Originally Posted by
k_strict
I am not sure what your carry setup is, but I bet a "real" cyclist with racks and grocery-getter panniers could blow most other guys out of the water during super busy times like finals by just being able to efficiently carry and organize a bunch of bags. Got 10 bags going to the same location? No problem. Not that the other guys aren't in shape or fast, but in my experience, most are young and vain about looking cool on the bike. My old coworkers didn't want to mess up the look of their bikes with racks and things (I didn't either, if I am honest). Digging around in your giant messenger bag is just inefficient and smashes the bags. I used a structured soccer backpack that kept the bags in better shape, but a rack would have been so much smarter.
Old and still vain here. No racks on any of my bikes that I use to deliver. Most of the time I am on a fixed gear track bike that weighs about 16.5 lbs. Super easy to just hop off and carry it right in the building with me. No time to stop and lock up, just throw it over my shoulder CX style and keep going. I don't think any of the drivers ever take that many orders at one time. I have taken maybe 4 to the same building at one time. I organize them in order in my personal messenger bag (can't stand the bags they use). I put a box in there so that the bags don't get crushed and remain upright. Last bag is always closest to me, so I always know which one is next.