If you like a rack, I say put a rack on there. It's only 4 or 5 small screws max - you could easily take it off any time in a couple minutes.

I like the look of the quick-release hanging bags - very classy. I might eventually get one for certain occasions. But they aren't going to help me haul around 25 pounds of groceries (like today - 20 pound bag of dry dogfood plus a couple of items), so that would severely limit my definition of "commuting" to mean "to-and-from work only". I like "commuting" to mean for me: going to work, going to visit mom and dad, meeting my kids for a movie, going to the grocery for my wife, going to the hardware store, going to church, etc. I couldn't do most of that without a rack that can carry a lot of different loads, but when I don't want it on there, the rack is off in a couple of minutes.

I just looked at those Carradice bags... Oh man !! They are expensive. $135 dollars for the bag and another $ 60 dollars extra for a quick realease...that adds up to $ 295 dollars for a seat post mounted bag. WOW :twitchy: That is one heck of an expensive way to carry few small essentials :notamused:..Carradice bags are nice for Randoneuring , Touring or long distance riding but for commuting on urban city streets I would choose something cheaper.
I do like the frame bags, but I would never use one if I had to leave my bike locked outside.

Same here. As with my previous comment, it's pretty clear that there are 2 kinds of commuters that ride, car replacement riders, and those that ride only on specific trips, such as to work and back. I cannot be bothered with very small solutions, as i often carry up over 50 lbs several miles. In summer everything fits in my shorts pockets, and backpack is used for anything larger or anything i dont want flopping around in a pocket. I do see some roadies with large backpacks, but i dress for the destination as well as the trip. For instance, if it's 2 degrees out, im gonna be wearing my triclimate north face jacket, hat under helmet in place of the pads, multiple things to stop the wind, and often 2 thin thermal pants under jeans. The triclimate i can then take apart and just wear the liner & take an outer shirt off. Thats where my backpack comes in sometimes, as i'll go into a starbucks or a movie or cafe, or the occasional grocery stop. I cannot fit the liner and shirt in a small thing on the bike. Conversely, on warmer daysit might be nice to have everything in a small seatpost mounted container or handlebar bag to keep my shorts unladen for maximum comfort, then i can ride to the park, skip some rocks and leave all my stuff locked up on the bike...

- Andy

+1

I use a Carradice Bagman (original) quick release support with a Zimbale 18 liter bag every day. After replacing the bags lower buckle with a plastic clip type, my bag is on and off the bike in seconds. Literally two pinches and I'm away. A shoulder strap tucked under the flap makes it comfortable over my shoulder off the bike. It looks good and holds enough for lunch or a change of clothes in addition to my pump, spare tube, tools, a couple of power bars, my wallet, phone, keys and glasses case. It's basically a combination of the top of my dresser, a purse, a courier bag, and a pannier all in one.

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/51...0/842/c7mg.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/48.../842/c66nq.jpg

It's black, so it goes with anything I own. I've accessorized it with a Carradice Cape Roll, some nice vintage leather straps and a couple of wooden D rings.

If you put a cardboard box inside of it, it is nice and tall when empty instead of looking floppy. This also gives you four slim defacto pockets around the inside which are good for securing tools and first aid kit, spare handkerchief etc. Something about just having those walls there makes it easier to organize, and easier to keep organized. I think it's easier to see everything better that way too.

That's another way the saddlebag support really makes its worth felt. I've hung this bag off a saddle that I couldn't clamp the Bagman quick release support off of and I didn't like it as much. Having the bag supported, you can walk up to it like you have a car trunk and rummage around in it. It's easy to stow stuff in it, and easy to retrieve things from it. With it unsupported its harder to get into the bag and harder to see what is in it.

It also comes in olive:

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/60...0/835/bzcg.jpg



The Carradice bags are also quite nice and very similar to the Zimbale.

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/64...0/843/e5a2.jpg

That Carradice about the same size as my 18 Liter Zimbale, and I've got my cape roll strapped to the top of it similarly (although nicer!). Makes a handy place to put a sweater or coat.

When you don't have the bag mounted, all that is left behind is the hoop and the quick release, weighs basically nothing. I'm not finding a nice looking picture of it on a bike, without the bag in the way, but this is basically it:

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...aSDszv4SRCSFJM

Arkel makes a great rack that clips on to the seat. Literally takes seconds to attach. They have a couple of bags that attach very securely to that rack.

For clothes and minor stuff, the saddlebag racks like Relevate or better yet, Bolderbikepacking are excellent.

http://bolderbikepacking.files.wordp...rd-touring.jpg

I just bought my second bag from Greg at Bolder Bike Packing and they are fantastic, very light and you can put an amazing amount of stuff in them.

Bolder Bikepacking Gear « Rugged lightweight bikepacking gear for racers and adventurers.

For a road bike depending on how aggressive it's geometry is, you will want to work towards minimizing the weight on the rack/seat post because of how it will impact the handling of the bike. You'll have to experiment and see.

J.

The quick release bears repeating, makes it so nice!

