Carrying Things on a Bicycle

You can carry a lot on a bike, but what is best way of carrying things?

Backpack / Rucksacks

I don’t really like using backpacks. Though because it is so convenient, I often find myself cycling to train station with a backpack. But, overall I find backpacks uncomfortable, bad for your back, sweaty and restricts your movement when looking over your shoulder. If you do want a backpack, make sure it is relatively small and fits snugly. Don’t try cycling with a  huge heavy backpack, unless it is indispensable. Some purpose built backpacks with very good aeration are much better. Their mesh padding prevents an excessively sweaty back and if relatively small doesn’t restrict your movements too much. Some cyclists are keen on Hydration packs for long distance races. I’d still prefer bottles.

If you commute with a backpack try panniers, if nothing else it may reduce your need for a shower.

Pannier Bags.

I use pannier bags everyday for carrying the laptop to work. A big bonus was getting a pannier bag with also a shoulder strap like this Basil Sports bag (wiggle). This makes it much easier to carry around after you’ve cycled to work. It is better to use two pannier bags to distribute the weight, though I often end up carrying shopping in just one. more on Pannier bags

Shoulder Strap / Courier bag

These can look pretty cool and can be ideal for low weight items to carry. I’ve had a few general purpose shoulder straps and I found the strap kept getting longer, so I spent a lot of time flinging the bag back over my shoulder, which was pretty irritating. If you get a courier bag, make sure it fits well and doesn’t slip down your back so it starts to get in the way.

For quite a while, I used to carry my laptop in a courier bag, but after a mile the weight starts to dig into your shoulder. I gave up and used pannier bags instead. If you have a super light weight ipad, It would be ideal. But, I really don’t find comfortable for heavy weight.

The advantage is that the courier bag is much better for carrying around town after you’ve cycled. If you want to maintain an image of urban chic, I would imagine is much cooler to have a Rapha courier bag than carrying around a pair of pannier bags like an old fashioned tourist.

Basket on Front.

A basket on front is pretty convenient for putting things in. It will definitely make steering a little heavier. But, looks the perfect complement for a Dutch style town bike. Cycling baskets

Bike Trailer

If you really want to carry stuff around in style. Why not try a clip on trailer. Bike will be heavier to lug around, but it leaves you free to concentrate on cycling without impairing stability.

Carrying Children on A Bike

Unorthodox Methods of Carrying Things on Bicycle.

on back of bike

There’s almost no limit to what you can carry on a bicycle. I can’t recommend stuffing your bike with this stuff, but it does make an interesting photo.