Hi,

I just got a new hybrid bike. I want to be able to do a light grocery shopping and carry a gallon of milk, 1/2 of orange juice, and a small bag of groceries.

Should I get rear panniers or use a removable basket? I don't like the way the rear side permanent baskets look.

The things at the bike shop are SOO expensive. The have only two rear racks -- $45.99 and $54.99. The panniers are at least $69.99. A removable basket is $69.99.

Any suggestions as to brand? I've seen a lot of things on amazon.com, some people rate them highly, others say that the panniers affect the pedaling and their feet hit them, and that they are dangerous.

Any help? Not sure what I should get or order. If I do get something, I will probably have to take it to the bike shop to install, especially a rear rack. I'm NOT mechanically inclined.

Wald foldable baskets... https://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/...ingbasket.html
Should be able to find 'em for roughly $20/ea. They make great grocery haulers.

You'll also need a rear rack. Should be able to find those relatively inexpensive. Check out other bike shops... I purchased a Planet Bike EcoRack for like $20 from REI.

Installation is really easy if you have a basic set of hex key wrenches, a pair of pliers and basic screwdrivers.

Did you even read my post? I said I don't like the way rear permanent side baskets look.

No need to get all snarky.

They're removable with a screwdriver

Having to use a screwdrive is hardly considered "removable."

Per webster:

• S: (adj) removable (capable of being removed or taken away or dismissed) "a removable cord"; "removable partitions"

Seems to me that's removable. Its a misinterpretation on both our parts. When you said permanent, I was thinking along the lines of the kind that are part of the rear rack like these: https://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/...rcarriers.html

Seems to me, something that attaches to a rear rack and is not welded, glued, etc, is hardly permanent and is removable.

Maybe a quick release basket is more what you're wanting?

Okay, whatever.
The baskets looks awful. Only an old person would use them.

Says you. I use 'em. I'm 24. Again, perfect grocery haulers.

My girlfriend uses this: https://www.amazon.com/Kettler-8985-6.../dp/B000BTEODY
Its okay... easily removable, should fit most racks out there. Put a gallon milk jug in it and broke one of the attachment struts. Used a zip tie to hold it back together, hasn't broken since.

Could always hang the grocery bags off your handlebars. That's removable.

If baskets aren't hip enough for you youngin', you could always spray paint it gold Word on the street is that ups the hip factor.

Stick the stuff in your pockets --- you sure don't want to listen to others who have resolved that problem.....

My two cents. First of all, I am an old guy and have a bike with permanent baskets.

There, not that we got that out of the way....

Panniers: They can be easily put on or taken off. There are panniers for general carrying and there are those that are designed for groceries and will fit a paper sack. Or you can make panniers out of those square plastic buckets that cat litter and stuff comes in. You could take any of those into the store and use them to carry your groceries.

Baskets: You can get baskets like what mike's gf has. You can get a front mounted basket if that's good enough; some come with provisions that can be quickly removed. Make sure a front basket will fit with your front handlebar setup.

Racks: Basic racks start at about $20. For about $30 you can find one that has extra stays on the side (like this one) to prevent panniers from getting into the spokes on your rear wheel. If you're considering panniers, I would get one of those kinds of racks.

My bike shop isn't cheap, but they are a LOT cheaper than your bike shop; they're taking advantage of you. Lots of choices if you search. Amazon has a good selection of bike stuff. Note that unless you're doing really heavy duty touring, basic "house" brands will probably fill your needs nicely. I've been commuting with SunLite panniers on a SunLite rack for 2+ years and they are holding up well.

Consider a set of Grocery Panniers from Performance bike. Very easy to hang on your rack, and just as easy to lift them off. They hook on the rack, and are held in place with a bungee to the bottom of the rack. Watch for them on sale, and you can pick them up very cheap.

If you want to leave them on, they fold up flat when not in use. I leave mine on, because they are so handy for picking up almost anything.

They will easily hold two, big, full, bags of groceries. Including your liquids.

I've got big feet (size 12), and hanging them near the rear of the rack, negates any heel strike problems. It just doesn't happen.

Keep in mind, that I'm an old guy, and use my bike for a lot of stuff. I usually do 30 to 40 miles a day, every day.

Wander's got it I think, grocery or shopping panniers are super easy to use and can look quite nice. Axiom, Basil and a ton of other companies make 'em so you can probably find some that suit your style.

Sometimes functional bikes kinda look like old man bikes, unless you spend some time &/or money on 'em to look nice. Kinda the nature of the beast I'm afraid.

OP- what bike did you get? Depending on its geometry, you may have heel strike issues, unless you pick your set-up very carefully.

Or you could always just mount a milk crate to the rack and make more trips...

Actually us old coots do our shopping with a car, now that I think of it thats my wifes job anyway, I don't even know what the inside of a supermarket looks like

First, what a lame way to look at it.

Second, you don't keep up to date on trends, do you? I see hipsters (one of the biggest subcultures out there) with baskets all the time. They are all youngsters.

OP- You are better off finding out for yourself which works best as you will get too many opinions here that do not agree with your style. Panniers and grocery getters are two different bags. With panniers, you can carry things in compartments and be able to cover them. A grocery getter is just that. It holds a bag or two of groceries and not much more. As much as I shop by bike, I prefer to use the panniers because they are larger and things can be strapped on the outside. My grocery getters are more like a pool bag for me because I can place my kickboard upright and rucksack inside. I bought my panniers and grocery getter from Nashbar.com on the cheap.