Anyone prefer a backpack to panniers?
05-12-10 | 08:10 AM
#52
Aluminum Convert
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From: Aurora/Centennial Co
Bikes: Bianchi Via Nirone 7.
I'm going to get some panniers as soon as I can afford the ones that I want. For now a backpack works just fine. Since I hike a lot the extra weight doesn't really bother me. I have lockers available at work so I can leave the heavy stuff like my shoes there and not have to carry them nor do I need to drag a laptop with me.
05-12-10 | 08:22 AM
#53
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From: Chicagoland
Bikes: 1997 Schwinn Searcher GS, 2007 Dahon Curve D3
I have been kind of thinking about this thread in the back of my mind, and thought: "Why did he rule out a rack bag?" Like a couple of others, I have the Topeak MTX rack bag with fold-out panniers. I don't really like the idea of panniers hanging out in the wind, but I have them if I need them. The side pockets with the panniers in them have enough room for a couple of small things: cell phone, wallet, etc.
It is worth mentioning that Topeak offers many different bags that work with the MTX rail, so you're not just stuck with the one bag.
This morning, I had to carry more than the bag would hold, but maybe still not enough to warrant using the panniers, so I used a bungee net to strap a grocery bag on top of the Topeak bag.
Mr. IGH - Great set up you have there. I did something similar on a scooter when I had one, and it worked just as you said. Do you know if they make one of those baskets that slides into the Topeak rack? By the way, what city do you live in?
It is worth mentioning that Topeak offers many different bags that work with the MTX rail, so you're not just stuck with the one bag.
This morning, I had to carry more than the bag would hold, but maybe still not enough to warrant using the panniers, so I used a bungee net to strap a grocery bag on top of the Topeak bag.
Mr. IGH - Great set up you have there. I did something similar on a scooter when I had one, and it worked just as you said. Do you know if they make one of those baskets that slides into the Topeak rack? By the way, what city do you live in?
05-12-10 | 08:26 AM
#54
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From: Chicagoland
Bikes: 1997 Schwinn Searcher GS, 2007 Dahon Curve D3
One thing worth noting that hasn't been mentioned. If you carry a backpack, you have to remember that you may fall on whatever is in there. I read a story a few years back about a Russian guy on a bicycle who was wearing his backpack. For whatever reason, he crashed, landed on a can of Coke inside the backpack, broke his spine, and he was parapalegic from then on. This would not happen with a rack bag, panniers or a basket.
If you're just carrying clothes or a laptop or things like that, it would be fine, but it is well worth considering.
...AND he had a sweaty back.
If you're just carrying clothes or a laptop or things like that, it would be fine, but it is well worth considering.
...AND he had a sweaty back.
05-12-10 | 08:59 AM
#56
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Everyone's commuting needs are different, so it's a matter of using the right tool for YOUR job.
For my current commute, a rack trunk works best...unless I want to ride my road bike, in which case I opt for either my Banjo Bros Commuter backpack or my MountainSmith lumbar pack...unless I am riding the Big Dummy, in which case I can throw just about anything into one of the Freeloaders.
Over the years I've also used panniers, messenger bags, handlebar bags, saddle bags, baskets, milk crates and just about every other bike cargo device ever devised - or combination thereof. You gotta figure out what works best for you and your situation of the moment.
IMO, a either basket, front/rear or pannier style, is a very versatile option for a starting point.
For my current commute, a rack trunk works best...unless I want to ride my road bike, in which case I opt for either my Banjo Bros Commuter backpack or my MountainSmith lumbar pack...unless I am riding the Big Dummy, in which case I can throw just about anything into one of the Freeloaders.
Over the years I've also used panniers, messenger bags, handlebar bags, saddle bags, baskets, milk crates and just about every other bike cargo device ever devised - or combination thereof. You gotta figure out what works best for you and your situation of the moment.
IMO, a either basket, front/rear or pannier style, is a very versatile option for a starting point.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-12-10 | 10:20 AM
#57
master of bottom licks
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Lou-evil, Canned-Yucky USA
I first caught wind of the XtraCycle a few years ago and decided to build my own FreeRadical subframe because I liked the concept and thought it was a great idea. It was pretty cool but after several grocery runs with 100+lbs of food/goods I realized that I didn't like the way the bike handled. I though maybe it was due to my design but last year I had the opportunity to ride the real deal, same thing... it felt squirrely when really loaded down. I still think it's a great idea in certain situations but IMHO for really heavy loads I much prefer the feel of a bike pulling a dual wheel trailer... a real shame since the XtraCycle is more convenient.
05-12-10 | 10:33 AM
#58
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From: Toronto, Ontario
Bikes: Miele Azsora, Kuwahara Cascade
One thing worth noting that hasn't been mentioned. If you carry a backpack, you have to remember that you may fall on whatever is in there. I read a story a few years back about a Russian guy on a bicycle who was wearing his backpack. For whatever reason, he crashed, landed on a can of Coke inside the backpack, broke his spine, and he was parapalegic from then on. This would not happen with a rack bag, panniers or a basket.
