How do you carry your stuff?

When I ride to work or run errands around town, I take my backpack, although now that it's hot and the backpack makes it worse, I've been envying people with racks and panniers. I'm curious what you guys are using when you have to carry a lot of stuff on your bike?

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Permalink Reply by Jim Friend on July 31, 2008 at 4:00am
Assuming you're wearing a regular backpack right now -- I'd highly recommend trying out a Camelbak. They carry the weight a lot better than a regular backpack, and the padding the Camelbak has makes it a lot "less hot" than a regular backpack. I've used both, and I can definitely tell a big difference between the two. Plus, having water is obviously a big plus.

Obviously Camelbak's aren't new, so if you're already wearing one then just disregard this post :)
Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on July 31, 2008 at 4:13am
I have a generic rack and a Nashbar trunk bag. I can cram a surprising amoung of stuff in it when I have to.

Backpacks are teh suck and its liberating to get that weight off your back.
Permalink Reply by Jim Behymer on July 31, 2008 at 5:40am
I have a rack with a cargo net and I use it for groceries and such. I still commute with a heavy-ass backpack every day though--it seems to throw the balance of the bike off more when I strap it to the rack than it does when I wear it, so I suffer the sweaty back.
Permalink Reply by vxla on August 4, 2008 at 5:51am
Messenger bag; for groceries I have an old Kozmo.com bag that is insulated and very large. Perfect for $70-80 worth of groceries.

I've also got a Tubus rack on my long distance bike, but riding with panniers isn't good for those of us that like the throw our bike side to side when standing up.
Permalink Reply by Elise Mueller on August 4, 2008 at 1:50pm

Love my xtracycle, carries loads of groceries, children, all sorts of things. I added it to my Kona this summer. Can't imagine going back to a back pack or panniers. Adding a picture of my friends Big Dummy from Surly.
Permalink Reply by Garz on August 4, 2008 at 4:40pm
How is the ride with the amount of weight on the back rack and floorboards of the Xtracycle?

Elise Mueller said:

Love my xtracycle, carries loads of groceries, children, all sorts of things. I added it to my Kona this summer. Can't imagine going back to a back pack or panniers. Adding a picture of my friends Big Dummy from Surly.
Permalink Reply by Elise Mueller on August 4, 2008 at 4:51pm
Well, kid loads are harder than groceries, since kids wiggle and move. Rode my friend's 50# dog the other day, he was just fine, even with an uneven load. We were on a level ride though... Uphill can be a killer when fully loaded and in windy conditions you do feel a difference. With a light load (less than 25 pounds) it is difficult to even notice a difference.
Permalink Reply by Leah on August 4, 2008 at 5:01pm
That. Is awesome.

Elise Mueller said:

Permalink Reply by Elise Mueller on August 5, 2008 at 3:40am
M.a.r.k. said:
Xtracycle is nice, expensive, but nice as hell for sure if you can afford the luxury. Not to dismiss anyones post, but if your gunna spend the money i'd just go with a cargo trailer that has a 200 pd. or so capacity. With the range being anywhere from the 250-500 dollars for a conversion kit you could get a cargo trailer and increase you BIG at the same time for the same price of 2-300 bones. Plus if you want or have to haul bigger stuff the option is available to you w/out the added cost.

Yep, the xtracycle is pricey no doubt. However, you do gain the ability to but it on the front of a bus, back it up easily, and carry loads that don't sit well in a trailer. It is also as narrow as a bike with panniers without the side loaders (they detach in seconds and store in the bags), nothing like a trailer in city traffic.
Permalink Reply by Garz on August 5, 2008 at 5:02pm
DIY bike trailers

Many are not sexy, but well designed. I like the one made from a redone jogging stroller.
My sister has one of those do-hickys that you attach to your bike to teach kids how to ride. Once shes done I'm modding it as a single wheel trailer/hauler.



M.a.r.k. said:
Xtracycle is nice, expensive, but nice as hell for sure if you can afford the luxury. Not to dismiss anyones post, but if your gunna spend the money i'd just go with a cargo trailer that has a 200 pd. or so capacity. With the range being anywhere from the 250-500 dollars for a conversion kit you could get a cargo trailer and increase you BIG at the same time for the same price of 2-300 bones. Plus if you want or have to haul bigger stuff the option is available to you w/out the added cost.
Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on August 7, 2008 at 10:11am
I just started using a Carradice saddle bag, its big enough to go to the beach/work and perfect for my eyelet-less frame.
Permalink Reply by Chucko on August 22, 2008 at 4:20am
I have a rack and a DIY pannier made from a kitty litter bucket on my errand bike. Best part is, I bring the bucket in with me, use it like a shopping basket, and then load everything back into it as they ring it up. So I don't need plastic bags at all. Backpacks in the summer can get annoying because of the sweat issue, but I have been known to use one for some errands.

If I have major errands to run, I have a Burley Flatbed trailer with a Rubbermaid Action Packer that goes on it- so far I have towed upwards of 75lbs of bet supplies home from the store with that setup.

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