It is astonishing how much stuff you can carry on a bike (see previous post). All it takes is a few well-chosen pieces of equipment.
The number one most useful item is a rear carrying rack. It serves as an impromptu fender, provides a good place to carry your u-lock, and, with a couple of bunji cords, it will carry an emergency load. Best of all, racks are designed to accommodate a variety of standard bicycle racks (or panniers), which allow you to take the load off your back, and let the bike carry it for you. Bike racks range in price from about $40-80, plus installation.
One of the most versatile pieces of bike luggage ever designed is the Jandd Grocery Pannier. It is a stiff-bottomed, collapsible nylon mesh carrier, shaped like a paper grocery sack. It attaches to the rack with two metal hooks and an elastic strap. Unlike metal bakets, these panniers are light, clang-free, can be popped on and off easily, or folded up when not in use. They come with a detachable shoulder strap to facilitate carrying groceries. Because they are a little wider than traditional panniers, they offer more versatility. If you usually carry a backpack or a shoulder bag, you don't need to move your stuff back and forth between bags when you're cycling - simply throw your "regular" bag into the grocery pannier.
Other great carrying options for urban riders:
- Jandd Commuter Panniers: gigantic main compartment, with zippered gusset for even more space; fits legal-size files; organizer pockets; ideal for commuter who carry a lot of gear daily.
- Ortlieb Backroller Classic: waterproof; roll-top closure lets you customize the size of the bag to the size of the load; super easy attachment to rack; also great for touring.
- BOB and Burley Flatbed trailers: accommodate extra-large and unconventional loads (we use them for those Costco trips), low center of gravity; very stable.
- Messenger bags: turn load-carrying into a fashion statement.
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