Carrying stuff

[Lochen]

I've just ordered a top bar bag for keys, phone, wallet and bits.

Would any of you put a rack on it?

Which one if you would?

Recommendations gratefully received.

Ta

 

[vickster]

Topeak super tourist, slide on trunk bag with fold out panniers

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...cks/topeak-super-tourist-dx-disc-pannier-rack
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-baskets-panniers/topeak-mtx-trunkbag-exp

Rather depends where, how far and what doing with bike though

 

[Lochen]

Topeak super tourist, slide on trunk bag with fold out panniers

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...cks/topeak-super-tourist-dx-disc-pannier-rack
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-baskets-panniers/topeak-mtx-trunkbag-exp

Rather depends where, how far and what doing with bike though

Those are what I've been considering . Although the 'beam' seat tube fitting rack. I'll not need panniers.

 

[tallliman]

I use my apidura top tube bag for short rides but for my commuting bike, I have a skewer rack with a trunk bag like the one @vickster showed albeit mine is a Trek one.

It's handy for moving clothes, backup lights, chargers and lunch around.

 

[Lochen]

I use my apidura top tube bag for short rides but for my commuting bike, I have a skewer rack with a trunk bag like the one @vickster showed albeit mine is a Trek one.

It's handy for moving clothes, backup lights, chargers and lunch around.

Apidura is what I've ordered.

 

[vickster]

I wouldn't go for a beam rack. The load bear is quite low and they can swing. If you can fit a proper rack do. Otherwise get something like a carradice with bracket

 

[T675Rich]

I was looking at that topeak bag and rack as I wanted something that clips on and off the bike without having to mess around with straps etc. I was also looking at some panniers but I would probably only have enough stuff for one and one pannier seems like a bad idea.

 

[vickster]

I was looking at that topeak bag and rack as I wanted something that clips on and off the bike without having to mess around with straps etc. I was also looking at some panniers but I would probably only have enough stuff for one and one pannier seems like a bad idea.

Why is one pannier a bad idea? I have the Topeak with the fold down panniers (still) and often only have one side down for commuting unless I’m carrying shopping

 

[ColinJ]

I was also looking at some panniers but I would probably only have enough stuff for one and one pannier seems like a bad idea.

I thought the same thing until I tried it. With a moderate weight in one pannier I didn't really notice it was there (except for going uphill).

I'm not sure that I would want a heavy load on just one side of the bike though. If I were going to carry more then I'd distribute the load over 2 panniers.

 

[vickster]

I thought the same thing until I tried it. With a moderate weight in one pannier I didn't really notice it was there (except for going uphill).

I'm not sure that I would want a heavy load on one just side of the bike though. If I were going to carry more then I'd distribute the load over 2 panniers.

I just rode about 5 (flat) miles on rubbish road surfaces with a laptop, a few clothes and 2 cans of pale ale in one side. All my other stuff including smallish D lock in the trunk bag part

 

[ColinJ]

I just rode about 5 (flat) miles on rubbish road surfaces with a laptop, a few clothes and 2 cans of pale ale in one side. All my other stuff including smallish D lock in the trunk bag part

Yes, that's what I would call 'moderate'. I tried it with 12 kgs of shopping on one side and it felt like the bike wanted to topple over!

 

[vickster]

I don’t think I’ve ever carried 12kg. The pannier bits aren’t massive

 

[ColinJ]

Yes, it was a bit much... 2 x 2 litres of sparkling water, 2 x 1 litre of OJ, 4 tins of baked beans, bag of spuds etc. I just go to the shops more often now and buy less in one go.

Actually, you've got me thinking that that might have been BOTH panniers ... It seems a lot to get in just one!

Anyway, I did put too much in on just one side once and didn't like it, but moderate loads are fine.

 

[T675Rich]

Why is one pannier a bad idea? I have the Topeak with the fold down panniers (still) and often only have one side down for commuting unless I’m carrying shopping

I was told many a time to make sure my motorbike panniers weighed the same so they wouldn't unbalance the bike, i assumed an unbalanced load on a cycle would be even worse. I guess that I was wrong.

 

[vickster]

Well it's probably better if carrying big loads but it's perfectly feasible without. Maybe having the trunk part helps, no idea. If concerned, just use both sides