carrying cargo

There are a lot of options here; everything from just your wallet to a bike trailer. Chances are, your needs are somewhere in between. There are two basic ways to carry cargo: on your body or on your bike. Both have pluses and minuses. Let’s start with the light stuff and move toward the heavy lifting.

stuff you carry

Carrying cargo on your body doesn't require modifications to your bike, like adding a rack, etc. Another advantage is that it comes with you when you park your bike, so you don’t have to worry so much about theft. But carrying cargo this way can put strain on your back, shoulders and rear-end and it raises your center of gravity. This can be a good option if the load you are carrying is not too heavy.

Fanny Pack. If all you need is something to carry your glasses, cell phone, and a few other odds and ends, then a fanny pack may be a good choice. Light-weight and generally inexpensive.

Backpack. If you usually bring a briefcase or computer-bag to work, a backpack can be a good alternative. Backpacks are now available with padded compartments for a laptop. The downside is that a laptop and a few other items can quickly become a lot of weight to carry. This can cause problems for your neck, shoulders, back, and rear-end (any extra weight you carry on a bike is supported by your rear-end). I use a backpack with a laptop compartment for my ten-mile commute. I also carry a change of clothes (I leave a pair of shoes at work so I don’t have to carry them back and forth). With a laptop, change of clothes, and a few other items, my backpack can get a bit heavy. Avoid cheap “book bags” and get something fairly heavy duty.

Messenger Bag. A messenger bag can carry the same stuff as a backpack, but offers you easier access to what is in it. Many have a waist belt to stabilize its position in the middle of your back. With only one shoulder-strap, the entire weight of the bag is supported by one shoulder. If the contents are not too heavy, this can be a rather stylish way to get your stuff to work. A good messenger bag can cost $100.00 or more.

Fanny Pack		Backpack		Messenger Bag

stuff your bike carries

If you have a longer commute or a heavier load than is comfortable on your shoulders, this is the way to go. The down-side is that some of these options can be expensive and you have to consider the possibility of theft if they are left on the bike. Carrying a load on your bike, while keeping your center of gravity low, does change the bike's handling.

Handlebar Bag. This could be a good alternative to a fanny pack. Most will hold about the same amount of stuff. Generally inexpensive. Some double as fanny packs.

Handlebar Basket. If you need to carry things you aren't concerned about blowing out of the basket, a handlebar basket can be handy. The downside is if you take a spill, the contents will go flying. Some have quite the retro look.

Handlebar Bag		Handlebar Basket

Rack. With a rear rack installed on your bike, you have several options. The first is to simply strap what you are carrying to the top of the rack with bungee cords. This can work OK, but it’s not the most stable way to carry things on a bike. Some bikes may not have threaded eyelets near the read dropouts for mounting a rack. In that case, check with your bike shop about mounting eyelets or you can use a seatpost rack that clamps to the seatpost. Be aware that seatpost racks will not support as much as a conventional rack. A good quality conventional rack starts at around $30.00.

Front racks are available for even more cargo capacity. Keep in mind that carrying a load on your front tire can dramatically affect handling. If you use front racks and panniers, always use two panniers and load them equally. More weight on one side will make handling that much more difficult.

Rear Rack		Seatpost Rack		Front Rack

Trunk Bags. A trunk pack sits on top of a rear rack. Many are expandable. They can be used alone or in combination with panniers. Most have Velcro straps to secure them to the rack. I have even seen one that is specifically designed to carry four bottles of wine.

Panniers. Basically, these are saddle bags for your bike that hang off either side of a bike rack. They come in different sizes and types for different purposes: large open top mesh baskets for grocery shopping; multi-compartmented like mini hiking packs; full-featured garment bags made to attach to a bike rack; briefcases made to attach to bike racks. Many come with rain covers.

One of the main advantages of panniers is they are low on the bike. This keeps the bike's center of gravity low and makes it more stable. Most panniers can be easily removed form the bike and taken with you: handy if you are carrying your laptop or a change of clothes. Panniers can cost anywhere from $30.00 to more than $100.00 depending on the type and quality.

Trunk Bag		Standard Pannier		Briefcase Pannier

Garment Bag Pannier		Grocery Bag Pannier		Front Pannier

Bike Trailer. Yes, they make trailers for bicycles. If you have a lot of stuff to carry, or the stuff you carry is heavy (like a toolbox for example), or if you need to drop the kid off at daycare, a trailer may be in order. They are going to change the way your bike handles, and you will have to get used to allowing for the extra length while navigating turns, etc. Of course, if you are hauling a child, the child should be wearing a child’s helmet and special care should be taken while biking.

Bicycle Trailer		Child Trailer