Originally Posted by
veloiste
I've been commuting with a backpack for over a year, but I just recently installed a rack and bought some Ortleib Back Roller classics. Holy crap! What a difference! My back is no longer sweaty and it's so nice being able to move easier without something on your back. I honestly can't believe I didn't make this change sooner.
The only other change I'm considering making is buying a trunk bag for things like drinks and my soup cup. I find it hard to keep these things upright in a pannier. Alternatively, I could get a small basket to mount on the front and use small bungee cords to tie down everything.
Do any of you transport drinks or food? How do you do it?
Drinks are held in water bottle cages (2). If my ride is long enough that I need to bring food (mostly bars or dried fruits/nuts), I use a
small top bar bag. I also switched from backpack to trunk/pannier for the same reasons as you. My
Ibera 2in1 PakRak is mostly used as a trunk but has expandable panniers so there if I need them. Plus, it simply clips on to my rack so very easy to install/remove.
Today, because I had to bring my laptop with me, I used a backpack and noticed one more thing I dislike about backpacks, the weight you put in it ends up putting more pressure on your bums. You can put as much weight as your trunk/bike can handle and the only difference you'll feel is in the bike agility. Not so with a backpack.