jade408

This week I learned quite a few lessons during my commute. I usually take the bus to work.* Or the bus and the train. For the first time since I started my new job, I biked to the train station instead of using the bus, due some scheduling issues: I needed to to be at "work" early since there was a local conference, and I wanted to conserve as many zzz as possible. I knew that the bike would work out better since there were going to be some late evenings, and the bus home isn't well timed with the train.

*I am on the fence about biking as a commute to the train station for a handful of reasons: potential theft issues (my station is middle of the pack in terms of stolen bikes, but I had an issue with another nearby station). There are cheap paid lockers, and I am fine using those. And probably the biggest hurdle: the bus stop is across the street. The bus ride to the train is roughly 10 minutes. The bike doesn't really save any time if I can time the buses. But a few changes happened at the nearby train station that makes biking more attractive:
1. The city has striped a bike lane about 1/2 of the ride there, and an "alley" where buses load and the parking garage entrance is. The new bike lane is both more convenient for me than the entrance on the other side, it is also more direct and shorter! It has calmed the traffic as before the street felt like a freeway with cars exceeding the 30mph speed limit.
2. The surface parking was replaces with a parking structure. Circling up to find a spot combined with the longer walk from the parking lot puts the bike time competitive with driving, since you can bike up to the bike parking and bike parking is next to the fare gate.

This new path to work offered 2 lessons.
The first lesson of the week. Sore feet (standing all day at a tradeshow) + slightly loose flats = bad combo to maximize pedaling power and keep your feet on the pedals.

The second lesson inspired this thread. On the way home, I had a little shopping to do. I have been pondering getting a sturdier backpack for going to the gym and traveling. I had a fully and heavy tote bag with my laptop, swag from the show and my day to day stuff. So picking up a backpack didn't seem like a horrible idea, as I saw one that worked stylistically: sleek and not too many pockets! Since my bike ride home from the train is short, I thought I'd just wear the backpack, put my tote in my basket. Typically I keep my stuff in the basket or on my rack.

The whole ride felt funny! I felt off-balance and too hot! How do you guys manage a long ride with a backpack! Mine was only 10 minutes and I felt much warmer than usual. The backpack felt so awkward. I decided, when this backpack comes with me on my bike, It'll stay in my basket!

I did come to a final conclusion: I should definitely ride my bike on days I will get home late, as the buses are not timed with the train. And my new bike will have dynamo lights in the front and back, so I won't need to charge and worry about riding after dark or staying out later than expected. Additionally, another nearby train station has a bike valet open from 7a to 9p. This station is a little further, but that is a good safe option, and the route home has some helpful errands.

gregf83 

Does your backpack have straps? With a waist strap and upper strap it stays in place well and isn't really noticeable to me while riding. It is nice on the weekends to have no backpack though.

katsrevenge

I prefer messengers or panniers but sometimes need a bag. This is my trial and error learnings. Put the heavy things at the back of the pack, so it is on your back. And keep straps tight. If you can get the bag to ride right above the small of your back, it's best. Or at least it is for me! (Disclosure I use a medium sized pack... this one. It's not huge and fits up high.) My 'real' bag, which is big and low, was really annoying!

TransitBiker

Sounds like the straps are too loose and contents are not packed with weight in mind. I've ridden over 2 miles with TWO backpacks on, and the only issue was the single strap bag sometimes had its strap digging into my neck. I wore it on front, as the 2 strap bag needed to be on back. Other than that, I've never had any issues with backpack. These were laden with about 20 lbs each of groceries.

Yes, your back can get warm, but I've found that only really happens if I'm not dressed proper for the weather, or I'm working harder than I need to peddaling. There are models with pads to keep air flowing underneath.

- Andy

Juha

I don't, I use panniers (or a large saddle bag for the one bike that doesn't have a rear rack).

But if you have to carry stuff off the bike a lot, panniers are not the optimal solution. Some panniers have optional carrying systems that transform them into backpacks. Here's Ortlieb's as an example. I don't have personal experience on how well they work. In my use, the biggest drawbacks would be not being able to carry both panniers, and having to deal with a wet and dirty pannier.

Have you considered strapping the backpack on the rack?

--J

CliffordK

I've been using a backpack quite a bit. You just get used to it.

I have one that has a fair amount of padding in the back. But, I also try to pack flat stuff closest to the back. There is nothing worse than having an awkward load that pokes one in the middle of the back.