If you're just carrying clothes or a laptop or things like that, it would be fine, but it is well worth considering.
...AND he had a sweaty back.
If you're just carrying clothes or a laptop or things like that, it would be fine, but it is well worth considering.
...AND he had a sweaty back.
05-12-10 | 10:41 AM
#59
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 45
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From: Cherry Hill, NJ
I also think it is a personal preference - I prefer the panniers, even the times I only use 1. I sweat alot, so it makes more sense for me not to have something on my back. I tried the messenger bag for a while and that was ok, except for the sweaty back and the occassional item that would not sit right and poke me in the back. The only glitch I am still working out is how to safely carry a laptop in my Ortlieb Back Roller panniers. I am in the process of researching this but I am still nervous since the bike takes the road jarring, where as a messenger bag or pack back would have the body to act as a shock absorber.
05-12-10 | 11:51 AM
#60
Blocking your fire exits
Joined: Aug 2009
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I first caught wind of the XtraCycle a few years ago and decided to build my own FreeRadical subframe because I liked the concept and thought it was a great idea. It was pretty cool but after several grocery runs with 100+lbs of food/goods I realized that I didn't like the way the bike handled. I though maybe it was due to my design but last year I had the opportunity to ride the real deal, same thing... it felt squirrely when really loaded down. I still think it's a great idea in certain situations but IMHO for really heavy loads I much prefer the feel of a bike pulling a dual wheel trailer... a real shame since the XtraCycle is more convenient.
05-12-10 | 12:38 PM
#61
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From: Eugene, OR
Bikes: Lots
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
I got a chance to Ride the new 2010 Xtracycle Radish, Its a lot more stable then the former years, it feels almost like a normal bike, expecial with no load on it, its not so squirrely, if you get a chance try it out. It's pretty sweet, I hope to get one someday.
I got a chance to Ride the new 2010 Xtracycle Radish, Its a lot more stable then the former years, it feels almost like a normal bike, expecial with no load on it, its not so squirrely, if you get a chance try it out. It's pretty sweet, I hope to get one someday.
05-12-10 | 01:22 PM
#62
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From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
Anyone prefer a backpack to panniers?
I'll take my Topeak rack trunk w/ fold down pannier over my old backpack any day. Used to use a backpack when I first started commuting, but felt liberated once I got the rack trunk/pannier system. So nice to not have a sweaty back EVERY DAY. Plus, my rack trunk has a shoulder strap, so once I take it off the bike, I just throw it over my shoulder and away I go. Super convenient.
05-12-10 | 01:56 PM
#63
master of bottom licks
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From: Lou-evil, Canned-Yucky USA
05-12-10 | 02:13 PM
#64
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From: Los Angeles
Bikes: Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Jamis Sputnik
If all you do is ride to work everyday, then ride home, then I can see how panniers would be better. I definitely prefer them for longer rides and rides outside of the city.
However, for riding in the city, and with all the various and random stops that I make on the way home (bars, cafes, restaurants, social rides, etc), panniers are a pain. I tried them for about two weeks and went back to a messenger bag. Considering how often I have to shoulder my bike, flip it around, lock it to weird or odd objects, panniers simply get in the way far more than any benefit they offer. I want the weight on bulk on my back, out of the way (mostly). I also tried a trunk bag and had the same experience.
Also, if your messenger bag is swinging around, it's either not a messenger bag or you don't have it strapped down properly. A good messenger bag should feel like a solid, strong hug, and will move only slightly, if at all. I wouldn't use a messenger bag if it swung around, I do far too much sprinting in heavy traffic to have to worry about something that inane.
However, for riding in the city, and with all the various and random stops that I make on the way home (bars, cafes, restaurants, social rides, etc), panniers are a pain. I tried them for about two weeks and went back to a messenger bag. Considering how often I have to shoulder my bike, flip it around, lock it to weird or odd objects, panniers simply get in the way far more than any benefit they offer. I want the weight on bulk on my back, out of the way (mostly). I also tried a trunk bag and had the same experience.
Also, if your messenger bag is swinging around, it's either not a messenger bag or you don't have it strapped down properly. A good messenger bag should feel like a solid, strong hug, and will move only slightly, if at all. I wouldn't use a messenger bag if it swung around, I do far too much sprinting in heavy traffic to have to worry about something that inane.
05-12-10 | 02:13 PM
#65
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Minneapolis
Yeah, I get sweaty, - backpack or not so that's not really a big downside. However, when I used to take the train part of the way I'd wear regular clothes since my actual biking distance was pretty short. Then a sweaty back from a pack was a bigger problem. Maneuvering a pannier laden bike on a train isn't so fun either though.
Last edited by tjspiel; 05-12-10 at 02:16 PM.
