Hi, I just recently purchased a Linus Roadster Sport for commuting to and from work. I'm currently looking for the best way to transport my briefcase, clothes, etc. on it. I really like the idea of a wooden crate made for for the bike that I can just toss my bag into and strap it down and go. However, just watching people commute to work it seems many more use panniers. Are there downsides to going the crate route? My concern with the panniers is that I would hate for them to get stolen off the bike and they don't seem to hold as much as the crate would hold.

I take My Panniers Off the bike and have the grocery checker put my Food in Them, put them back on, then ride Home.

rear basket /crate you can put your back pack in it. front basket + panniers is flexibility .. Both is fine.

Wald folding baskets carry stuff, like panniers , but are fixed to the bike.. rear rack.

Well, if you're going to leave your panniers on the bike (and take out your briefcase, clothes, etc and pack them each into work) then yes, they are likely to get stolen. However, since most panniers that I know of can be taken off the rack in less than two seconds most people just leave the stuff inside the pannier and pack it into work. I think most panniers with their soft fabric would actually hold more than a crate. I don't know how much you're planning to haul, but I usually commute with just one pannier... and I have never been able to fill it up to capacity with what I need for the commute and work.

A crate or bag strapped to the back rack will work fine, but panniers carry the weight lower and have less effect on balance/handling. If you do go the pannier route, you just want to make sure that they fit your bike rack properly and sit far enough back so that your heels have plenty of room to clear them. Most panniers have quick release attachment systems and are easy to remove/attach to the rack.

The primary advantage of a wooden soda crate or similar is that it would look neato.

I've used a plastic milk crate on a rear rack. It's very convenient, especially if the sides are high enough to keep things from bouncing out. Just drop in your stuff and go. However, my wife thought I looked like a homeless person and got me a nice tail bag.

The advantages of a wire or plastic crate rather than wood is that they are more durable and have less aerodynamic drag.

Panniers don't quite have the same toss-and-go ease, you need to pack them. They have the following advantages. They close, keeping the rain out of your bag and keeping stuff contained in a wreck. They are carried lower and so they have less effect on the handling - a crate with a jug of milk can give you a tank-slapper. Expandable versions are less obtrusive when not in use.

i always wondered why people use crates when panniers are available.

good to know.

Wald folding baskets along both sides are great. Sure, they're a bit heavy and you can't remove them for a little joy ride, but the hold the weight down low, hold a ton of stuff, you can fold out one or both depending on your needs, then you can just throw a backpack or satchel or whatever in them, string a bungee cargo net over the top and off you go. Low theft risk as they're bolted on, but your bag goes with you. They're relatively inexpensive (more than a plastic milk crate swiped from a back alley, less than a nice set of panniers). Some would say they make your bike look cheaper (I prefer to say they make it look more useful), but, if it does make it look a bit more low end that must means it's less likely to be the target when parked. My two safety goals when parking are to have a bike that looks A) less desirable than the bikes around me and B) harder to steal than the bikes around me. No security system is perfect, but that works better than nothing.

Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate it. I'm not going to be carrying much with me but will be bringing a suit, shirt, dress shoes, etc. I know all of this fits in my briefcase so am good there and can use my briefcase as a briefcase when I arrive. Also, my bike ride is only 4.5 miles each way and 3.5 of that is on a paved bike trail with the final mile being up a city street. I think I'll go ahead and get one of these wooden crates built:

wooden bicycle crate made in Brooklyn from reclaimed NY wood

Just wish there was a way to create a quick release for it so I could remove it easily if need be but doubt there is. Thanks again everybody.

This is the way to go:

I would get 2 bungee cords and secure the briefcase a rear rack.

Consider getting an Azor Front Rack for that bike, it would look great. I have one and I really like it because it's a front rack that attaches to the frame, not the handlebars.

