I was wondering if any commuters out there have figured out an optimal way of carrying a briefcase. I know I could buy a briefcase/pannier hybrid, but most of the ones I've seen are pretty ugly. I'd much rather take my nice leather case if possible. For the last few months I've put it inside a large carradice-style rear bag and lashed it in there with some bungee cords, but I was hoping there might be a better solution out there.

Put your briefcase into a waterproof stuff sack and lash it to the top of the rear rack?

I switched to an Italian style briefcase and get a huge amount of complements on it from men and women alike.

https://www.pierotucci.com/product.as...10&valuta_id=2

it fits into my backpack when I need it and goes very well with a superslim suit by Tiger of Sweden

Brompton A bag is darned near a briefcase & fits on their head tube QR clip..

put it in a platic bag during rainy days, and then sit it here.. https://fietsspul.nl/handigedragers/1...e-de-luxe.html

https://www.retrovelo.de/framebag.html

I commute with one of these:


The Arkel briefcase has an internal suspended neoprene pouch for a laptop, and hangs nicely on the rear rack.

It sounds like you're not looking for a new, cycling-specific briefcase, but a handy way to carry a conventional briefcase. Would it fit in one of those collapsible wire side baskets, that mount on the side of a rear rack?

That has got to be one of the best reasons to ride a DF bike that I've ever seen!

Just curious. Classic briefcase dimensions were originally dictated by the need to accomodate legal size documents (11x17"). Since almost all non-legal documents are currently 8.5x11" and the largest item most people carry in a briefcase is (a) a laptop or (b) their lunch - what are YOU personally carrying that needs a full sized briefcase?

I currently have three that see no use and am using some smaller bags instead that will hold 8.5x11 documents vertically and a smaller notebook, and can be slung over a shoulder or fit in most panniers.

Me too. Love it. Only carry it when I need to bring the PC with me though.

I'm thinking about trying that, but I'm worried that a typical rack wouldn't be wide enough. to keep it in place. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. I have a minirack on the rear at the moment and would have to decide on a replacement.

Huh, just did a google search of what you're talking about. Yeah, it might! Looks pretty inexpensive too.

Wow, that's gorgeous. Only holds a 13 "laptop though and mine's 15

I wouldn't ride with a nice leather briefcase strapped to a rack for fear that it would just get grubby when it rains or when the roads are wet. And I wouldn't want to scuff it if there's one of those ooh ouch moments involving cars, streetcar tracks or trucks.

Can you find a pannier that's large enough to fit it?

That's what I do when I'm carrying my leather briefcase. Put it in something waterproof and then bungee strap it to the rack. It feels plenty secure, and I've never had a problem.

too much style for the average american.

Maybe scale that suggestion back.

Laptop bag from WalMart
Off the rack ill fitting 'suit'
Rubber soled faux leather shoes

I was always able to fit a 15.6" laptop in its laptop bag into my rear pannier. That worked for me.

Regarding the wire basket, just be careful to check if it will have heel clearance.

I've sometimes placed a briefcase sideways on my rear rack (handle towards the seat post) and run a bungee cord from one back corner of the rack over the briefcase, under the front of the rack and then back over the briefcase again to the other back corner of the rack. That would be for a softer brief case so the bungee presses into it, and one where you don't care about scuffing. You can run the cord through the briefcase handle for a little extra security.

You didn't mention the size of your leather briefcase, so not sure if this is going to be large enough.
The Aerostich Parcel bag, at (14”×9”×26”) could possibly hold a standard size briefcase. Available in both, waterproof Cordura or Waxed cotton.
They make some of the finest motorcycle gear around and their customer service is top notch!
https://www.aerostich.com/bags/should...s/courier-bags

I just came across this site from Croatia: Busy Basket / Home / Busy Basket - A basket for carrying a laptop or a briefcase on a bicycle

Looks exactly like what you (and I) are looking for. But I can't find anything like it online. If anyone has seen anything like this for purchase, I'd love a link.

There are a lot of panniers that would fit a normal briefcase inside. I use Banjo Brothers Waterproof Panniers (~$50), and they would definitely hold most briefcases.

Getcha one of these:

100% fashion and 0% usability unless you just need to carry pizza slices.

I chose this and have been pleased: https://www.bikebagshop.com/racktime...er-p-2566.html

Yeah,that was a joke.