The eternal backpack issue
 

I don't like wearing a backpack, I don't like using panniers, I don't like trunk bags. I've considered a saddle bag, but wonder how I'd affix my 3 rear lights with it on my bike.

Is there a solution out there for me to carry:
- trousers
- socks
- underwear
- shirt
- lunch
- bike tools

I don't mind splitting them out over more than 1 bag.

I don't like backpacks because of the sweaty back, panniers and trunk bags because of the change of the bike handling - the bike feels so much more nimble and maneuverable without them.

Thanks

Daven

It might help if you could say why you don't like those different types of bag.

Ultimately if you want to carry stuff it needs to go in a bag of some description and if you don't like any of the options you have to pick the one you dislike the least, or not carry stuff.

You could look at something like a Topeak Dynapack (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=28759) - it gives you some storage without the need for a pannier rack. I never used one so can't say if it's any good or not.

Seat wedge or frame bag for the tools, handlebar bag for the rest? Or a front basket to put a backpack that contains everything in?

Sorry you are correct I should have said why I don't like them - will post here and also update the OP.

I don't like backpacks because of the sweaty back, panniers and trunk bags because of the change of the bike handling - the bike feels so much more nimble and maneuverable without them.

A seat wedge & handlebar bag might work - any recommendations?

Thanks

I'd be surprised if you really notice a whole lot of difference between a bike with a small trunk bag and a bike without it. Ultimately you have to choose between carrying stuff and dealing with the extra weight/handling issues/sweaty back. When you're commuting to work it's probably not an option to leave your shirt and trousers at home but maybe you could leave them in the office and only deal with the extra weight at the beginning and end of the week?

I must admit I notice very little difference between a bike with just the pannier rack and a bike with a pannier on the side of it, unless the pannier is heavily loaded. Even then the main difference I notice is I often use a slightly lower gear when climbing. If you're riding to work I don't imagine your primary focus is on speed.

It's probably worth having a small wedge bag for things like your bike tools and a separate bag for your clothes. If nothing else it keeps greasy tools away from your nice clean shirt.

I can't really leave things at work as it makes it far more complicated when I get there and when I go home (gym is on the ground floor, I sit on the 3rd and the lifts are slow (and no stairs)!

Maybe the trunk bag I use to use was too big.

I guess my issue is one of my main focuses is speed! I ride a road bike and love riding quickly. Maybe I'm just stuck with a backpack :(

Maybe your bag was too big. You could always look to ride as fast as you can between home and work accepting the limitations of hauling stuff and then really give it some beans at the weekend. Otherwise, as you say, you've got to carry the stuff one way or another.

When you mention the gym is that somewhere you could leave stuff in a locker? If so you can cycle to work on a Monday with a week's worth of clean clothes and put them in the locker. Then you cycle in, shower, change, whatever you need and at the end of the day you change back into your cycling gear and ride home. On a Friday you take a week's worth of dirty laundry home with you, wash it, then repeat the following week.

Stick 20 or 15 lbs anywhere on a bike and there's no way it won't affect the ride and handling. Personally I like front racks but that's just me.

The other comment is that not all backpacks are the same. Something with a proper harness is a lot more comfortable and cooler than something that just happens to have two shoulder straps.

well if you don't like backpacks, or trunks, or panniers, i guess towing a trailer is out. so basically, you just want to ride the bike itself. my suggestion is to ship your clothes via the post office ahead of time to work, and carry a few tools in your pockets.
that's about all you've got left man.
you're basically asking how can i turn on my computer if i don't want to use electricity?

I hate the sweaty back, too. I also hate riding with anything on my person. Alas, I finally realized I had no other option but to bite the bullet and invest in a HUGE backpack made for cycling in which I could stuff EVERYTHING in while keeping it waterproof. Work shoes, extra set of clothes, food, computer, some tools, toiletries, U-lock, hand pump and inner tube, keys, EVERYTHING fits nicely and safely in my Chrome Ivan bag. A little hipster? Yes. Made my commute much much much easier? Yes. Affect my balance and ride? Minimally relative to a North Face bag or one-strap bag (yes, it still is a backpack like any other, but I find that I can adjust it to a place on my back for optimal balance). Sweaty back? Of course, but there's plenty of room for an extra shirt in there, and the bag itself has a backing material that dries extra quickly.