05-13-10 | 01:08 AM
#66
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Bakersfield, CA
I ride 12 miles to work (one-way). I tried the pannier thing for a while, but I hated the way the bike handled with them; I felt like I was pulling a drag chute behind me. Panniers also encouraged me to carry more things than I needed because I had the space. The heftiest thing I brought with me as the laptop, but I realized that I rarely used it at work. There were a number of other things that I ferried back and forth from home and work that could just stay at work. Once I ditched all that, all I had left was clothes, lunch and the repair kit. I also started leaving my pants at work recently and bring them home at the end of the week to be washed. I still bring the shirts home every night.
Regular book bag type packs suck. What you want is a narrow, back hugging mountaineering pack. I've been using this Black Diamond pack for a while and love it: https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com...n/packs/magnum. The cinch cord lets you take up any extra fabric so nothing is swaying around or flapping in the wind. It also has a loop and sleeve to hang a water bladder inside.
Regular book bag type packs suck. What you want is a narrow, back hugging mountaineering pack. I've been using this Black Diamond pack for a while and love it: https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com...n/packs/magnum. The cinch cord lets you take up any extra fabric so nothing is swaying around or flapping in the wind. It also has a loop and sleeve to hang a water bladder inside.
Last edited by pthreadunixman; 05-13-10 at 01:11 AM.
05-13-10 | 07:41 AM
#68
afraid of whales
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Front Range, CO
I have a Topeak rack and slide-in basket on one of my bikes, I'm getting ready to ditch the slider and zip-tie it, the system rattles when unloaded. I'm in Schaumburg.
05-13-10 | 07:54 AM
#69
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Having racks on four of my bikes, plus various Topeak bags and that basket, the convenience of the slider outweighs the rattle for me.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-13-10 | 08:31 AM
#70
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I've never understood why cyclist use backpacks, unless your ride is so short that the issue of attaching a pannier or trunk bag to the bike takes up too much time. The added sweat and weight/strain is a no go for me and my half hour ride.
That said, I have a pannier but don't use it much for commutes. I use it a lot for shopping or errand running using the bike, but it's too big for commuting. A trunk bag that I strap to my rear rack does the trick for me. I fit a lot into it, and it has several zippered compartments for necessities.
To be candid, my trunk bag is really my purse.
My wallet and keys go in one compartment, my tools and patch kit in another, and my rain cape, lunch, and change of shirt in the main compartment. It's expandable, which is great since sometimes I need to lug my coat or gloves/hat with me home, since it warms up on many days.
Love my trunk bag.
That said, I have a pannier but don't use it much for commutes. I use it a lot for shopping or errand running using the bike, but it's too big for commuting. A trunk bag that I strap to my rear rack does the trick for me. I fit a lot into it, and it has several zippered compartments for necessities.
To be candid, my trunk bag is really my purse.
My wallet and keys go in one compartment, my tools and patch kit in another, and my rain cape, lunch, and change of shirt in the main compartment. It's expandable, which is great since sometimes I need to lug my coat or gloves/hat with me home, since it warms up on many days.Love my trunk bag.
05-13-10 | 09:09 AM
#71
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From: Minneapolis
1. They've already got one.
2. They ride hard and get sweaty anyway.
3. They don't like the way their bike handles with the extra weight/aerodynamic drag of loaded panniers.
4. Backpacks are nicer for carrying their stuff once they get off the bike
5. Backpacks work on any bike, rack or not.
6. Having extra bags/panniers makes the bike less manageable in crowded situations: trains, elevators, etc.
It's probably worth pointing out that some backpacks do a reasonable job of getting air to flow over your back so that sweat isn't as much of a problem.
Even considering the above, any solution that allows you to carry your stuff on the bike has obvious advantages that for many people are well worth the trade off. I think that's the key point to remember. There's not a single *right* way of doing things and its good that there are so many options.
05-13-10 | 09:34 AM
#72
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From: Edmonton, AB
My backpack fully loaded (including a heavy U-lock) is less than 20 pounds. That's less than the 30 pounds of flab I used to carry on my body, so even while wearing my backpack, I'm lighter than I used to be. The point being, I don't really consider a backpack to be extra weight.
05-13-10 | 09:51 AM
#73
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From: Chicagoland
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groovestew: I guess you won't worry about landing on your U-lock an breaking your spine?
One thing I had not considered about backpacks is that the extra weight can be a benefit when you stand up to mash. In that case, weight = power. Not so with a pannier or rack bag.
One thing I had not considered about backpacks is that the extra weight can be a benefit when you stand up to mash. In that case, weight = power. Not so with a pannier or rack bag.
05-13-10 | 01:13 PM
#74
afraid of whales
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From: Front Range, CO
05-13-10 | 01:28 PM
#75
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The scariest backpack wreck scenario I've heard about was the guy who busted a growler of beer in his backpack in a wreck. Yikes!
As to weight on back helping the hammering, I don't feel that so much, BUT hammering on a relatively unencumbered bike is WAY MORE FUN than hammering on a bike with a buncha junk in the trunk.
Today I took my pannier equipped bike in to work, pulling the trailer AND wearing my backpack.
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 05-13-10 at 01:35 PM.