesn't make much sense to me. I would either shop locally, or bite the bullet and use the car to shop once a week. On the other hand I currently do neither because this town has a bike helmet law that applies to adults and I wear hats so can not ride my bicycles into town (it would cost a lot more than the gasoline does to fight the stupid helmet law), but I do usually manage to make it a month on one tank of gas. This is not a bicycle friendly town, the university bike team the cops ignore, the rest of us they hassle.

I used to use a BoB trailer for hauling (groceries and compost from my bistro) but sold it to fund my Doggyride trailer: http://www.doggyride.com/. I wanted to still have cargo capacity without the trailer, so I got a Wald Newsboy front rack:

http://velospace.org/files/NishikiBasketBike.jpg

I had the intention of doing my grocery shopping with the DoggyRide. I haven't needed it yet, the Wald is just that big! Handling took one ride to get used to, and is actually quite manageable with a heavy load. I switched to a larger tire in the front (38c from a 29c) and that made all the difference in the world. I think swept back bars help as well. One could always bolt it to a rear rack if the handling was an issue.

I have really appreciated having the basket as it is always there and can carry stuff without a bunch of time strapping things down or packing them into bags. For me, the efficiency of doing things by bike just goes down the tubes when I have to spend time gearing up, planning, locking, and packing on each end. A bike with a really big basket that has lights, fenders and a lock on it at all times makes using the bike an easy decision!

I have Wald baskets on my bike and I highly recommend them. I have the smaller rear stationary baskets, the folding ones are great too. I wanted to comment on the weights you expect to carry. 100# is a lot of groceries. For example, this is 52 pounds of groceries in my bike and trailer. (http://pics.livejournal.com/laced_more/pic/00077x54/s640x480) Here it is unloaded and spread out (http://pics.livejournal.com/laced_more/pic/0007834g/s640x480), including personal items I was carrying at the time. I weighed everything while still in the sacks and cooler for accuracy, I was curious how close to the trailer limits I was getting. According to my notes that's about 5 days food for my family of 5, sans produce. I hit the farmer's market once a week for another 20-30# of fruit and veggies (http://pics.livejournal.com/laced_more/pic/0008kh9w/s640x480). As you can see, I usually have help running errands.

Sometime after those pictures I got the big rear baskets, because I wasn't getting along very well with that little silver rear rack. This is 3 bags and a smaller cooler (http://pics.livejournal.com/laced_more/pic/00092c68/s640x480), I didn't weigh this load but it's lighter than 50#. Here it is unloaded (http://pics.livejournal.com/laced_more/pic/00095heq/s640x480), and I'll point out I could've fit more if I needed to.

Don't get me wrong, I love my trailer and couldn't live without it. However, you can carry a lot on a simple rack/basket set-up, and it might not weigh as much as you'd expect.

I just ordered a pair of Basil Cardif rear baskets (http://www.amazon.com/Basil-Cardiff-Rear-Basket-Black/dp/B000YO7LTK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1228278525&sr=1-4) to attach to my Blackburn rack. The rack is rated for 50lbs so theoretically I should be able to attach a fair amount of stuff. The baskets are supposed to lift off easily so you can shop with them and then attach to the bike. I hope they're as good as advertised.

Another vote for the wald baskets. My wife has the foldable ones on the back of hers and I have the fixed on the back of mine. I've just ordered the giant/newsboy front basket for mine. My wife's do rattle something terrible so keep that in mind if considering this type. If made in the US is important to you (not saying it should or shouldn't be), most of the Wald baskets are made in Maysville, KY (mesh baskets made in Asia).

Wald Giant Delivery Basket:

http://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/wald157basket.html

I was just thinking ... Which panniers are the most secure? Meaning simply ... which would be the hardest for someone to steal? Which are the easiest to lock down?
I normally take my pannier off the bike at a grocery store. When the clerk say "paper or plastic?", I say, I have 2 bags. I find this as easy as leaving the pannier on the bike and, no doubt, more secure.

Never mind the basket, I want Rock Band!

Never mind the basket, I want Rock Band!

We ended up walking home with it from the local gaming shop... we could have taken our bikes, but the game box would not have stayed secure on my rack. It was a bit heavy, but not impossible to manage.

I've regularly transported 100 lbs. of goods on my xtracycle. You will want the nicer kickstand, tho.

I may have missed it if someone recommended an Electra rack for Townies. If not, here it is.

Here's my grocery hauling panniers bought on ebay. These are on my Quando electric.

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Trailer.jpg
Big grocery runs

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Full-Commute.jpg
Small runs

I have these: http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=35&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=35&path=1%2C2%2C15%2C411%2C413&bShopOnline=1

I use them for everything, not just groceries. They hold a lot more than I expect -- two 12-packs of soda with an inch or so to spare on all sides (though they stick out the top a bit), to give an idea. I take a backpack if I think I'm going to get a lot of stuff, but then I don't have back pain. Thinking I'll make a trip up to Lowe's come warmer weather to make a trailer, though I don't know with what. Anybody have any tips for building a trailer?

I may have missed it if someone recommended an Electra rack for Townies. If not, here it is.

Do you (or anyone else) know what the weight rating is for the Townie rear rack? How versatile is the Townie rear rack, as far as adding panniers? Are you limited to only Electra bags, or will just about any pannier set work on the Townie?

What about front racks? I'd like to have a front rack on my Townie that will allow me to have side bags and also attach stuff to the top of the rack (like sleeping bag, pad, tent).

The two panniers on my Rans Dynamik RAC system are spacious. I could put in six bags of groceries in each to haul home. Its so well designed it hardly adds weight to the bike! I'm happy with it and the only thing missing is a snap deck.