Panniers, Rack bag, Baskets, or Other?
01-12-07 | 03:28 PM
#27
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: MI
Bikes: 1970s Schwinn Suburban 5spd
Originally Posted by cooperwx
Cool basket, and extra cheap compared to other options.
Questions: Do you carry your keys & ID in the backpack? Is there some way you can secure that stuff in the basket, and thus not have to wear the backpack?
Questions: Do you carry your keys & ID in the backpack? Is there some way you can secure that stuff in the basket, and thus not have to wear the backpack?
If I'm not using the backpack I can either throw my wallet/cell phone/keys etc. into an Adidas Sack Pack and throw the Sack Pack into the basket.
Or, since the Sack Pack is so light I can easily carry it on my back w/ only a cellphone/wallet in it w/o getting a sweaty back...I did this in China frequently...
01-12-07 | 04:29 PM
#28
George Krpan
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 1
From: Westlake Village, California
The Waterproof Panniers LOOK a lot better than the other two options. I don't like the look of the Action-Pack but it would be easier to carry. It's a moot point if you take your bike in your office with you.
Nashbar's warning about the Action-Pack - "NOTE: due to the extra large capacity of this bag we suggest using an expedition quality pannier rack."
Yet, they don't really state what it's total capacity is. The main compartment is 640 cu. in.
The Waterproof Panniers have a capacity of 2310 cu. in.
A pair of Townies, 2082 cu. in., but since the have no tops you could carry things that won't fit in a regular pannier.
I like the Townie Baskets. They're very simple, nothing to go wrong, and they fold flat.
You do have to be careful not to hit things with panniers but you learn quickly.
What I would do with the Townie Baskets is use them with some dry bags or some of those bags where the drawstring doubles as shoulder straps.
On my urban bike I seldom need a pannier. I simply zip tie a wire reinforced wicker basket to the top of the rack. It cost's $10 at Cost Plus and it looks really cool. I have also zip tied them to the side of the rack, pannier style, and it works very well. You could zip on a pair. The zip ties make the baskets somewhat theft resistant but they're so cheap, who cares.
I put my stuff in those one of those aformentioned packs. If what I am carrying exceeds the capacity of the basket I wear the pack and fill up the basket with the remainder. But, more commonly, I put the pack in the basket. It's more comfortable to ride without something on your back.
Nashbar's warning about the Action-Pack - "NOTE: due to the extra large capacity of this bag we suggest using an expedition quality pannier rack."
Yet, they don't really state what it's total capacity is. The main compartment is 640 cu. in.
The Waterproof Panniers have a capacity of 2310 cu. in.
A pair of Townies, 2082 cu. in., but since the have no tops you could carry things that won't fit in a regular pannier.
I like the Townie Baskets. They're very simple, nothing to go wrong, and they fold flat.
You do have to be careful not to hit things with panniers but you learn quickly.
What I would do with the Townie Baskets is use them with some dry bags or some of those bags where the drawstring doubles as shoulder straps.
On my urban bike I seldom need a pannier. I simply zip tie a wire reinforced wicker basket to the top of the rack. It cost's $10 at Cost Plus and it looks really cool. I have also zip tied them to the side of the rack, pannier style, and it works very well. You could zip on a pair. The zip ties make the baskets somewhat theft resistant but they're so cheap, who cares.
I put my stuff in those one of those aformentioned packs. If what I am carrying exceeds the capacity of the basket I wear the pack and fill up the basket with the remainder. But, more commonly, I put the pack in the basket. It's more comfortable to ride without something on your back.
01-12-07 | 05:14 PM
#29
Rather-be-riding...
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: H-town, TX
Bikes: Merlin X-light, Surly Cross-Check, Bianchi Pista Concept 2006, C-dale RT1000
I have a set of Axiom Cartiers and they are so much better than any of the Nashbar sets. I owned a set back in 1995 to 1998 and they ended up coming apart at the seams. The Cartiers are superb. Found them at Harris Cyclery (or through your LBS)... There are other size Axiom bags. These have been very good at keeping out the light rains. Have not had the chance in pouring rains.
Used to use backpack, but that is way too hot here in Houston, not to mention that the weight on the bike is so much better than on my back. I carry my laptop and lunch in the right side and clothes on the left side. Keep shoes at work.
Used to use backpack, but that is way too hot here in Houston, not to mention that the weight on the bike is so much better than on my back. I carry my laptop and lunch in the right side and clothes on the left side. Keep shoes at work.