As others have pointed out you can't have your cake and eat it too.

Are you wearing a real biking jersey that will wick away moisture that will allow you to carry a backpack without getting soaked too badly?

Perhaps a sling bag that you can carry in front of you?

A backpack that mounts on a frame would stand away from your back better?

Load into several bags front, middle and back to spread the load and minimize your handling concerns.

Can you get a friend that lives closer to work to "stage" your belongings, change there and walk or continue to bike to work?

Take a weeks worths of stuff with you by car on Monday, bike the remaining days and bring more the next Monday and take back your dirty stuff on Monday night via car.

BTW: What country are you in where there are lifts and no stairs? MOST countries do not allow this and require emergency stairs.

I have a front rack, seen here:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=330253

I strap a soft messenger bag to it, as you can see here:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=330254http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=330255

Personally, I like this option. And I carry pretty much all of the things you are asking about, along with shoes, belt, pocket stuff, etc. and when I get to work, I can just use it as a messenger bag, because that's what it is.
I'm not sure if this rack would work on your bike, and probably you wouldn't want it anyway, judging from your outlook on panniers, racks, etc. but I thought I'd mention it.

That said, I am getting a rear rack in the next couple of weeks to try out how I like riding with panniers.

It sounds to me like you're using a bike not well designed for carrying panniers...can we see a photo? Have you considered a front rack or basket? Your bike might be better aimed at front weight than rear.

You can try this:
1. cook 4 day worth of lunch
2. pack 4 day worth of work cloth in a pack.
3. Drive to work on monday
4. commute rest of the week without any bags.

Without knowing what part of the UK the OP is from it's hard to know whether driving to work is even a sensible option. Companies in big cities often don't have staff parking and public parking is inevitably at a premium.

I'm surprised there are apparently no stairs. Unless there are stairs reserved for emergency use only (which seems unlikely) then working on the 3rd floor without stairs would seem like a fundamental breach of fire safety regulations. How would you evacuate in the event of a fire if all you've got is a very slow lift (especially given standard advice not to use the lift in an emergency)?

There are stairs but emergency only from the ground floor as they don't have a barrier for us to swipe our entry cards.

Looks like I'm stuck with the backpack...wonder if there are any ones with active cooling!

I'm looking into getting an osprey day pack...many different sizes, known for their light weight, durability and they have a great design for back ventilation. Worth checking out! For me, if it doesn't work and I end up going to panniers, ill just return it to rei. Best return policy ever there.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._SL1500_.jpg

What I use, after struggling with backpacks.

I saw a one wheeled trailer with suspension yesterday...maybe that would be the ticket? The rider said it really eliminated that trailer feel and made it silky smooth on bumps.

I'll try and find the brand...I think it was B.O.B. or something similar.

Edit - found it:

http://www.amazon.com/BOB-Ibex-Suspe...b+ibex+trailer

I've heard good things about this too.

http://bicycletouringpro.com/blog/wp...ke-trailer.jpg

That's the best idea for a touring trailer that I have seen! Double O

Pannier rack plus delta cargo net:

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Mega-Rac.../dp/B000ACAMII

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=330536

I would suggest buying a Zeitgeist bag. They're built by Swift out of Seattle. I have the large one and it fits the few items I take to work with me. I do have a locker at work to store extra items. In the 11 litre bag I can fit my lunch, change of socks, work shirt, xtra tube. It has a two pockets located on each side which I keep a tool kit in one, lights in another. Check it out. It doesn't affect the way I ride either.

fanny packs are always nice.

dont they also have frame bags that are made to go from the top tube to the seat tube and are maybe 2 inches wide in the shape of a triangle?

A lot of ideas here to try and accommodate the OP. Sorry, but I'm gonna be a real smartass here:

Get over it, HTFU, and ride with something simple. Prima donna dilettante.