I generally don't use a belt for the small soft packs, but do keep the straps reasonably tight.

Panniers are nice too.

San Pedro

Having my backpack strapped to my chest really helps me. Another strap around the waist would be cool too. Of course your back is going to heat up with a pack on it. My backpack has nice padding and "channels" for air flow, but I don't know how effective they actually are.

acidfast7

I use a small 20L Arc'teryx backpack called a Spear 20 ... was about 90€ ... and I bought it in 2011 and have used it every single day since

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Ar...ed=0CAcQ_AUoAg

It has two shoulder straps, a chest strap and a waist strap. I don't wear the waist strap, I do wear the chest strap.

A 13.3." retina MBP fits securely in the water bolder area. The roll-top is nice for longer items like two larger prints that my student recently bought me.

I don't like panniers and they're bulky when going through train or airport security. A backpack is much better. Also, jumping of a bike and onto a bus/train is 10x easier with a backpack as than a pannier.

Hope that helps.

wolfchild

I feel a lot more balanced on a bike and handling is much better with a backpack then with loaded panniers. I also prefer to keep my personal belongings on me, rather then leave them on a bike.

CliffordK

When I go "thrifting"... unfortunately the thrift stores allow purses, but not backpacks, so the backpack is sometimes locked with the bike, sometimes checked inside. Pretty much any other time, the pack is with me. Good panniers could be brought with a shopping cart.

Bike Gremlin

Backpack should be placed on the rear rack, not on your back. Make the bike carry the uncomfortable weight. No sweating your back, more comfortable. You can also add panniers if you need more luggage room, but for one day trips - backpack is the most convenient. Just put it on the rear, fasten with bungee strap. I've posted pics of how I do it several times on this forum if you are not sure how to securely fasten it.

acidfast7

I agree and find that a backpack is really necessary for multimoal commuting ... for example:

Friday schedule:

cycle into work (10km)
leave bike in faculty bike locker
work
walk (2km) over to town center
catch bus to adjacent city (15min)
catch high-speed rail toward London (2.5h)
change trains one stop short of London
catch commuter rail one stop North on branch line
walk 2km over to other town center

reverse starts at 5.45a on Monday morning.

do I really want to lug a pannier around or change items (with potential for losing something/leaving something behind during the swap) between bags?

12strings

I began my bike commuting with single-strap backpack (like this: One Strap Backpack) When I kept it decently tight, it didn't slide around, or make me feel unbalanced...but I usually only had clothes in it, nothing too heavy. So the balance thing didn't ever bother me...I felt in control.

But I did sweat, and ended up with a wet spot on my back...(I even get that when walking with a backpack)...so once I got a rear rack I strapped the backpack to it with bungee cords and have never gone back. Way better, less sweat. It's definitely the way to go.

hyhuu

I really don't like a backpack when I ride my road bike.

caloso

I do it nearly every weekday. Pack flat soft stuff against the back, keep the straps tight. It's not that big of a deal for me.

LokiWolflord

1) Strap backpack on
2) Get on bike
3) Apply pressure to pedals
4) ???
5) Profit!

Seriously, though, I've used both a rack and a backpack. I started commuting with my old, Targus, laptop backpack that I had bought while I was in college. That pack was very uncomfortable due to its extremely high profile, its many flapping zippers, and the lack of a chest strap. My back would be covered in sweat even when it was cool outside. I switched to a rack and trunk bag. On my Giant Escape 2 hybrid bike, the rack/trunk bag combo was pretty good. The back end felt pretty well balanced. Handling was good too. I don't like the rack very much on my cyclocross bike that I got in November of last year. Because of the very light front end...it has a carbon fork...the back feels very heavy with a rack on it. I bought a Camelbak H.A.W.G. backpack on sale at Bike Nashbar and took the rack off my bike. The Camelbak is pretty comfortable. The straps are vented. The back has an airflow system which is nice, but is not perfectly sweat free. The pack has a low profile and is good in the wind. The only real problem I have with the pack is that if I fill the reservoir more than halfway full, my shoulders will hurt after about 20 miles on the bike. It's not a sharp pain or anything. It's just a bit of ache. I switched back to the rack for this week, just to compare. I'm taking the rack back off the bike tonight for tomorrow's commute.

tjspiel

Keeping it in the basket sounds like a good solution to me.

FWIW I wear a backpack my whole commute which can be anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour long depending on a lot of stuff I won't bore you with.

