Carrying not a lot of stuff - suggestions?

[[email protected]]

On several rides (commuting, going somewhere etc.) I need to carry a
modest amount of stuff (laptop and change of clothes to work, sometimes
just a change of clothes, or extra food for a long ride). I use a
backpack for this, but the downside seems to be that sweat does not
evaporate off my back. In addition, I assume that a backpack will make
me much less aerodynamic and will affect my riding comfort in other
ways due to the weight on my back.

So, I am thinking of getting a rack and trunk - perhaps something like
these:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17076&subcategory_ID=2312#
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19329

Are these any good? Suggestions for alternatives are welcome. I ride a
2004 Lemond Buenos Aires
(http://lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/buenos_aires.shtml), and it has a
metal seatpost, and so, I can attach stuff there. I am a recreational
rider (weekend rides of 30-70 miles, planning a few century or metric
doubles), and so, light is nice, but not critical.

Thanks,

Atri

 

[maxo]

On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 12:17:44 -0800, atri.ind wrote:

> So, I am thinking of getting a rack and trunk - perhaps something like
> these:
>
> http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17076&subcategory_ID=2312#
> http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19329

Hey the price is right, I'd go for it except if it were me I'd get this
rack:


http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19330

Which adds the pannier support on the sides. Just in case you decide to
get one of those laptop bags that mounts like a pannier.

Same price.

 

[Cheto]

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

> So, I am thinking of getting a rack and trunk - perhaps something like
> these:
>
>
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17076&subcategory_ID=2312#
> http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19329

I've been using the rack on my MTB for the last year or so and I've been
happy with it. Very solid, a breeze to install and can easily be moved
between different bikes, if you so desire. Well worth the price, especially
on sale.

Cheto

 

[wafflycat]

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On several rides (commuting, going somewhere etc.) I need to carry a
> modest amount of stuff (laptop and change of clothes to work, sometimes
> just a change of clothes, or extra food for a long ride). I use a
> backpack for this, but the downside seems to be that sweat does not
> evaporate off my back. In addition, I assume that a backpack will make
> me much less aerodynamic and will affect my riding comfort in other
> ways due to the weight on my back.

Riding with a backpack on his *awful*. Using a rear rack and some sort of
pannier/bag attachment is *much* better - easier to cycle and much less
sweaty. My son commutes to college every day and he puts everything he needs
for each day (including change of clothes) into a sturdy bag which he
bungee-cords to the rear rack. He used to use a backpack but swiftly learnt
the benefits of *not* using a backpack.

On my bike I use for everyday stuff, I have a lockable, lidded box attached
to the rear rack . On a tour I'll remove that and fit proper rear panniers
and a saddle bag. What you decide on depends on what you need to be carrying
and budget. The panniers I use aren't waterproof, but by virtue of placing
contents inside a waterproof bag before putting them in the pannier, they
stay dry. You can get all sorts of specialist luggage to fit to front & rear
pannier racks of bikes, from cheap & chearful to expensive specific purpose
jobbies such as laptop carriers, so you can trnasport your computer safely
by bike. If you want the Rolls Royce of panniers, go for Ortlieb. They cost
a lot of money but last a lifetime and are totally waterproof. If I was
going to be doing any serious cycle touring or luggage carrying long term,
that's what I'd want to invest in.

Cheers, helen s

 

[Mark Hickey]

maxo <[email protected]> wrote:

>atri.ind wrote:
>
>> So, I am thinking of getting a rack and trunk - perhaps something like
>> these:
>>
>> http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17076&subcategory_ID=2312#
>> http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19329
>
>Hey the price is right, I'd go for it except if it were me I'd get this
>rack:
>
>http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19330
>
>Which adds the pannier support on the sides. Just in case you decide to
>get one of those laptop bags that mounts like a pannier.
>
>Same price.

I agree entirely. I also used to have a Delta rack similar to the one
"up top", and soon converted to another model (still a Delta) with
pannier "Vs" on the side. I found that it makes all the difference
when carrying clothes, and it keeps the weight a lot lower. That way
you enjoy the ride more, and end up less wrinkled when you get there.

OTOH, there may be an aerodynamic disadvantage to panniers. ;-)

Mark Hickey
Habanero Cycles
http://www.habcycles.com
Home of the $695 ti frame

 

[pam_in_sc]

[email protected] wrote:
> So, I am thinking of getting a rack and trunk - perhaps something like
> these:
>
> http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17076&subcategory_ID=2312#
> http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19329
>
> Are these any good? Suggestions for alternatives are welcome. I ride a
> 2004 Lemond Buenos Aires
> (http://lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/buenos_aires.shtml), and it has a
> metal seatpost, and so, I can attach stuff there. I am a recreational
> rider (weekend rides of 30-70 miles, planning a few century or metric
> doubles), and so, light is nice, but not critical.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Atri


I tried a rack that attaches to the seatpost, but my inner thighs hit
the clamp so I took it back to my lbs. If you have skinny legs that
isn't an issue but otherwise you might check the clearance between your
legs and the seatpost.

Pam

 

[Dukester]

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On several rides (commuting, going somewhere etc.) I need to carry a
>
> So, I am thinking of getting a rack and trunk - perhaps something like
> these:
>
>
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17076&subcategory_ID=2312#
>
> Are these any good? Suggestions for alternatives are welcome. I ride a

I started commuting to work by bike about a year ago carrying clothes, etc.
, with a rack and a milk crate attached to it. Wanting to look "cool" I
thought I should have one of these same rack trunks. I quickly realized it
was not large enough for clothes (forget about carrying dress shoes), but
felt too guilty about buying it to stop using it. After a couple of months
the velcro straps that attach it to the rack get stretched out of shape and
a little too loose for my tastes. Try hanging a blinky on that strap on the
back; it is near impossible to keep it from pointing down torwards the
asphalt instead of behind you. I went back to the bungi cords & milk crate
a week or so ago and don't give a damn about looks. It has the added benefit
of not fooling with zippers, etc. and being able to just toss stuff in it &
go. Read the "Panniers for School Books?" thread from a while back on
google.

Cheers!
Duke