How do you carry your crap?

[manual63]

If you commute, how do you carry your stuff (crap)? Do you use a seat bag, backpack, BOB, Panniers and rack, just a rack, or do you store you stuff in a Camelbak that has storage?

I use my Camelbak to carry a lock and some tools. I used my BOB a few times and even though it has a cool factor, I didn't have enough stuff to carry in it, so I looked like a BOB poser.....LOL.

How do you carry your ever so important belongings when on a commute? No, not a ride at Lebanon or the Maah Daah Hey, a commute from point A to point B. You know, like to work or something.

[socrates]

Originally posted by manual63
If you commute, how do you carry your stuff (crap)? Do you use a seat bag, backpack, BOB, Panniers and rack, just a rack, or do you store you stuff in a Camelbak that has storage?

I use my Camelbak to carry a lock and some tools. I used my BOB a few times and even though it has a cool factor, I didn't have enough stuff to carry in it, so I looked like a BOB poser.....LOL.

How do you carry your ever so important belongings when on a commute? No, not a ride at Lebanon or the Maah Daah Hey, a commute from point A to point B. You know, like to work or something.

I know I'm going to make you sick but I use my nice SUV for stuff like that (unfortunately for my job I need to be in alot of different areas of the city on any given day)

[manual63]

Originally posted by socrates
I know I'm going to make you sick but I use my nice SUV for stuff like that (unfortunately for my job I need to be in alot of different areas of the city on any given day)

You never commute on your bike? I mean, not even a ride to the mall to buy socks? Come on man..........

[funky-funky-chicken]

I regularly commute to work on one of a selection of bikes. I prefer panniers with a rack. If I ride something without a rack, I resort to using a Timbuk2 bag.

[lou1s]

I used to commute with my old college backpack, which would be so packed full of stuff, it was no longer comfortable. Earlier this year I treated myself to a cycling-specific backpack. The thing is huge, I can carry all kinds of stuff...the problem is that I wind up bringing more than I need. I'm not in good enough shape to spin an extra 50 lbs up the hills.

eric

[socrates]

Originally posted by manual63
You never commute on your bike? I mean, not even a ride to the mall to buy socks? Come on man..........


Nope not really....where my house is (subdivision is just across the MN River in Scott county at US 169/MN13/County 16/County 18) there is no way to get anywhere safely on a bike (except downtown Shakopee which I do every once in a great while but I'd rather ride Leb instead)

Where my main office is located I'm directly across the street from the Hudson's (err...sorry Dayton's for you guys) and Burnsville mall (and other errands) are usually on my way to Leb so I try and do them on my way.

Oh wait...there is a new Wal Mart that opened at the entrance to my sub...I have rid'n my bike up there once too

PS Thanks for th reminder...I need to go buy some socks across the street :-)

[jkalla]

I commute to work regularly and use a messenger type bag. I used to use a backpack but I prefer the messenger bag for a couplpe of reason.

It is easier to swing it around to grab stuff out of if you need to - like your keys or wallet for example.

The backpack tends to sit higher up on your back and when you lean forward when riding it tends to flop to one side or the other. I ride with the messenger bag lower - near my waist - and it doesn't move around so much.

I carry tools in an under the seat bag and water in water bottles.

[zerpy]

I duct tape everything to my handlebars that way I have easy access to anything I need.

Actually, for my tools and extra tube and stuff, I use an underseat bag. For my clothes, lunch and anything else I need I use a plain ole backpack. I've been thinking about getting a camelbak, not sure if that will hold all my stuff, and if it did would it be too bulky to use for just hydration at leb or something? not sure bout that one yet.

Anyway, the backpack thing works pretty good. Get that loaded down and cruise to work and it's good hill training (I go straight up pilot knob from 42 in apple valley just past 494):)

[GearDaddy]

I commute year-round about 3 or 4 days a week. My commute is pretty easy - good roads and about 10 miles (recent move increased it from only 6 miles). Anyway, I started out with a simple backpack, then used a messenger bag for a year, then switched to using a bike specific backpack.

I did like how easy it was to swing the messenger bag around to access things, but they are definitely not as good as a backpack if you've got heavier loads, i.e they really flop around a lot even with the stabilizing straps. I often go for longer rides on the way home, so the messenger bag was a real hassle, bouncing around all over the place, when you ride a more agressive pace. But the compelling reason that I switched back to a backpack was because I started developing nagging shoulder and neck problems, I think due to the fact that messenger bag tends to distribute the weight mostly on one shoulder.

I am much happier again (and pain free) with the Kelty "Whitney" pack that I picked up at REI. It also has some pockets on the front straps for small things like keys, money, and such, plus it has a built in bladder. So, it is also very useful for long off-road rides where you want to carry gear too.

[daveyp]

40 mile RT, all-weather, day/night/10 months per year. Use seatpost rack/bag on various fun bikes or have full blown commuter with front fender/bullet proof everything/6 bright lights/small rack-panniers carrying food/clothes/raingear (more to keep warm than anything cause you can only get so wet)/tire patch/pump. No flats/breakdowns in 4 years...til tomorrow. Backpacks are way uncomfortable for general major commuting for me. Panniers and rack weigh about two pounds empty and act as rear fender. Last forever going on 15 years. But then am lucky to have indoor, convenient, secure parking so don't need to carry my stuff all over.

[manual63]

I saw a new BOB type trailer by Yakima I believe. It was wider than the BOB I have. Problem is that I wouldn't want to go any wider after riding the Maah Daah Hey with my BOB (see my avatar to the left...:)). If anyone is interested in getting a trailer, I wouldn't recommend the wider Yakima one if you plan to do single track with it.

[qheuie]

i always use my Timbuk2.
for commuting/shopping purposes etc i use it on my motorcycle, too

josh