Best way to carry stuff on your bike commute: Panniers, basket, backpack or milk crate?
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- Getting to work on a bike is only half the job. The tough part is figuring out how to get all of your stuff there too. Your lunchbag, your coffee, your hand sanitizer (c'mon, it's still Covid times), how do you carry it?
I decided to test four of the most popular methods to determine the most efficient and simple. I tested:
1:08 Panniers (or saddlebags)
3:33 Basket
6:11 Milk Crate
8:42 Backpack
10:55 My favourite
Nice panniers, right? They were given to me to test by @Vincitaofficial -- thanks to them. If you like the look of it, you can check it out here: www.amazon.com...
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A good option is using a backpack and put it in the basket: great capacity of loading because, if you need it, you can carry the backpack on you and have the aditional basket capacity for extra load, easy grab and go (more than paniers), isolation from elements if you use a water proof backpack.
Or as I do, bungee the rucksack onto the panier rack
@@georgewarren5565 I did that for some time, but it was quite anoying to make sure nostraps are dangling from it, basket seems much more convenient. It should be bolted on though, just so that potential thief would have to carry at least a screwdriver
Yeah I do that all the time! I commute by bike almost every day. And if I need to suddenly pick something up, then I'll take the backpack out and carry it on my back as an exception.
So you gotta carry your stuff from home to the bike, then from bike into office right? Backpack in basket for me. Then, as you say, if you need to do a bit of shopping on the way in, or way home, you put on the backpack and put shopping in basket, doubling your capacity. Backpack is also a good shopping bag if its not too full already. Panniers, only a carry handle, a bit awkward, harder to attach and detach.
@@kevinsbikingadventures278 it extends the storage capacity of the basket
Back pack IN the milk crate!
Perfect!
Or even backpack in the basket could work.
Nailed it!!!
@Dane Wade Blazing Saddles part deux!
Till you hit a bump and out flies the backpack. Had that happen once. But I tend to go fast, at least 20-30 km/h.
or even backpack in permanent panier as long as the backpack is not too large. That has the added benefit that you can store stuff in the other panier that you only need for your bike (rain gear, small pump and some bike repair stuff) you might need en route. I know flat tires aren't really an issue any longer but I wouldn't want to leave without the option to repair a flat tyre if needed.
Panniers on the back, crate on the front. Backpack goes everywhere with me.
And a step thru bike avoids the need to throw your leg over whatever you have on the back!
True but it's not necessary. You just step over the top tube while leaning the bike, similar to a touring motorcycle.
Also add a basket to the back for more capacity
@@kishascape yet but its annoying
@@hil449 Unless you a delivery rider or something it's actually not bad and you get used to it. Motorcycle cops do it hundreds of times a day.
You could put the backpack in the crate if you don't want to wear it
ah, my favourite lunch. 3 cans of beans.
I wouldn't want to be in the cubicle next to him after lunch.
yeahhh !!! and the coffee bottle was empty lol
The secret of the bike commuter: TURBO BOOST!!! ( Disclaimer: not for recliner bikes)
@@grintalcycles8266 if you eat them regularly and properly cooked, they dont make you toot much more than any other food. sadly, the gassing period is so freaking terrible that most people dont get through it.
And here I was thinking Shifter has decided not to use gas and other fossil fuels 😅
Fun fact, the word "panier" is French , it means... basket! What you call "pannier" is in French "sacoches". The word panier comes from the Latin "panarium" and it means a basket for bred.
Cool! Learning something new everyday. Thanks Didier
Another fun fact, perineum is a fancy way of saying taint, gooch, or grundle.
oui j'ai remarqué ça moi aussi.
I didn't know that
Funny thing. The captions said "panties" instead of panniers.
I think there are a couple factors that were missed. First, most people probably already own a backpack and/or milk crate. The convenience of already owning something is pretty high in my books.
Second, not everyone commutes to an office. As a student panniers make less sense because they still need to carry my gear around once I'm on campus. The backpack is the preferable method between classes. With those panniers in particular, they'd be a nightmare to try and fit them under a desk in a crowded lecture hall.
I agree. I don’t know if bags fit in panniers
backpack in milk crate seems like the best option
Pannier's differ quite a bit. Not all panniers are joined like this set, different sizes, different methods of carrying them (including backpack type options). The main thing really is rack > back, whether you put the backpack, messenger bag, pannier(s), basket, etc. on it.
Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.
I'm thinking of getting a good sized pannier (panniers?), perhaps large enough to set a backpack in, if the need arises.
This video gives me the impression you have wonderfully smooth roads. Try it on Belgian cobbles and I fear the basket will be half empty and the milk crate may have fallen off. Moreover, with the latter stepping on and off the bike seems painstaking.
Good video, though.
