d2create

Hi all,
I got into road cycling a year and a half ago and I'm loving every minute of it.
Now I've decided to join you guys and start commuting, at least part time. I did a couple test rides trying to find the best route this weekend. I'm in Houston and the traffic around here is pretty horrendous, but it definitely seems possible. The weekend traffic was light so there was no problem at all. For those in this area, I will be traveling from Spring Valley (near the IKEA) to West Gray in River Oaks. Ya.... not exactly your ideal commute during rush hour(s).

So here's my question.... I have a 10 mile commute. The roads are fairly decent but i do have lots of traffice to deal with so there will be some hopping curbs onto sidewalks and possibly some other maneuvers. Looks like I'll be ordering a new 05 Kona Dew Deluxe so i don't kill my Allez Comp road bike. I thought of adding a rack and panniers to the Kona. Then i thought maybe a Chrome messenger bag or backpack would be better. I wouldn't be stopping much, and when i do stop at a store or something it will be right near my destination. I will be carrying a change of clothes/shoes, towel, hopefully my 14" iBook if i can, a few papers, ipod, wallet, lock, maybe lunch,... Looking at my type of commute and what I'm carrying, what would be the advantages/disadvantages of each? I've been searching the forums but having trouble finding answers to some of these specific circumstances. One thing I'm not to worried about is sweating from a back pack. This is Houston. Walking out the front door will make you sweat. I'm used to it. I'll be wearing a jersey or other sweat wicking shirt, and typical roadie padded stretch shorts.

TIA!

shaq-d

i've recently added a rack after wearing a backpack. my back started to ache carrying all that weight on my back.. ay. so i'd say get the rack...
sd

beyondthesun

i like my back pack, i carry a lot of stuff too, about as much as you mentioned, i used a jansport though, pertty nice one, with the water pack pocket and cd-player pocket and what not. it's feels fine on me when you wear it high and tight, shouldn't be too big a problem like that

fit24hrs

I use a Lowe Alpine backpack. It has a suspension system so your back doesn't get that sweaty (still does though). I considered the rack idea but my bike is already heavy. Besides, there's less to steal without a rack. The only problem I encounter is the sweat. If that's no big deal then go with a backpack. Leave the laptop a home and everything else should fit fine. Use a USB drive instead.
Rack: expensive (-), heavy (-), no weight on back (+), awkward to carry after you park (-)
Backpack: sweaty back (-), doesn't get as dirty when it rains (+), fit less (-), etc.

Juha

One more thing: panniers help keep the center of gravity low. Your bike will be easier to handle if you have all that weight close to tyre height vs. your back.

--J

RainmanP

I started off doing my 9 mi in/13 mi home commute using a backpack. I quickly decided that was not for me. My two commuters both have racks for panniers. I do have a waterproof messenger back that I use if I get a wild hair and decide to ride one of my regular road bikes to work. I have a simple, progressive, philosophy about carrying stuff, either on or off the bike.
1. If there is absolutely no alternative, carry it in your hands.
2. Better - Put a handle on it or put it in a bag you can carry with one hand.
3. Even better - Use a shoulder strap so you DON'T have to carry it in your hand.
4. Better still - Use a backpack so you can spread the burden over both shoulders.
5. Ideal - figure out a way YOU don't have to carry it at all.

Ya Tu Sabes

I used to carry a laptop, sometimes in a backpack and sometimes in a messenger bag, and in the end, it made my back hurt and be sweaty all the time. The thing about good messenger bags is that they can carry huge things, but when you're messengering, you carry huge things only sometimes, while other times you have a load of envelopes or something (at least, that was my experience). When you have heavy stuff all the time, some of the joy goes out of riding. I'd go for some panniers - they make good padded ones that are suitable for the computer, or you can just get a padded computer sleeve and regular panniers.

elbows

I personally can't stand riding with a backpack -- I just find it uncomfortable to have weight on my back while riding.

These days I commute with a trunk bag on my rack. It has a bunch of pockets, so I keep it permanently stocked with headlight, sunglasses, repair kit, and a lightweight cable lock, so I'm prepared for anything ;-) Plus it has room for my lunch, spare clothes, etc, though I don't think it would fit a laptop.

I also have a set of trek "grocery bag" panniers, which I use for larger loads. They're ok (and cheap, $70 for the pair), but they have a tendency to fall off the bike. If I was buying panniers now, I'd get something a little pricier that attaches securely.

balto charlie

Hey I've tried 'em all. Panniers are great but you might end up kicking the bags on a Mnt. bike. and many don't like to drop off curbs. If you go this way make sure the bags are firmly attached. I also ride a mnt bike and ended up using a back pack. Did not like the messenger bag. It made me feel lopsided. The rear trunk too small for non summer riding(clothes, lights etc.) plus I have 2 bikes and it was too hard to pull off and put onto the other bike. I wear a Deuter backpack which sits off of back. It only makes contact in 3 small areas of my back. It's not sweat free but definitely less sweat. Plus I can get off my bike, lock it, get on the train , off to the other bike, unlock and ride. Made my simple. Many packs now have minimun back contact and a narrower profile which allows easy viewing. Check 'em out. Charlie
PS With a backpack your bike feels good but your body feels different. With panniers you bike feels different but your body feels good. your call

MichaelW

A good, well integrated rack/pannier system will not interfere with your feet, wont suddenly bounce off at a curb, and will clip on/clip off instantly.
For a rack, I would suggest a minimalist, fully triangulated Blackburn style rack, without adjustable height. Stay away from feature-laden gizmo racks.
For pannier bags you need a clip-on fitting: no messing around with elasticated hooks. You need stiff, tough material and good internal stiffening. Personally I avoid zippers and lots of compartments, but one external pocket is useful.
Big panniers can take lots of heavy shopping. Smaller ones give better heel clearance.
I only use backpacks for hopping around town up to 3 miles.

coney

I agree with most here, I'm more comfortable with the bag on the bike, instead of on me. I think a lot of weight on myself that's not MY own weight throws me off balance. I can handle extra weight on the bike, I get used to it within the first 20 seconds of being on the bike.

If you're gonna have to be hopping curbs and such, it might be a good idea to have yourself as weight free as possible so you can really control your body in case anything stupid like an SUV suddenly stops in front of you, or opens a door in your path. (SUVs are known to do that.)

AndrewP

Carry as little as possible when you commute. Keep shoes, lock, towel and shampoo etc at work.