[Closed] Ways to carry stuff on the bike..

Pannier pags are great if you've got a lot of kit. Gets the weight low-down and off your back, and with a pair you can balance the weight better. It does feel different initially, but only briefly. they tend to be quick release and with a shoulder strap are easy to carry, you can even get the briefcase shaped ones too which are better for laptops.

I used to carry a Dell M70 in one pannier and a projector in the other, through the middle of Auckland in rush hour. Expensive to crash...

I used to carry pretty much the same in a Howies courier bag. Its got a proper padded laptop section (took my 17" Macbook pro easily) and a multitude of pockets for phone, ipod, wallet etc and a big main section for a change of clothes. Its lasted for years, being used daily, is absolutely bombproof and comfy

Alternatively, I believe this man came up with the perfect solution

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Short distances around town I use a rucksack two straps make it a lot more stable than a messenger bag. Longer distances or a lot of stuff panniers.

Modern panniers are good and easy to use

Pannier bags are just fine. Overloaded bar bags make the bike feel much more wonky!

I got a courier bag after I found rucksacks (even with waist straps) tried to overtake me on the steep hills down from Uni. But they can be a pain with lots of heavy stuff in.

Was hoping to avoid bags attached to the bike though only because I imagine them being unweildy rather than having any proof!

I understand your thoughts. When I was commuting in London I much preferred a messenger bag or my personal preference of a good backpack because it was more manoeuvrable.

Having said that once a load gets to a certain size / weight unless it's only occasional riding with it on your back is uncomfy and it's still unstable! A large load on the bike is more stable than on your back. You will have to adjust the way you ride though.

What I resorted to was a rack for occasional use or a mixture of backpack and small bag on the bike.

I found rucksacks (even with waist straps) tried to overtake me on the steep hills down from Uni.

Very few large rucksacks are made for cycling. There are some good "courier" style one out there though. Project tortoise did a good one but not sure if they are still going.

When I had the weekend's meat & veg from the butcher, plus a magura fork and a cotic frame that both turned up at work, in a single pannier, I found that it was hard to lift the saddle in the usual way (apply front brake and push) so I could spin the pedal backwards to get it into the right setting off position (fixie). Once I got going it was fine, but trackstands were a bit more wobbly than usual.

I used one of these for quite a few years

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-trans-alpine-30-litre-rucksack/

Should easily fit everything you list. Using a smaller one now and was going to put it up on the classified. Mail me if you're interested in it.

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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_mc/4931876915/ ]TD-1 on Yuba Mundo[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/mike_mc/ ]miketually[/url], on Flickr

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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_mc/4746226404/ ]Yuba Mundo towing MTB[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/mike_mc/ ]miketually[/url], on Flickr

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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_mc/4631138897/ ]Two 150 litre bags of compost on Yuba Mundo[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/mike_mc/ ]miketually[/url], on Flickr

Depends upon the bike 🙂

Mike - that box is just the daddy! 😆

I've done an upright Dyson Hoover in a messenger bag before now, and the compost on the rack job - though the latter broke all the stupid alloy nipples in my back wheel 😐

I really like the Vaude packs - have used a Splash 20 for years (on my second one). Might be a bit small but they do a 30 litre version as well - the Bike Alpin 30

Comfortable, and hold the stuff off your back so not nearly as sweaty. Useless off road as the frame jumps up and hits your helmet.

Mike was fine with the box but he did have to tack out a couple of miles in the wrong direction before he could turn it across the wind and make course for home

Hmm cheers guys, I was worrying about the laptop in a pannier getting loads more vibration than on my back. Going to weigh my bag tonight when I get in just to see. It's not the end of the world when I do bike > train > bike as no bit of the bike part isd more than about 20min but when I cycle the full way its 2 hours which really canes your lower back/shoulder.

That's a lot of weight for a 2 hour ride. Is it your own laptop or a company one? I know people who cycle regularly with a laptop in panniers and it's fine but would be amazed if it doesn't shorten the life.

It's mine tho I use it in work for app dev work as I have a pc in work. I specced it with a ssd with the thought that less moving parts is good 🙂 a friend on here has recently got some carradice kit that attaches to your seat post I think.. will take a look.

When I carried a laptop I always put that on my back and all other stuff on the bike. Reduced the weight on your back but keeps the laptop "damped".

Yeah I am thinking that sounds a good plan. Just need to decide what receptical to use 🙂

I have this [url= http://www.carradice.co.uk/products/type/sqrtrax ]carradice[/url] bag and its great for work. Fits lunch, change of clothes, tools, spare inner tube, phone, wallet and coat etc quite easily. Attaches to seat post and is pretty solid. Slips of when you get to work and has a carrying handle. It would fit the mac in (at an angle) and I think with the mac padded you should be fine!

I believe this man came up with the perfect solution