In this weeks comment Friday I want to talk bags! How do you go about getting the bits you need into work. Whether that be a laptop, a change of clothes or any other items you keep in your bag.
After my brief brush with panniers, I’m currently relying on a messenger bag. My choice is between the Timbuk2 messenger bag which I bought second hand off the LFGSS forum and the Chrome Buran (which I’ve been sent for review). Messenger bags are comfortable, provide quick access as you can swing it around your shoulder and tend to have plenty of capacity.
Why I couldn’t stick the panniers? The wider bike made me feel less nimble.
On to you – what do you use?
Related posts:
- Have a nosy peek inside other people’s bags
- A new bag that can carry your suit into work
- Waterproof cycling bags
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I have to put in a special mention for my 30 squid Altura Pannier. I got my laptop, gripe water bottle for the baby and a pair of cricket batting pads in there the other night (the top didn’t close), and I didn’t notice the weight and everything got back in one piece.
I’ve tried almost everything over the years – and have pushed luggage management to the minimalist limit. There is no satisfactory solution. I have never been lucky enough to have a sympathetic employer/ facilities management who lay on suitable facilities for cyclists. Surely there is a market for a clean, well organised changing/ secure bike/ drying facility in the centre of the city. What I’d give for a decent shower, a couple of nicely dry-cleaned suits, a freshly ironed shirt and a pair of shiny shoes for the last 10 minute walk to the office. Given that I save £6 a day from using the train – I’d probably fork most of that so I don’t appear at work as a wet-lycra fetishist. At 47 there’s no dignity in that.
I’ve tried panniers and also found them too cumbersome in London traffic (although still the best for loads of stuff). Rucksacks are better for your back but do make you sweat more. I’ve been through plenty of courier bags but when carrying a laptop they do start to impact your shoulder. Additionally you get the sweat patch in the small of your back and trying to get them exactly in the right position is a challenge.
What I think I’ve found is the best solution so far – Rixen Kaul Freepack. It’s a mix between a small rucksack/pannier/seatpost bag. It clicks on and off very easily and manages a change of clothes, small washbag/towel and occasionally a small laptop.
You can see them here:
- http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=3819
- http://www.cyclingforums.com/products/rixen-kaul-freepack-meta-2-klick-fix-backpack-26-litre
- http://www.bikester.co.uk/bicycle-equipment/rucksacks/rucksacks-without-hydration/9808.html?c=4&_cid=23_2_1_2110_2152_2228_9808_REF&zanpid=1503302259361436673
I bought mine off ebay about 3 years ago and it’s been great. comes with the seat post attachment plus a waterproof cover. Back light fits into the loop and nice pocket for tyre changing kit.
Only problem I’ve had was the piece to attach bag to the post system broke but I found a UK distributor and they sent me 3 replacement parts and a few minutes later all was fixed.
If you have a lot of weighty stuff this probably isn’t for you but if you need to carry in a change of clothes, washbag and small laptop I can’t rate this highly enough!
It does change the bike handling slightly but as with panniers you get used to it and as the weight is close to you it doesn’t mean it wobbles like you can feel with loaded panniers.
give it a try!
Panniers, I did switch to a rucksack in a moment of vanity when I felt my Bob Jackson looked bad with a rack and then remembered why I spec’d it with rack bolts in the first place. If I’m doing a very short hop then a rucksack but otherwise it’s an Ortlieb Office Bag plus a Classic for the monthly changing room deep clean at work (shoes, shower gel etc etc need to be moved out of lockers) I know we all like to think we have the right solution, but seriously, if you ride a reasonable distance daily, and need to carry more than a phone then panniers are the only way, so there