I bought my Carradice Cape Roll direct from England. Even with shipping, it was cheaper than I could have got it in the US.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=377080

I wouldn't say that's too aggressive, right..? It's a WSD so it was built to have a more relaxed sitting position. It definitely has smaller, more narrow handlebars for my wimpy lady hands, which is another reason I shy away from the handlebar bags. I think so far I like the quick release seat post rack idea or the triangle bag. It needs to be easily removable but stay steady during the ride, especially since I go through some sketchy industrial roads and a narrow overpass on my commute. Strapping the triangle bag on and off seems like it would take the same amount of time I do tying down my backpack with a bungee net. I also like that there are less components with that setup--backpack straps and bungee hooks get tangled and messy. I have also had my bungee hooks catch in my spokes when there was nothing tied down and I forgot to secure it. Luckily it has only been when I was walking the bike.. that would be ugly on the road :(

As much as I like the Carradice and Zimbale setups, I just don't have that kind of money to spend on something I don't really need. I got the bike for $300 on Craigslist, so I would feel a little silly spending more on a bag than the bike itself. I appreciate the tip though; I'll most likely end up buying them when I have more disposable income. As for the most common way to carry, I think it depends on the type of cyclist. Most casual commuters have backpacks from what I've seen. Roadies rarely carry more than a saddlebag, and beach cruisers have those front baskets.. I haven't really seen any of these other solutions before (which is why I'm really glad I asked).

2012 finest 3.0? That is a solid bike. Actually knowing what you have is very useful in terms of making a suggestion!

Perhaps a small handlebar mounted bag would fit your needs? I've seen them in bike shops with smaller bags, and they seem functional and practical based on what you described as wanting to carry. The height of your seat may preclude the space needed for a seatpost mounted solution, which is why i'm recommending the handlebar bag. The other option is to get a rack, which i believe that model is compatible with. Rack means you can do other things, but those other things are more expensive in general. You may find that a rack alone is around same cost as small simple handlebar bag...

Hope this helps!

- Andy

I will add something... as you pointed out the price.... The MSRP/retail on that model was around 800-900 USD, and based on just the one photo it looks like its in pristine condition. It has a carbon front fork and other higher end things to it that you may appreciate more with time... So, please do not be in the mindset that spending money on good gear to make it fit your needs perfectly is silly. Fuji is a quality brand, and no one is going to look twice at that bike with a nice bag, rack, whatever on it. That's what it was designed for. Of course not everyone has moneymoneymoney for the ultimate setup, but you shouldn't let a smaller budget discourage you. Just ask questions & do your homework and you'll end up with exactly what you need, and you cant really put a price on that. :)

- Andy

FWIW, the Zimbale bags are less expensive than the Carradice ones. IIRC, I paid about $120 for my 18 liter capacity Zimbale. I think their prices have gone up a little bit in the past three years, but not much, last time I checked. The hoop part of the Carradice bag support is really nice, but if money is an issue you might try it with just the quick release part. IIRC, this is significantly cheaper on its own, but if you are up for a little challenge, I've seen pictures on the internet of people crafting this theirselves out of parts from a hardware store.

If you are a smaller statured person, be aware that there needs to be enough space between your saddle and your rear tire for a large saddlebag. If that is you pictured on the bike, you'll be fine. In fact, you might be just the height on that bike to let a large saddlebag rest on a rear rack instead of a bag support. There are some minimalist racks out there that don't add much weight and aren't very cluttered looking. This one on Ebay is only $15:
Bike Panniers Front Rack for Bicycle Touring Fork Trekking Bags | eBay

I will emphasize this point again: If you order Carradice bags direct from them in England, they have much wider selection and lower prices. Prices include the VAT (value added tax), which does not apply to US residents, so you can deduct about 15% from the prices to account for that. Make sure to convert Pounds to Dollars as well. Shipping costs are reasonable. Here is a link to their website:

https://carradice.co.uk/

US dealers mark up the prices on Carradice bags A LOT and typically have poor selection of models or are out of stock.

Yeah that’s me on the bike. It’s a 56cm and I’m 5’9”, if that gives an indication of size. That’s a good heads up about the seat post length (my Univega had much more space because the frame was too small). There is enough room for at least one attachment as long as it can hold a blinky light on the end.

I have had the rear rack for so long that I would like to try the triangle bag first on my new bike. For now, I’m going with this in the large size:
Amazon.com: Ibera Bicycle Triangle Frame Bag: Sports & Outdoors

It has good reviews and is more in my budget. My Univega has a very similar rear rack to the one you listed on eBay, and as much as I love it for convenience, my back wheel kicks up a lot of dirt onto it. I’m a little concerned about crosswind drag with this frame bag (the Santa Ana winds can get pretty bad during fall and winter in this area), and if it’s too bad I think I’ll invest in a Carradice or Zimbale bag. I commute often enough for it to be worth the steeper price so I won’t have to keep replacing worn out bungee cords, and the bags don’t add as much surface area.

