I've been thinking of removing my rack, but not sure if it's worth it.

Changing from a rack travel bag to a behind the seat bag is fairly easy, BUT what do I do about layers.

Usually it's colder in the am than the pm. So in the pm, I'll have a middle layer, i.e. fleece, or outer layer, i.e. windbreaker, that's just too warm to wear. So what do you do with it?

-- no rack to bungie layer on
-- do NOT want to use back pack !!
-- do NOT want to tie around waist
-- won't fit in seat bag,duh

only options I can think of:
-- bungie to seat/bag
-- put inside a hip bag worn backwards.


So what do the non-rack commuters do with layers. Only stuff in backpack?

I use a messenger bag. The only other option I can think of is a carradice saddle bag. A big old seat bag.

Personally, I would keep the rack. My last commuter did not have one. My replacement will.

Strap it to the seatpost.
Get a larger saddlebag
Use your rear pockets.

Fleece is a poor material for cycle insulation. Light padded jackets or gillets pack down much smaller.

Why would you want to remove the rack?!

All winter long I was able to get away with just a shell jacket, arm and leg warmers and a balaclava to keep me warm. When its warm on the way home the balaclava and arm warmers get stuffed in the seat bag. The shell jacket and the leg warmers gets stuffed in my rear pockets. I can actually stuff all of that in the rear pockets but I want to keep my back as clear as possible.

Early to mid spring is often a problem that way. Cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon. If it might rain I have to wear or pack rain gear.

I have a messenger bag and it can be stuffed pretty full this time of year.

Have you considered a frame bag?

I have one of these and it works well when I have too much to fit in a seat bag, but not enough to need panniers.

DataJunkie nailed it: Big ol' seat bag. Carradice, Berthoud and Ostrich all make really nice, really big seat bags.

Or if you don't mind a mini-platform rack in the front you can just bungee it to that or get a classy rack-mounted handlebar bag.

Or just tie it around your stem like hipster kids do with their bandanas, 'cuz ya know that'd just look really cool.

The OP needs a decent capacity. We frequently have below freezing temps in the am and 60-70 in the afternoon. Fortunately, these are starting to stay above freezing in the morning.

Jersey pockets. I am able to fit my knee warmers and base layer in one pocket, jacket in another, other stuff (long finger gloves, warm hat, wallet, cell, etc.) in the other.

I have no suggestions for you - I use a backpack.

I use a messenger bag. Have a large and small one.

I can't see why anyone that has a rack would want to get rid of it. They weigh nothing and have incredible utility for carrying stuff, mounting lights, etc.

I strap my windbreaker to the rack! As everyone should!

+1

I'm considering removing the rear rack from my commuter/distance bike. I don't use panniers, and my handlebar bag (front platform mounted) is large enough that it takes the place of my rack trunk most days. For long distance riding, the rack is an extra couple of pounds that I can lose off the bike's total weight and carry as gear or food.

Well, if all you're carrying is a windbreaker, a seatpost rack would probably be fine - and it would be easy to remove when you don't want it.

You posted this topic twice?

My reply is really about the actual layers themselves. Someone else brought it up but I thought I'd flush it out a bit.

I discovered a whole new world out there when I found the right, read bicycle specific, clothing. It breaths, it wicks, my biggest problem is overheating. Granted the Bay area doesn't get down into the 0s but I do bike in 35o mornings and 70o eves. A really lightweight wicking longsleeve undershirt, a jersey, a cotton t shirt, and windbreaker and I'm unzipping and pulling off before I've gone 3mi.

Ive found some very reasonably priced long sleeve, good looking (1 or 2 colors only) bike jerseys at Performance bike. https://www.performancebike.com/ they have a 10% sale going on now.

you can also find some reasonably priced wicking stuff at campmore.com

They all pack way down.

good luck
c

edit: I've found some great pearl izumi stuff at the thrift shop. 2 jackets originally $80, for $6

That thing is slick as hell. I've never even thought about that possibility.

You could also use a handlebar bag.

Well, thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Sorry for posting twice, I posted the first from work and thought the post failed.

You're right, instead of the fleece, sometimes I will use a cold base layer in the am. The only problems with that is a. I got the wrong size and it's a bit snug, and b. the advantage of the fleece, is after about 10 min I have warmed up, so I usually unzip the fleece to have extra cooling