My basket had a pretty secure lid on it. It wasn’t lockable, but it only ever came lose if I tried to jump a curb a little too hard.
@@terenceharris5610 you definitely are not familiar to Belgium roads, I agree with 2ndbariton
It depends where you are in Canada. Here in Ottawa, the bike trails are fairly smooth, but then some roads get heavily damaged from heavy trucking and freeze-thaw cycles. I do understand what you are saying though; I've biked on some of Montréal's cobblestone roads and it can get quite bumpy! I like to place a backpack in a basket, and luckily it was very snug so I didn't have the problem of things bouncing around.
This video gives me the impression that you don’t have to carry an extension ladder to work.
@@terenceharris5610 oh that sounds like a good idea. Never thought of that.
I would use a permanently attached milk crate on my summer beater because an old crate would blend in perfectly with the rest of the bike.
Not long after I got the good bike I have now, and had a particular rear rack installed, I got the collapsible/rolling crate made for that rack, with the proprietary cleat and spring-loaded latch on the bottom to secure it to the rack. I can slide it off, extend the handle, and drag it around on its little wheels, or fold it down flat. I can also use an after-market lock to further secure it to the rack so nobody else can just make off with it if I leave it on the rear rack while the rest of the bike is locked up at a bike rack. Granted, this option has now gotten a great deal more expensive than it was when I got it. But, I'm generally torn between this option (with my backpack in the crate) and my panniers for my commute to and from campus. Much depends on what all I need to carry with me.
For groceries, I would actually just take the panniers into the grocery store (pre-COVID) as my "reusable bags" and load up the groceries directly into them, but my main set of panniers are actually individual ones rather than the joined "saddle bag" style, and each one hooks onto the side of the rack, with a toggle behind to secure it. So the people in the store never found it too odd. They're also insulated specially for groceries, so they're pretty sweet, and they were only about $20 apiece, at the time. Sadly, the don't make that style anymore.
🎯😜🆒‼️. B O T H
#1 and #4 are clearly the best options. Secure, safe and convenient. #1 probably has more space and is more comfortable, and #4 is more versatile.
#2 could launch your laptop out onto the street if you hit a pothole. A basket like that also makes you very prone to theft.
#3 is basically just a big basket.
When I was a student post-retirement I used a backpack in combination with an attached basket. Pack backpack with computer, books and lunch. Throw it in the basket. Have easy access to stuff all day around campus. Best of both worlds. Also: a step-through bike solves the leg-over problem.
Something not mentioned that most don't consider is a backpack will significantly lessen the shock of bumps. That is a big consideration when I am biking with my camera gear and/or electronics.
i would argue that it's you who's providing the shock absorption, not the backpack, but your point still stands
i'm a backpack advocate, to the point that you'll rarely catch me without it
Panniers all the way... easy to attach, waterproof, no sweaty back.!
And safe, low centre of gravity
Agree!
And if they're not waterproof you can always line them with a trash compactor bag... The way hikers line their backpacks.
The problem with panniers is that I am forced to either carry all my stuff on my hand which sucks or I have haul my whole bike around which also sucks.
@@jholotanbest2688 i have seen several examples of sling/back packs that have strap stows and pannier clips.
I like the working class aesthetic of the milk crate. Wouldn't be surprised if it became a fashion choice someday.
Green with the word organic in block letters.
Even though you have an Ø in your name, you clearly aren't Danish, otherwise you'd have known about Puch Maxi's with milk crates on them. Quite the symbol indeed here in Denmark, or used to be at least, not too many Puch Maxi's around anymore. Try searching for "puch maxi mælkekasse" for images.
In the Netherlands bikes with a rack + milk/beer crate on the front are very popular.
If you ate all those beans for lunch...you would have turbo jet power for your ride home!
That is nothing, have a look at ua-cam.com/video/RYsTlfhDSDY/v-deo.html :-)
If your luggage is not super huge, my favourite option is a nice, waterproof messenger bag or backpack. You don't have to detach it from the bike every time and it doesn't compromise handling. On top of that you get extra style points 👩🏼🔧
Ortlieb's waterproof panniers are pricy, but worth every penny! (Plus you can ride with either one or both in a pair)
I would check the hooks periodically because my ortliebs vibrated loose and basically you can't hang them. The bolt fell out once and i was lucky to have a basket on the front to transport it. I have a long commute and it was night. The basket saved my ass.
It's the same with fender screws and losing a screw is no fun.
Just don’t put a water bottle inside the ortliebs, they are waterproof both ways. The water bottle popped open and I had pannier soup. Expensive, but I’ve had mine over a decade so really it’s 10$/year...
I have the same pair since '99. Never had any thing happen like Nowayout, but then again I check them regularly, or move their position which is in effect, a check. I use them when walking about, as well, as I live in a rainy area.