I have a porteur-style bike with a velo-orange porteur rack and, frankly, it's a pain in the neck because it affects the steering when you have a heavy load on it. In contrast, the Azor rack doesn't move with the handlebars and is thus much more stable, especially when I have my computer, a bottle of wine, and two bags of groceries stashed in it.

Check it out here: Azor Front Bike Rack | Rolling Orange Bikes.

My 2 cents: panniers are great on the bike, but that is not the sort of bag i want to carry around all day.

Also, why are you carrying your suit? Get a chain case and you can probably ride in it. Your bike ride is reqlly short, certainly short enough for "normal" clothing in mild weather.

my back pack fits in my crate, quick out to work with a web on top

if taking panniers, another 5-10 mins to pack
even an xtracycle takes more time

I am in the process of developing a DIY crate to rack attachment system, which would mean an easy on/off for milk crates. It would be able to hold things panniers simply cannot, such as a 24 pack of water, which is currently the only thing i can't carry on my bike.

If you don't mind having the crate there, i'd say go for that.

- Andy

I realize that baskets don't get much love here, but I've been quite happy with a Wald 585 basket attached to the drive side of my rack with stainless hose clamps. It's held up for about 16 years of commuting and shopping so far. Wald's stuff is kinda stodgy, but quite durable and inexpensive.

On the drive side, it counter-balances my kick stand, so I can load it up without the bike tipping over. This is convenient at the supermarket. At work, it's where I store my helmet and outerwear.

my basket holds my purse, a jacket and a smallbag of groceries. When i have azipupbag thegroceries move to the rear rack. I have a panier/laptop bag. It only works if i am in an office and can leave it there. Carrying it around is annoying. I have thought about the buca boot: Buca Boot | Flexible, Secure Storage for the Urban Biker

oh a cargo net is a good idea too for a crate.

I just went the crate route. Without a doubt, it's the more handsome option of the two.

What about a porteur rack with wooden slats? I always thought those looked real nice on the right bike. You can bungee your briefcase in. Also, I second that you ride in your suit. But whatever you do, enjoy that bike!!

The wald 582 folding wire baskets seem to be maybe a good compromise?

- Andy

Agree! I want to put a crate on my bike but got burned the first time. Someone broke it while attempting to steal it.

Now I have a wicker basket. Which is a bit girlier than I would like. Still on a mission for an attractive non-woven basket I can throw my phone/keys and other small items in without worry.

That is a very nice looking box. And for $90, I would hope it is very nice looking.
Certainly adds some style and uniqueness to the commuting community.

...it doesn't seem all that versatile and useable, but it certainly looks nice.

Will it be large enough? The useable dimensions are probably 5" tall x 10" wide x 13" long. Is that large enough for a briefcase and clothes, or even the briefcase alone?

I certainly plan to ride in normal clothes like jeans, shorts, etc. but the primary reason I don't want to ride in my suits is because my suits cost a lot of money and don't want to unnecessarily wear out the pants by biking, if I fall, etc. Also, its incredibly hot and humid here in the summer and even in 10 minutes I would probably be covered in sweat. It'll be really easy for me to change clothes in the morning as my gym with locker and shower (if needed) is across the street. Also, going home I can just shut the door and change in my office.

That looks awesome! Did you get it off the internet or pick it up locally?

Well I'm not getting that one anymore as they only have the really small one (basically holds a six pack of beer). I actually walked home yesterday and saw an old wooden coke crate being sold for $3.00 so am going to use for that now. I'd still like to have a nice sturdy one built but for now the coke crate will do the trick. Seems like it will work well and I'll just use bungee cords or a cargo net to keep my bag in.

I got it locally. Don't know if you have a store called Home Goods where you live, that's where I found this one. Craft stores have them too, unfinished. Paid $20 and it's rather sturdy. The online offerings are unreasonably expensive.

Also check Ross/Marshall's/TJ Maxx. I got mine for $20 or $25

I have the Ortlieb panniers and they have a shoulder strap with them, so I just carry them with me where I am going. I like the fact that they are water proof so nothing is ruined when I get caught in the rain.