Do you prefer a backpack or rack?
05-05-13 | 11:58 AM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 23
We all need to learn to adapt riding without a backpack after the Boston bombing:
"Backpacks, saddle bags and hydration systems were banned from the 40 mile, car-free ride through the five boroughs" in this bike tour: New York’s Five Boro Bike Tour: More than 32,000 ‘ride for Boston’
"Backpacks, saddle bags and hydration systems were banned from the 40 mile, car-free ride through the five boroughs" in this bike tour: New York’s Five Boro Bike Tour: More than 32,000 ‘ride for Boston’
05-05-13 | 12:20 PM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Bikes: Trek 9th District, CAAD 10, Crux
05-05-13 | 12:43 PM
#28
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
We all need to learn to adapt riding without a backpack after the Boston bombing:
"Backpacks, saddle bags and hydration systems were banned from the 40 mile, car-free ride through the five boroughs" in this bike tour: New York’s Five Boro Bike Tour: More than 32,000 ‘ride for Boston’
"Backpacks, saddle bags and hydration systems were banned from the 40 mile, car-free ride through the five boroughs" in this bike tour: New York’s Five Boro Bike Tour: More than 32,000 ‘ride for Boston’
way overreaction.
edit: that won't happen over here. also, why not ban selling pressure cookers as well.
Last edited by acidfast7; 05-05-13 at 12:53 PM.
05-05-13 | 01:29 PM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: New madrid Mo
Bikes: diamondback outlook turned commuter/ bike packer And a tour easy recumbent for on road touring
p4d They make racks that you bolt to your axle. I got a set on my bike here is what I have. And it come with a bracket that hooks to you seat post bolt on the frame or you can get a apiece of metal and bolt it to the back of the seat either way it stays put it will work for 700c wheels also
05-05-13 | 01:46 PM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 255
Likes: 4
From: Spartanburg, SC, USA
Bikes: 1983 Fuji Touring Series IV, Masi Volumetrica 3VC
I've been commuting to work for several years now. I used a backpack until last year, when I switched to a trunk bag on my bike's rear rack. After one ride, I wondered why I waited so long. No more sweaty back. No more obscured view in my rear view mirror. No more dealing with the weight on my back, and having it shift around unexpectedly. My only complaint is that it takes a little longer to load and unload the bike. But it's a tradeoff I'm willing to live with.
05-05-13 | 02:13 PM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 0
From: North County San Diego
Rack. I can barely even stand to have my phone and a couple granola bars in the jersey pockets while on the road bike. Just don't like the feeling of something against my back when riding.
05-05-13 | 03:58 PM
#34
On the lam
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,470
Likes: 96
From: The Village
A rack and panniers for me, my back is sweaty enough, plus less strain on one's spine, I'd rather have the rear wheel take the brunt. I can get new rear wheels regularly at the LBS for a whole lot cheaper than back surgery. If I do opt for a backpack in certain situations, I strap it to my rear rack or stuff it into one of my other bikes' rear folding side baskets.
05-05-13 | 04:24 PM
#35
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 22
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Downtube 8H, Surly Troll
Another vote for Topeak rack and bag. Keeps stuff off of my back and slides off and carries easily. Plus I can fold down the panniers if I have more gear than normal. Also I've gone the combo route where I have a backpack or satchel and just drop it into a rear basket or a grocery bag pannier.
05-05-13 | 04:27 PM
#36
I am a caffine girl
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Stumpjumper FSR Comp...2010 Scott CR1 CF...2007 Novara FS Float2.0...2009 Specialized Hardrock Disc...2009 Schwinn Le Tour GSr
I favor rack over backpack. Backpack is nice because it load and go after swinging it on your back, but I still like rack simply because there is much more option to choose. I can go from a topeak MTX style bag to a pannier or even a grocery pannier and throw my back pack into that. Another nice thing about having a pannier on a rack is that I can mount the pannier on the left side of my bike which gives me more apperance of being wider than I really am especially if the pannier has reflective coating. Works well when I mount my light on the pannier on the side. I do notice I get more closer car buzzing me when I am out on my roadie with nothing on the bike as compare to when I am out and about with a large loaded pannier mounted on the left side of my bike.
05-05-13 | 07:49 PM
#37
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 0
If you have paved surfaces, have a decent distance between stops, and minimal walking around off the bike once you get to your destination... I'd opt for pannier(s). However, if your route includes some singletrack, you are making several stops that are relatively close together or had to do some considerable amount of walking while keeping your bag(s) with you... backpack.
In truth, there is no right or wrong answer here. You will get all kinds of responses, whether it be panniers, backpack, mess bag, expanding trunk bag, folding baskets, Carradice type saddle bags, or even an odd nod to the all mighty milk crate.
I personally have hit upon the solution of using a backpack along with one or both of my old Nashbar Townie grocery panniers. Backpack can be shoved into the pannier for comfort or worn for maximum cargo capacity. The panniers fold up when not needed so that they aren't catching wind and a u-lock can be stuffed into one when folded, but they aren't the easiest to mount/remove (compared to Arkel and Ortlieb).
In truth, there is no right or wrong answer here. You will get all kinds of responses, whether it be panniers, backpack, mess bag, expanding trunk bag, folding baskets, Carradice type saddle bags, or even an odd nod to the all mighty milk crate.
