5 hours sat in traffic

[Cuchilo]

and covered about 35 miles
I needed to deliver materials to a job I am doing so had to take the van . Next time I go there I'm taking the bike !!!!!!!!!
Any commuter tips for me ?
I will be riding in the dark both ways so wondering if I should fit the panniers and rack as they are high vis or leave them off for less weight and bulk through traffic . I will only need my sarnies and a change of clothes , maybe a flask of coffee . Rucksack ?

 

[steveindenmark]

Panniers are better than a rucksack if you can fit them.

Steve

 

[classic33]

Would what you're intending carrying fit in your panniers. And how are you at carrying any load, over a distance in a rucksack?

 

[Cuchilo]

The panniers would give me loads of room and I have no idea how I am with a rucksack over 17 miles as ive never done it . The rucksack thing , the mileage is easy .
It feels a bit weird asking the question as I have the mileage covered and am fine in traffic but ive always had the option to just turn around and go somewhere else before and its never been in rush hour London traffic

 

[classic33]

If you're uncertain about the rucksack, go with the panniers.
Allowing yourself some extra time to allow for anything unexpected.

 

[Cuchilo]

The flask is the only thing that will make it heavy . I'll make it and fill it up with water when I get there

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

average of 7mph - about par on a bad day in london

 

[KneesUp]

I still commute with a rucksack after 6 months, but it's uncomfortable, and my commute is only 2.5 mile each way if I take the short route. I'm holding out for next time Aldi do pannier racks - if I already had them I'd definitely use them.

 

[Cuchilo]

average of 7mph - about par on a bad day in london

It took me an hour to get from Hanworth to Richmond I could walk it faster !
Pannier rack now going on

 

[Spoked Wheels]

As long as you dont take your cello with you, you'll be fine

 

[fossyant]

You soon get used to panniers. It just keeps the weight off your shoulders. It is more comfortable. Having used both for many years, I now will stay with panniers for the commute (having had a knackered shoulder, even now it's better I will use them). PS Ortliebs also act as a rather effective air bag for the bike, saving It from major damage in a crash. Tried and tested it recently, and just a scratch on the pannier bags.

 

[Cuchilo]

As long as you dont take your cello with you, you'll be fine

Its a double bass !

 

[Glow worm]

Just make sure you get panniers that lock securely to the rack. I've lost a couple over the years- reached my destination and found I'm a pannier down

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Its a double bass !

sorted...

Oh, and on a more serious note, a rucksack has never felt like a major burden - but I've used them a lot. Panniers, apart from the fact that you have the extra weight of the rack and that there's a big temptation to carry more than you need, are more practical for longer journeys. If it's a 35 mile round trip, I wouldn't bother putting them on.

 

[Profpointy]

As long as you dont take your cello with you, you'll be fine

but a Sousaphone would be fine, as you could wear it