I’ve never ordered from the UK so thanks for letting me know about the VAT issue! I know I sound like a super stickler on price, but part of the reason I bike around is to save money. I appreciate the comment about the value of the bike though. I stalked higher end Fujis on Craigslist for three months before I found that deal on my size in a WSD, and just about had a heart attack when it popped up lol

If you can put a rear rack on your Fuji, and costs are an issue, then a racktop bag would be an excellent option for carrying gear. I've got a Banjo Brothers racktop bag that only cost about $35 new and holds about the same volume of gear as my Carradice Barley. You can probably find less expensive racktop bags on eBay but I wouldn't go too cheap because a poorly constructed rack bag will sag or flop to one side.

20% VAT.

1.67 USD to 1 GBP

FWIW

For light loads, I've gone through a couple different solutions:

Topeak handlebar bag. OK for lighter loads; I don't like how high it carries weight or how it looks, can interfere with some cable runs depending on your controls setup.

Baileyworks bag on a VO Pass Hunter Rack. Better than hbar bag above for carrying weight down low, but not immediately accessible due to tie-down constraints.

Carradice seatbag. This is what I settled on. Not impressed with the QR rack, so I mounted it direct to the saddle. I was worried about chafing on the back of my legs, but even though there is some contact, it has not been aggravating. I usually carry stuff inside a drybag inside the Carradice 1. because the Carradice is not waterproof, and 2. so I can leave the bag on the bike and take my stuff with me just by grabbing the inner bag.

Currently using my folder for commuting, so I've gone to a smaller backpack. For all the carping about backpacks, I'm finding that with light loads a backpack is working out fine.

How about a Basket? klick fix Rixen & Kaul, KLICKfix Adaptersysteme Fahrradzubehör, Solingen, Taschen, Körbe, Werkzeug
makes an adapter for seat posts
and the same basket works on it in the front, or on the back the interface is the same
just the one in back is made to go in the seat post , the front handlebar mount will let it go on the bars ..

Ditto handlebar bags ..

mainly a oval ring supports the basket or there are interesting bags that snap in place too ..

http://www.klickfix.com/images/downloads/bedext.pdf

Deuter makes some nice backpacks for cycling...Deuter Race Exp Air is a small backpack designed to minimize sweating. This backpack is designed in such a way that there is an open space for air circulation between your back and the pack itself. The pack doesn't even touch your back. The shoulder straps on this backpack are also made to provide ventilation. It also has a rain cover. I have no idea how much it costs in the US, here in Canada it's about $120. This pack gets great reviews everywhere. It's perfect size for few small essentials.

Two things about racks & stuff coming off the rear wheel... Firstly, if you unhook the rack from the frame or its not yet attached, you can, with several different options, put on a piece of something underneath. My solution is fenders, but you on yours could attach a thin ABS or polycarbonate rectangle using zip ties or some such, which would not only keep stuff up above clean, but also act like a rudimentary fender You could even use a piece of corrugated plastic such as the kind postal baskets are made out of.

The other thing, is you can make your own cargo encasements that fit better on the rack than off the shelf products. You say you worry about wind coming from the side. Well you could make something that has a shallow vertical footprint with curves to deflect the wind, i could even picture something like a rounded pizza box shape with a curved (or domed) top & twin zippers that let you open it from any side, you could also lock the zipper pulls together and to the container itself. This may also work with your idea of keeping things lower budget. :)

- Andy

True, and a lot of those add on racks actually have a flat metal bottom rather than bars to protect cargo from dirt. For now I'm going to stick with professionally made bags though. I'm pretty crafty, but in general I've found that I can get better quality utility items with a cheaper material cost and no labor investment by buying mass produced products. I learned that the hard way by making really cute purses that look awesome upfront, but don't stand the normal wear and tear that comes with use. Same would go for a rack bag I would think.

Also, just a heads up--I can't respond to PMs until I have 50 posts. I wrote a long winded response before I found that out :P, but I'll summarize: I don't normally wear a helmet, but with the switch to a new sportier bike I am going to for a while. I am also transitioning to clipless pedals and road shoes for the first time, so I don't want a nasty accident if I have some mishaps while I learn to clip in/out. I'm just crossing my fingers that I don't scratch up my frame at all while I'm learning. I've had my share of road rash and bruises, but I've learned that while legs can heal, frame damage is forever :(

So is brain damage. Good plan to wear the helmet but make it a habit.

I'm with you, I think you'll do better finding something commercially available that fits your application. There are some great bags out there, and even if you pay more for them, you'll get quality. What I've been doing lately, is getting some from Greg Wheelwright of Bolder Bike Packing. Since he is his own factory, he'll modify a standard products for only a small charge. That sort of gives you the option of getting the advantage of making more than one and getting exactly what you want at the same time.

J.

+2 - This is what I do when my load is light enough that I can commute on my road bike. I use a MEC trunk bag on top of a rack that clamps to my seat post.

I use one of these: Amazon.com: Avenir Cling-On Seatpost Racks (Black, QR Cling-On with Sides): Sports & Outdoors Avenir Cling-On Seatpost Racks