Originally Posted by
Nyah
The bicycle for loaded touring serves me for grocery runs just fine. The past year or such, though, I've been using a Dahon 20" folding bicycle with front/rear baskets (I don't actually fold it, it's just a little zippier than the touring bicycle). I avoid the worry of bicycle theft all-together, by bringing it with me into the store for use as a shopping cart. I keep it under my control and it causes zero problems for anyone.
Right there buddy, exactly. My 20" Dahon with front and rear panniers is my (daily? can't think of the right word... EDIT: Townie). Can hold 4 bags worth in the panniers, 1 hung off the center aero bar, and 2 slung off the handlebar ends if necessary, usually not. Lower center of gravity than taller bike. Double crank for low gears with a heavy load. Never left outside with bike theft, always wheel through store. Trailer would be too wide for that.