I personally have hit upon the solution of using a backpack along with one or both of my old Nashbar Townie grocery panniers. Backpack can be shoved into the pannier for comfort or worn for maximum cargo capacity. The panniers fold up when not needed so that they aren't catching wind and a u-lock can be stuffed into one when folded, but they aren't the easiest to mount/remove (compared to Arkel and Ortlieb).
I think this is all really subjective and a lot of people here seem to have overactive sweat glands. I'm from southern California and I never had that problem, not even here in hot and humid Korea.
Anyway, I think it's important to note whether or not you use a rack and panniers or backpack, distance of commute, frequency of stops, and weight of backpack. Those things all figure significantly into the choice. Also, sweat glands. In fact, I'll make a poll out of it soon.
05-05-13 | 08:23 PM
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Jefferson City, MO
Bikes: LHT, Giant Defy2, 83 Fuji Del Rey
If you are only going a couple of miles, and only occasionally, you may be able to get by with a backpack, but for all the other reasons listed here, you'll want to get a rack and either panniers or a rack bag. I'm much more comfortable hanging my stuff off my bike instead of me.
Start with what you have, and if you like commuting, get a rack and bag/panniers. The only wrong action is to not try commuting :-)
Start with what you have, and if you like commuting, get a rack and bag/panniers. The only wrong action is to not try commuting :-)
05-05-13 | 08:41 PM
#39
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,328
Likes: 3,518
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Milk crate. Wasn't kidding. Available in many sizes and all colors. Zip-tie it to the rack, zip ties are also available in any color. If I had it to do over I might trim out a handle so it fit under the saddle, or pick a lower size like the ones for 2L bottles.
IMG_0584 by Darth Lefty, on Flickr
But sometimes discretion is the better part of valor
IMG_0799 by Darth Lefty, on Flickr
IMG_0584 by Darth Lefty, on Flickr
But sometimes discretion is the better part of valor
IMG_0799 by Darth Lefty, on Flickr
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 05-05-13 at 08:45 PM.
05-05-13 | 08:55 PM
#40
On the lam
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,470
Likes: 96
From: The Village
Light loads, these are great, pack a heavy load of groceries/items, no fun at all due to it's high center of gravity. I have a combination of panniers, lightweight low profile rear basket. The lighter weight items go up top in the basket, with the heavier items going to the lower center of gravity panniers (pets are definitely exempted from this).
05-05-13 | 09:18 PM
#42
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
Backpack for me - I make all kinds of stops (Walgreens, convenience stores, an Ace Hardware, here and there) and having the backpack is a lot more convenient when I lock up the bike. I do have a milk crate on a rack however to carry stuff if my load gets too heavy. Here it is (yep the ugly guy is me):
__________________
********************************
Trikeman
Trikeman
05-05-13 | 09:33 PM
#43
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,328
Likes: 3,518
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
I only ever got head shake once with the crate, when riding hands free and actually holding the crate, and carrying a big rock (see other thread). But it's definitely a pain to deal with when picking the bike up off the ground. I have gotten a kickstand since then and I think that would have helped a lot.
05-05-13 | 09:47 PM
#44
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 4
From: Naptown
Bikes: NWT 24sp DD; Brompton M6R
Rack, basket zip-tied to the rack, backpack in the basket.
I hate having something on my back on the bike due to sweat issues, plus just the weight of the pack. But a backpack is convenient to have off the bike; with the basket, it's just grab-and-go. I also like having the basket on the bike for unexpected stops.
I hate having something on my back on the bike due to sweat issues, plus just the weight of the pack. But a backpack is convenient to have off the bike; with the basket, it's just grab-and-go. I also like having the basket on the bike for unexpected stops.
05-05-13 | 10:12 PM
#45
Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
I need to get riding again, and the new job has showers, lockers, and bike storage. I need to bring back and forth my laptop, lunch, the essentials for clothes change, and stuff I haven't thought of. I don't have a bike that with rack eyelets, so I'm curious your thoughts on backpag vs rack. I'm in SoCal, so weather is not an issue.
I never wear a backpack for a commute.
05-06-13 | 04:57 AM
#47
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
The luxury of time is big factor: it's much quicker and easier to dismount and lock your bike with your load already on your shoulder than to have to take it off of a rack or out of a pannier. That might not mean much to some, but do it several times a day and you will see where the time goes and why it can be seen as a hassle.
05-06-13 | 05:04 AM
#48
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Spokane
I have used both panniers and a backpack. I have found I prefer a third option, frame pack and seat bag. This combination works well for my needs but the downside is its not easily removed and hauling capacity isn't as good as some big panniers. But its very light weight, waterproof, and you maintain excellent handling of the bike.
05-06-13 | 06:31 AM
#50
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 8,101
Likes: 17
From: Minneapolis
Just from observation, it seems that riding style and bike geometry have a significant impact on whether one prefers a backpack, messenger bag or panniers.
I've used all 3 but have settled on a backpack for now. My commute is intended to be a workout so I sweat backpack or not. I will also make a stop or two along the way so I find a backpack more convenient. Don't particularly like the way my bike performs with a loaded pannier on it either.
Folks on a more upright bike will find a backpack more uncomfortable than people on a bike with an aggressive geometry. The latter spreads the weight more evenly across back and shoulders.