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How to turn a bike into a truckOct 24 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Get a bag that suits your needs and is well constructed. Different bags suit different people.
How many of you have a bike gathering dust in a garage? How many of you struggle laden with carrier bags from the local store? How many of you end up getting the car out of the drive for a 10 minute trip? If you've answered yes to the above have you considered using the bike to carry your loads? Bike bags come in several types each with their own advantages and disadvantages: Saddle bags Only suitable for very small loads, these attach to either your seatpost or the underneath of your saddle. Most are wedge shaped, but larger ones are also available in different shapes. Saddle-bags aren't really suitable for carrying shopping but are ideal for carrying a few basic bike tools, spare tube, first-aid kit, a snack, puncture repair kit, spare batteries etc. Look for: quick release fittings (do you want to leave it attached to your bike in some areas?), a loop or tab that will hold a light or reflector, waterproof/ or pull out rainhood, expanding size. Bar bags These hang from your handle bars and can be quite large. They allow easy access for snacks maps etc. but are rarely large enough for much shopping. Ensure they fit securely and don't obscure vision or access to brakes. Large over loaded ones may have an adverse effect on stearing. Also consider an old fashioned wicker basket. Panniers Come in both rear and front mounted varieties. Ideal for carrying large loads. Front panniers are generally smaller and require a special rack that allows then to be fitted close to the ground - if your bike has suspension foks you might have problems. Rear panniers are generally fitted to a rack mounted above your rear wheel (get a strong rack with a minimum of three support stuts on each side). If you've got a short bike (many mountain bikes) you might only be able to fit smallish panniers on the rack to allow heel clearance. Look for a good quick release system unless you are happy leaving the bags afixed at all times. I'd avoid panniers that are joined by a central strip of cloth - pairs of individual panniers are generally better quality and give you the flexibility of only fitting one when carrying small light loads. I find two 13 litre rear panniers will happily carry two fairly substantial grocery bags. Few panniers are truly waterproof (if you are going touring or doing a lot of riding in the wet consider welded tarpaulin type bags). Better bags will tolerate a reasonable shower on their own and have a rainhood for heavier rain. Line with plastic bags to be absolutely sure. Look for strong construction (particularly fixings and stitching). Ideally the bags should be able to be flattened to some degree when empty. Zips are prone to eventually wear out, many people prefer drawstrings under a clip or stap down hood. Reflective stips ansd places to attach a reflector or light are useful for night riding. Pannier packs For smaller loads consider a pack that sits on the top of the pannier rack. The pannier rack and a couple of bungee cords make a useful transportation aid. Don't overload your bike but odd shaped things (I carried two small trays of violas home from the garden centre last weekend) can often safely be carried this way. Some baskets (wire or wicker) can be fixed to the rack. Specialist bags A host of specialist bags are available to attach to a rear rack including suit carriers, laptop cases, briefcases. Courier bags Bags that go over one shoulder. Personally I'm not keen - they provide ready access but can be unbalancing if heavily loaded. Bicycle couriers use them to great effect but they are professional cyclists. I'd only consider using one if it hung without any swinging, and then only with a light load. Backpacks Small backpacks are quite useful for short trips (on longer trips they can cause shoulder ache and/or sweaty backs. Backpacks especially designed for cyclists might give a better fit with less movement and often allow for a hydration system. General Buy the bag that suits your needs. If you commute to work you might need different bags to an occassional shopper. My personal choice are a pair of medium rear panniers, a couple of bungee cords and a small saddle bag carrying essentials. Look for strong, tough wearing fabric, strong stiching and fixings. Ideally get a bag as waterproof as possible, and look for reflective material/reflector holders if you cycle after dark. Buy from a good local bike shop where they can give you advice. Bikes can carry an awful lot of weight, but make sure you load heavy weights evenly, and low-down. Be aware that extra weight does effect handling - practice on quiet roads or better still off-road. Ride carefully.  |
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