rmcray08

Hey guys-

I tried doing a quick search for this on the forum but I couldn't find anything, so my apologies if this is redundant.

I was wondering if anyone might have any pointers or could point me to a resource on ways to securely bungee/attach cargo to my rear rack. Specifically, I'm thinking about my backpack, as it throws me off balance a little bit and makes my back nice and sticky from sweat. I've gotten it on there, but I find if I hit a little turbulence that the bag might end up on the ground.

Here's a picture of my rack, if it helps.



Thanks in advance!

2manybikes

1) Extremely nice rack. Do you know the name?

2) Bungee net, Like a bungee cord, but a net. It will work perfectly with a backpack. Make sure the straps of the bag are secure and away from the wheel.
an inexpensive bag that mounts on the side of the rack (pannier) will hold a small back pack even better.

dynodonn 

I use this in addition to my panniers and basket.

wrobertdavis

Lots of people automatically go to bungee-like tiedowns and cargo nets because that is what is commonly available in bike shops. I have found that nylon straps with buckles are much more secure and its easier to fasten all kinds of odd shaped loads securely with them. Straps are usually available for $6-$8 each at camping equipment stores or touring oriented websites.

Here are some examples:

https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...h-strap/20-138

https://www.rei.com/product/800862

I use the straps sold by Rivendell.

rmcray08

Thanks! Unfortunately, I don't have any idea on the name...it came stock with my Target Schwinn. I'm definitely planning to upgrade to a more stable pannier/trunk bag solution once I have some money to spend on it, but as a starving student right now I just have to make do. Could you point me to an example of the type of pannier/bag you're talking about that would hold a bookbag?

@dynodonn: Thanks, that looks like a solid net. I bought a net from Performance when I walked in the other day, but for whatever reason it has only two hooks, which doesn't seem to quite foot the bill.

MichaelW

Backpacks should be placed straps up to avoid tangling in the spokes. They need at least 2 bungies. In wet conditions, a rear fender wil keep the bag clean.

I have toured for a week with a small loaded backpack bungied to the rack.

I attatch bungies to the lower part of the leg or wrap them around the top platform, whatever works.

For larger and heavier loads such as bags of cement or plaster, I have made a platform extender , just a bit of plywood with some holes, that I wire to the platform.

khutch

I use these straps from Ikea. I'll try to remember to post some pictures of how I mounted them tonight. At 11 feet long you will want to shorten them and it takes some effort to mount them. The work great though.

Ken

2manybikes

Here are three different ideas. The first can be used as a book bag and a pannier. The last is like a grocery shopping bag.


https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...0_20000_400031

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...7_20000_400031

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400007_400031

rmcray08

Thank you all for the suggestions and ideas! For the time being I'm going to grab a decent cargo net and a couple sets of nylon straps. After playing with things a while yesterday, I feel like I was able to get it tied down securely with very little wiggle room.

slims_s

I grab my backpack into my (kinda small) rack with 2 bungee cords, in an "x" shape. I leave the straps facing down, also in an "x" shape, so they have less possibilities of even touching the tire. Works for me, never had a problem Will take a picture when i arrive home today.

Chalupa102

I use 3 bungee cords. I also use an "x" shape with 2 bungee cords and the other one i put across the middle.

iforgotmename

I use a cargo net and these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product I purchased mine at Dick's sporting goods. I really like the straps although the green one is way too long. I strap a small cooler on the front and a small military bag on the rear. The only thing is that you have to wrap the tan strap.

mijome07

Or get some pannier hardware and convert your back pack to a 'pannier pack'. I'm going to be doing this for a friend.

gerv 

Be very careful with common bungees with hook ends. If they get loose and end up in your wheel, you may be in for a surprise. Probably a good idea to invest in some ball bungees...

rex_kramer

Buy a "tub o' bungees" and just experiment with the different lengths to make sure you get a tight fit. If that doesn't work out, you can always return them and likely find bungee kits to make your own lengths. You'll quickly realize which spots on the rack make good anchor points and which don't just by trial and error (at home, not on the road). I use a Topeak MTX EX and carry the bungees in the side pouches. As long as I can get them over the load in a criss-cross pattern so it can't shift, I'm happy

randomgear

To get more utility from your rack, you can bungee or zip-tie a milk crate or a legal size wire "in-basket" from an office supply store to your rack. That's what I did for a while. You can also buy the very nicely made Wald baskets for a bit more and for more dough you can buy panniers. It's also possible to DIY your own panniers for very little. BF member MechanicalIron who I think posts on both the commuter and utility forums has done some amazing DIY work; some of which is here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ver-the-winter

colleen c

Amen. That's what I eventually am doing at the present moment. I zips tied the bottom of a regular travel bag that fits perfectly on top of the rack. Then I just place the backpack inside the bag and zipper it inside. No hassle with bungee cord or having the weight on one side of the bike. It also gives me the option of wearing the backpack when I have extra load from shopping which I can thrown that into the luggage bag and wear the back pack.

Tommy

...a good way is to use any old inner-tube...

zacster

I use a Blackburn specific stretch cord with a Blackburn rack. I go from front, over the backpack, under the rack to the middle stay and then across the top and hooked on the opposite side so that it is held in all four directions with one cord. I haven't had any problems this way yet, but I'm not sure it is the most secure way to carry stuff. I'm looking into panniers at the moment but they can be expensive. My main requirement is that I can take it off the bike and use it as an easy carry bag without looking like a bike dork, although the helmet and gloves take care of that.

wrobertdavis

It looks very similar to an Axiom Odyssee.

no1mad 

A milk crate can potentially be the least expensive route, but it sort of depends on a)how big of backpack the OP uses, and b)how much stuff that pack is packed with. One of Wald's baskets should work.

fietsbob

there are Double ended Buckles from Outdoor sports equipment/ back pack shops like REI and Seattle Fabrics , You can use them with a length of nylon webbing,
no sewing involved, to strap things down bounce lessly ..
I recently saw small snap hooks that combine a knotless manner to use cordage, Rope in other words , in the big box store , seemed a clever solution for those who have a hard time tying knots.. shock cord would work with those too, having a gate close over the hook would reduce the tendency of the Bungee coming un-hooked.

woodway

I use one of these:

https://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/CargoNet

The net has a plastic hook at each corner that will hook onto any rack (not just a Topeak rack).

no motor?

If your backpack is big enough, you can get a cargo net at most motorcycle shops for under $10. They have 6 hooks and are the bigger version of the bicycle one recommended earlier.

flyingWeez

I mean am I just riding wrong or something? I've read everyone's posts and none of that works for me and my book bag. Bungee cords (pretty tight ones too) just don't keep my bag on the rack. I've also tried a bungee cargo net from rei, toppeak I think. Is my bag too heavy, am I flailing wildly and out of control when I ride (not actually the case). And would y'all suggest zip ties for keeping a milk crate on the rack it something else?