Xymenah

I just got my 30+ year old Apollo Capri up and going again and just bought a nice new rear seat for my 16 month old to ride on. So far been on two short rides and he loves it. My only problem is I dont have anywhere on this bike right now to put water or snacks or carry things like a few small groceries if i was to hit up a store on a ride. People seem to think panniers wont fit at least on the back anyway and with the drop handle bars since this is an old road bike i am not sure if a basket will even fit or not. Anyone have any suggestions? Would be much appreciated. I may be looking at getting another bike this summer and am eyeing a either dutch style commuter type or maybe a working bike type maybe... not sure what would work best but my son would also still be on a seat on the back. Any advice is welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

prathmann

I used a set of panniers on a front rack when our daughter was riding in a rear childseat. It even improved the bike's handling by having better weight distribution.

fietsbob

front basket? there are some that have a pair of hooks , and just lifting the basket by the handle releases it to take in, shopping .

katsrevenge

Fiance had one like this on the front of his road bike.
Wald 139 Standard Large Front Handlebar Bike Basket (Black) - Rakuten.com Shopping

Looked silly but it fit just fine.

chaadster

I think there are several options.

First, I think that for the size loads you're talking about and for obvious weight balance issues, a "handlebar bag" is something to look at. Usually they just velcro strap to the bars and hook down at the fork dropouts, so are quite stable. The quick release mount type are easy to remove and carry with you.

A "frame bag" is also a pretty good solution for stuffing stuff on the bike, but gives up some convenience to a handlebar bag. Typically these are triangle shaped and strap to the upper corner of the seat tube/top tube junction. Capacity is generally smaller than handlebar bags, but some manufacturers, like Vaude, have long bags that run the length of the top tube and give more capacity. Because they can't be wide to avoid leg interference, they need to be packed, whereas a handlebar bag can often take a shopping bag (plastic one) stuffed carelessly in.

There are also "bento" or "front frame bags" that perch atop the top tube and are secured to the stem to prevent tipping. Lighter capacity than the above, and not necessarily quick on/off, though such designs may exist.

Another option, depending on how much seat post extension you have, is an seat pack. Some, like models from Topeak, can accommodate quite a lot by running down the length of the post. Again, depends on what you can afford in terms of space there, and may be in the way of the kid's face depending on seat location. Also, because the weight goes rearward, less than ideal for a rack mount seat IMO.

Lastly, for light loads, a couple of spaced apart self-adhesive hooks on the back of the child seat could be used to suspend a plastic shopping bag, or you could drill a couple of holes and use carabiners or something to achieve the same. I've done it, it can work, but it's not ideal from a weight distribution perspective, and unless you come up with the perfect solution, the bag can sway a bit annoyingly.

Anyway, I'd suggest starting your search here to see styles and get tips on pros/cons of each type of commercial bag: Standard Handlebar Bags | Bike Bag Shop | Bike Bag

Oh, I forgot to mention that there are also front racks you can install that widen options, from standard top loading types that can accommodate a "trunk bag," to wide, "porteur racks" that are designed for big cargo loads. Also, the "front pannier rack" would allow you to mount panniers at the center of the wheel, but really you need two to maintain acceptable balance by distributing the load, and that's probably more than you need, it sounds like. Again, check out BikeBagShop's front rack selection for ideas. Also take the time to look at the Nitto M18, which is a small, clamp mount front rack that doesn't require any braze-ons.

mel2012

Public Bikes makes a really good and inexpensive front rack (if you don't mind something that's colorful).

PUBLIC Front Bicycle Rack

Because it's so long, it should fit most standard rear panniers without toe clearance issues. With the drop bars, you probably wouldn't be able to make use of the optional top basket, but the spring clip on the top is handy for jackets, papers, or anything relatively flat.

mel2012

Also, if you don't already have one, I highly recommend a dual-kickstand for loading and unloading kids and stuff.

prathmann

No need to use both front panniers from a balance standpoint - I frequently used just one for my daily commuting and never had an issue. But when our daughter was small I did tend to use two so as to keep the diaper items well separated from the food/toy items.

chaadster

Ah, I didn't know that, as I've not used front panniers, so thanks for the correction.

Xymenah

Ooohh Thanks for the options everyone! I will be looking into those. The bike has a step through frame and i have my lock attached below the mount for the child seat as it is frame mounted not on a rack. My handle breaks have two positions they can be used in so trying to figure out if that would interfere with a front bag or not... but I wont know until I take a good look at the bags and options. Thanks for all of the input I much appreciate it and will start doing more research. Went for another ride today and he still loves it so yay! Oh I should also say that this bike has a double center mounted stand already as my mum used to put me on the back of this bike when i was a baby so its always had that. Just wish hills were not so much work. I am definitely out of shape.

Pico Triano

I have an old blackburn front rack that is just a short version of a regular rear rack. I don't know if they are still available. I wasn't real keen on the child seat on the back of the bike. The kid loved it but I so much prefer the bike trailer.