My backpack is designed for cycling. It's not a "book bag" and it's not intended for hiking. To a certain extent it's just a matter of getting used to it and knowing how to pack and wear it. Most days I barely know it's there.

Typically I carry a smallish laptop, a change of clothes, lunch, and a few odd and ends. I've also used it to pick up some groceries and for other errands. For my needs I prefer it over panniers or a basket but lots of people wouldn't.

alan s 

I definitely fall into the rack/trunk bag camp. Never found backpacks comfortable, and they restrict cooling. I need all the cooling I can get, particularly in the hot, humid summers around here. Also, why carry the weight on your back when the bike is the perfect platform to carry your stuff? It's not like you are reducing the load by carrying it on your back instead of the bike. The bike may not feel quite as maneuverable that way, but this is a commute, not a crit. The only exception is carrying a laptop in a backpack to provide better shock absorption, but I almost never carry one.

jade408

I have a laptop friendly rack mounted pannier. It is messenger bag style, so not horrible "off bike." I use that sometimes, or I just carry a big purse to hold my laptop if that doesn't go with my laptop. I also have a "pannier shaped basket that is used for shopping. It isn't good for going to the train station as rack spaces are tight and full, and it would be risky if I am not sure if I will have space in a locker (which does have room). Usually I get by fine with just my basket.

I have a strap on my rack now, but it is sort of falling apart, I need to get a new one, so it is currently "light duty." Last night my backpack had a laptop and I didn't want to worry about the flimsy raveling strap not holding it.

I am going to stick with my general plan of keeping stuff in my rack or basket. Carrying it on my back felt weird. I also don't like wearing my purse on bike either. It feels quite strange too! Not sure how people do that. Basket is way more secure. This backpack would easily fit in the rack as long as I am not also carrying a huge purse like yesterday.

But I think 50% of the riders I see have backpacks. I found it so annoying that I can't imagine it being my daily/preferred/primary option.

kickstart

I can't stand backpacks for riding, I don't even like jersey pockets, but I would like have the option of commuting on my Flying Pigeon path racer in dry weather. I would like to try a messenger bag, but cycling specific bags with a stabilizing strap are stupid expensive, I once tried a generic laptop/messenger bag and it was awful, always sliding off my back around front.

jade408

No straps. Actually, that pretty much means that I wouldn't like that backpack at all. Too sporty. I am not really a backpack person, but there are occasions when it makes more sense than a giant purse. I generally opt for a big purse, and a compact reusable tote bag for most days. These usually fit in my basket.

I am looking for a "pannier" that looks like a tote bag, but is rack mounted, that I can use for shopping trips. The Ortlieb style panniers do not match my outfit. Very practical, buy would not want to carry those off bike.

I like my straps a little loos, but honestly there wasn't much in it. It is a medium sized bag with a padded laptop sleeve. It wasn't sitting low, even with the looser strap all though it is likely 1/2 too wide to be a perfect fit on my back. I had to scoot it over a little for comfort.

I had a laptop, shoes, water bottle and a few sundries. I would have been shocked if it even weighed more than 8 pounds.

tjspiel

Take a look at Banjo Bros messenger bags if you want a stabilizing strap on a bag that won't break the bank. They aren't particularly stylish or flashy. Some people complain that the cinching buckle on the large strap of the large model doesn't grip well enough but in general they get good reviews. I have their commuter backpack and like it but it hasn't proved to be as durable as some of the higher end messenger bags I've used. It features a replaceable liner and after 3 years of regular use, it definitely needs replacing.

Messenger bags have their advantages over backpacks but I doubt you'd find one any more comfortable then a well designed backpack.

tjspiel

Apparently the other 50% agree with you.

A backpack works well for me but it has two stabilizing straps along with the shoulder straps. If I didn't have it adjusted fairly snug to make sure it stayed put, it would bug me too. I also do not care about getting warm and sweating. I use my commute as a work-out. Not everyone does of course.

Amp3rs4nd

I live in Florida. The humidity here is way too outrageous to want to ride w/ a backpack of any sort. I do, however, use my backpack/messenger bag (a Seagull) for various trips when I am not biking so it does still have use.

no motor?

I prefer a backpack until it gets to be above 60, and then I use a pannier to keep me cooler. The backpack feels more stable and comfortable to me, and it sounds like yours doesn't fit you too well. I hate riding into the wind, and the backpack reduces the effect of the wind while the pannier feels like some sort of parachute slowing me down.