View Poll Results: Which do you use most often or prefer if you have to carry items to work daily?
Road Bike with Backpack / Messenger Bag
61
28.50%
Road Bike with Rack / Bag Combo
102
47.66%
Mtn Bike / Hybrid with Backpack / Messenger Bag
14
6.54%
Mtn Bike / Hybrid with Rack / Bag Combo
56
26.17%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 214. You may not vote on this poll
Rack It or Backpack it?
03-18-10, 11:35 AM
#51
xtrajack
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I couldn't vote. There wasn't a category for an Xtracycle.
03-18-10, 12:50 PM
#52
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I actually moved from using a rack to a backpack... actually a very large dufflebag to which I attached dual crisscross straps. I usually carry about 30lbs worth of stuff... clothing, tools, spares, lunch (and sometimes dinner during the busy season), laptop and books... that kind of weight really affects the handling of a bike. If I were a leisurely type of commuter, then the weight wouldn't be much of an issue. But I like sprinting, maintaining a healthy pace, cutting through alleys, bunny-hopping railroad tracks and curbs... basically being a middle-aged fixie hooligan having fun and venting steam like he used to 25+ years ago. This wasn't possible with a loaded bike whereas it's a great deal easier with a pack. And BTW... before anyone gets riled about my hooliganism (I've been lectured before on forums) I don't break any traffic laws or endanger anyone else' safety. I do, however, take advantage of alleys and MUPs that are pathetically underused and treat them as my personal playground.
03-18-10, 04:02 PM
#53
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rack with wald folding baskets counted as rack/bag combo... but not really
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
03-18-10, 04:37 PM
#54
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I would like a rack, but i have a steamroller, so no mounts 
I'm thinking of buying a KHS flite frame and switching all my components over so I can switch to rack/pannier before summer hits.
I'm thinking of buying a KHS flite frame and switching all my components over so I can switch to rack/pannier before summer hits.
03-18-10, 04:49 PM
#55
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lots of options to put a rack on without mounts mostly p clops .... there is an active thread in utility and you can search for some older ones.
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
03-18-10, 10:24 PM
#57
----
"hybrid" with rack and milk crate, into which I toss a messenger type bag. I also have a front rack and if I stop for groceries on the way home I throw the messenger bag over my shoulder put two grocery bags in the crate and, if need be, strap another bag or put a basket on the front rack and load that. I can carry a lot of stuff on my bike.
08-07-11, 01:41 PM
#58
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Last edited by Farmer Dave; 08-07-11 at 03:03 PM.
08-07-11, 09:09 PM
#59
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I'm currently using a messenger bag, and it's okay on my short commute. I wouldn't want it for any longer, though.
I am saving up to get some panniers. Thinking about getting the timbuk2 tandem ones that turn into a semi-messenger bag.
I am saving up to get some panniers. Thinking about getting the timbuk2 tandem ones that turn into a semi-messenger bag.
08-07-11, 09:32 PM
#60
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08-07-11, 09:35 PM
#61
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I have a hybrid and a touring bike, both with racks. I use both for commuting, but the touring bike is a bit more fun to ride because it's faster. Not as fast as a road bike, but faster then the hybrid.
08-07-11, 09:35 PM
#62
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You mean the ones covered in this thread?
08-07-11, 09:38 PM
#63
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No worries- the search doesn't always work around here. I just remembered seeing it and simply scrolled through the pages until I found it. And I did try searching first...
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08-07-11, 11:55 PM
#65
cowboy, steel horse, etc
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I go backpack 80% or more of the time. Panniers or trailer the rest. Pannier and trailer commutes are kind of boring - no bunnyhopping allowed. I don't even like stomping on the pedals when I'm rolling panniers - at least that's fine with the trailer.
Backpacks are best if you like to hit a couple of stores for small purchases on the way home cuz you don't have to disconnect and reconnect your bags at every store, much easier to park than the trailer.
Backpacks are nicer if you've got to lug the bike up some stairs or through narrow doorways also.
I've got a pack with suspended mesh back which reduces the sweat a bit.
Backpacks are best if you like to hit a couple of stores for small purchases on the way home cuz you don't have to disconnect and reconnect your bags at every store, much easier to park than the trailer.
Backpacks are nicer if you've got to lug the bike up some stairs or through narrow doorways also.
I've got a pack with suspended mesh back which reduces the sweat a bit.
08-08-11, 12:00 AM
#66
cowboy, steel horse, etc
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This poll needs a choice for Single Speed 69er with front basket 
08-08-11, 01:12 PM
#67
Old, but not really wise
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It depends: Am I riding all the way or multi-modal? Is my secondary a car or transit?
When I ride all the way, home to work (~20 miles each way) or when I drive/ride (~12 miles of riding each way) I use rack and panniers on my drop bar commuter hybrid. When I ride to transit (~1 to ~10 miles each way, depending on which station I'm using) I use a back pack and a MTB (though it has a rack on it and can handle the panniers should I so choose).
The main reason for using the Backpack on transit is that it is MUCH easier to carry to and from the train, when changing lines, etc... The switch in bikes as more to do with risk of loss; I won't cry as hard if the MTB is stolen.
When I ride all the way, home to work (~20 miles each way) or when I drive/ride (~12 miles of riding each way) I use rack and panniers on my drop bar commuter hybrid. When I ride to transit (~1 to ~10 miles each way, depending on which station I'm using) I use a back pack and a MTB (though it has a rack on it and can handle the panniers should I so choose).
The main reason for using the Backpack on transit is that it is MUCH easier to carry to and from the train, when changing lines, etc... The switch in bikes as more to do with risk of loss; I won't cry as hard if the MTB is stolen.
08-08-11, 06:20 PM
#68
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Rack. Any weight you have on your back goes straight into your butt. I was amazed how much less tired I was after a 30 mile commute when I switched to a pannier.
08-08-11, 07:17 PM
#69
Belt drive!
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Depends on the weather, too. In the summer I can't stand backpacks. In the winter I don't notice them. Overall I'd pick a rack with whatever bags you enjoy.
MTB vs Road, I don't have a preference. I've gone from a road bike to a serious MTB (dual suspension) to a Soho DLX. They each have their pros and cons. Ride what works for you.
MTB vs Road, I don't have a preference. I've gone from a road bike to a serious MTB (dual suspension) to a Soho DLX. They each have their pros and cons. Ride what works for you.
08-08-11, 09:00 PM
#70
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I use a rack + bag. But there are day packs that are designed to keep the pack off your back, for eg. Vaude packs have a mesh layer that separates your back from the pack, allowing air to pass between your back and the pack. Much less sweaty than usual designs.
08-08-11, 09:22 PM
#71
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I commute on a pretty fast and light road bike. I only need to carry stuff one day a week and that stuff weighs less than 4 or 5 pounds. I use a backpack. I have been thinking about putting together a commuter specific bike where I'd use a rack or panniers but I've also thought of putting together a touring rig as well. But the great majority of the time all I need is a mini tool, tube, C02, lights and a couple bottles of water. I'm keeping this bike light and streamlined.
