jnbacon

I pinched this link from the Bikes At Work site, thought it might interest the OP:

https://www.bikesatwork.com/hauling-cargo-by-bike/

CommuterRun

I do private contracting. Most of the time I am able to leave my tools and several changes of work clothes on-site. When I do need to carry something back and forth, which seems like most of the time, I use a Burley Flatbed Utility Trailer. One thing to keep in mind, at least for me, is I can't ride every single day. Some days it's just logistically impossible and some days I find I need the recovery time. But, that's okay because I figure if I can only ride three days out of a five day week, that's three days I got to ride and didn't have to drive. The glass is half full.

On days that I do have to drive I try to make the most of it and get everything done that I would need to drive for that week.

The biggest problem I have run into is sites where I don't have refridgeration and have to carry enough food with me in the morning to get me through the day without feeling "out of gas" for the ride home.

Brian

Will your brakes stop you, plus a fridge?

Treespeed

I would so vote for a BOB trailer. While the wood box sounds cool, the dry sack would work much better and has the added benefit of being lighter. You don't have to do the balancing act as you would with the panniers and if you have a secure jobsite you can just unhook the trailer and ride a bare bike home. I've hauled up to a 100lbs of gear in my BOB without a problem. Just make sure you use a strong bike as the trailer will exagerate any whippiness in a lightweight racing frame.

patc

Well I'm a non-typical commuter in two ways: I'm self-employed, so "the office" is six feet from my bed, and what I need to carry for work ranges from a few notes (meetings) to a large camera backpack (1 or 2 bodies, 2-3 lenses, flash, flash battery) to a trailer-full of studio gear (2 large bags plus backdrops plus camera bad).

Carrying the full studio kit is something I need to plan for: it takes longer, and not all roads are friendly with the trailer. I have worked cycling into my business model, and use it as a selling point. The only drawback is that it gets hard for me to shoot at multiple locations on the same day, the travel time can get excessive.

sbhikes

If you work in one spot for 3-5 days, why not drive the truck with the tools there, your bike in back, on day one. Then commute back and forth by bike until day 5 when you take the truck home, bike in back. Then start all over again at the next job site.

knobbymojo

sbhikes, that sounds like the most workable solution I have heard yet. That solves most of my problems. I do worry about it being towed, but that shouldnt be a problem most of the time. (In my town you are only allowed to have vehicles on the street for 24 hours.) I also wonder, is it possible to pull a bob trailer with a single speed? My route isnt too hilly.

Michel Gagnon

In the same vein than Bikes at Work, Cargo Trailer offers nice cargo solutions. Their hitch is similar to the Bikes at Work one, but their website show many arrangements for tools. If you don't buy a trailer from them, you'll certainly grab quite a few ideas.

dmarcoul

i work at a restaurant, so not an office, but not the same situation you've got knobbymojo. my biggest problem is the image issue being there is no shower at work.

ctxcrossx

You mentioned that you live in a city? I'd definitely go for the BOB. It will follow your path and it'll be easy to avoid cars, potholes, etc. The other nice thing about the BOB (vs. the extracycle) is that you can take the trailer off in a matter of seconds and have a normal bike. I've had my BOB for years and I love it.

Also, keep in mind that bike commuting doesn't have to be all or nothing. Commute once in a while to try things out. As you get more comfortable and learn how to carry more stuff, you'll be able to do it more and more. For myself, I like the challenge of trying to find ways to use my bike when I would otherwise use my car.

Chris

patc

Under Armour is your friend! Use it as an undershirt, with a t-shirt (plus whatever extra layers you need) over it. Once you get to your destination, take off all shirts except the UA. 30-60 seconds later the UA is bone dry, put on a fresh shirt for work. No one will smell a thing because you got all the sweat away from your body.