New commuter

[Lazy-Commuter]

I empathise with you, Rookie. I'm 41 and commute 7 miles each way on a Giant Rincon. I second all the comments about changing at work ..

You'll be fine and it will get easier than you think quicker than you think. Have fun!

 

[hackbike 666]

Found the rear carrier thing handy yes.

 

[The Rookie]

Thanks for all the support guys, not sure I want to go the pannier or rear carrier route, but will see how I get on!

Simon

 

[hackbike 666]

I have pannier and use backpack all the time also.

 

[eldudino]

I bought a clip-on rack that attaches to the seat post. It's been fine to carry everything I've thrown at it so far but I only use it on the odd occasion where I have a planned trip to the supermarket after work. Which is probably a couple of times a year! I don't really know why I keep it!

I much prefer wearing a backpack, I have a Karrimor one bought from SportsDirect (cheapo sports shop, they're in most town centres) that has a system to keep the bulk of the weight off your back, I've read that others on here have them too. Build quality is good and it comes with a waterproof cover though I also have a high-vis cover for it too, this is essential in winter as a backpack covers up most of your back (if you wear high-vis that is).

 

[hackbike 666]

Yeah I have a hi-viz cover for it.

 

[The Rookie]

I bought a clip-on rack that attaches to the seat post. It's been fine to carry everything I've thrown at it so far but I only use it on the odd occasion where I have a planned trip to the supermarket after work. Which is probably a couple of times a year! I don't really know why I keep it!

I much prefer wearing a backpack, I have a Karrimor one bought from SportsDirect (cheapo sports shop, they're in most town centres)

Having no visible seatpost, I couldn't use that carrier!

Have A Targus decentish quality backpack I got when my local Makro was closing down (Cycling is meant to be saving money as well as me/the environment, and it was only £14!) so will be using that for a while.

Simon