Mine are going on twelve years old now, one of the best items I've ever bought for my bike. I've ridden through torrential rain, and everything has stayed dry inside.
@@TC-im8eq ooh, I did that once! Unfortunately my iPad was in there with the bottle. :-(
I guess we all start with a backpack. For commuting, I'm not comfortable with a basket or a milk crate as items in them can easily be stolen.
Put an oversized bag in the basket and then put items in that. Then remove the bag with items if needed to take with you. Leave the basket/crate. It also makes bike more cumbersome to deter theft. More cumbersome = more time and energy to take the bike.
If your commuting you shouldn’t need to worry about it during the actual commute as you will be riding. It’s before and after the actual commute.
That's why I just use a pannier, out of the way, holds load close to together more securely so less movement and space taken, and mine comes off to become a backpack.
Never ever leave anything on your bike that you are not prepared to have stolen.
Bags, panniers, lights....
I've seen the wheels or seat taken from locked bikes.
I've seen many locked wheels in bike racks and the rest of the bike gone. 😟
@@tconnolly9820 in crime-ridden cities like mine the concern is also things being grabbed out of a basket when you're stopped in traffic or at a stop sign. I agree though that some of that can be solved by having a backpack in the basket which is lashed down. But yes. In my city leaving anything of value unsecured on the parked bike you'd be really surprised to find it still there when you came back to it.
@@tconnolly9820 Lol who locks their bike by only locking a wheel to the fixture? The absolute minimum which i would consider doing is a lock going through the front wheel AND frame.
I have been pondering this idea for the last week. This video hasn’t come at a more perfect time. Thank you!
My favorite is a backpack in a kid's seat it works like a basket but has the added advantages that you can secure the backpack in place with the straps for the kid and if you're cycling in traffic cars give you all that extra space thinking you're carrying a child. It also has extra carrying space as the backpack can be hung by the straps at the back of the seat leaving room in the seating area for an actual kid or yet another backpack. The foot rests and the straps are also great for holding things like coffee thermos and water bottles.
I usually keep an insulated reusable grocery bag in my basket, it keeps everything secure because it has a zipper and when I get my goods after work they stay cool! This was a cool video, thanks for doing the hard work.
Watching you get on and off your bike made me glad I bought a bike with a step through frame.
Step threw is my go to, no shame I ask for the " lady's bike" every time. No accidental nut smash if I slip off the pedals easier to get on and off .
@@MakeitorBreakit591Even when I was younger (I'm 30+) I always wondered why step thru bikes were "girl's bikes". Was a girl wondering why boys would want to endanger themselves like that 😂 Plus way easier to quickly dismount
@@vulpixelful They're mostly considered 'girl's bikes' because a step-thru is the only skirt/dress friendly frame.
@@josephcarreon2341 Well now that we know about men who wear pullovers/kilts as cultural dress around the world we can stop unnecessarily gendering bike styles 😊
This channel has been really helpful, I just bought my bike and I'm getting everything I need to go to work without many problems
Amazing! Good luck to you
Got a hybrid between pannier and backpack (Ortlieb Vario PS). Love it! On the bike it's off your back and off the bike it's not awkward to transport and/or looks "weird" which is in my opinion the biggest downfall of pannier bags.
Wald 582 collapsible basket. I've used them for decades. They're the size of a paper grocery sack and attach to your rear rack. Collapse when not in use. They keep the weight low like a pannier. My bike friends mock me but I'm the one carrying the beer home after the ride.
Yessss this is the winner right here! I have dual 582s with optional homemade liner bags so I can carry groceries out of them.
I’ve been using a pair of Wald 582s for over twenty years. Combined with a cargo net you can haul a lot of stuff.
Are they easy to attach and remove? I’d like to get a basket as well, but I don’t want to have to unscrew/screw in a bunch of nails every time I want to take it off and put it back on. Or have it be a permanent fixture on my bike.
@@SomeGuyWhoPlaysGames333 They're permenantly attached but fold away very flat. I suppose you could attach them with zip ties if you wanted to.
I doubt this will be seen, but knots and lashings have earned great respect from me and are applicable in more ways than I can count. To secure the milk crate to the bike rack, I think the “taut-line hitch” and the “constrictor knot (or clove hitch)” with some creativity would work. They’re relatively simple knots many can learn here on youtube, just make sure you use a good rope with enough friction between itself. 550 paracord is the classic and quite available.
I need to buy rope.
panniers are good for low center of gravity (stability) but have to be back far enough that your heels don't strike
One of the big factors is vibration. Backpack has the least vibration transmitted to your stuff. A pannier has some vibration but gets the weight off your back. Anything sitting on the rack is going to have a lot of vibration.
Don't put a laptop in a milk crate because over time it can shake things up too much.
I need to upgrade the way I am carrying my groceries, thanks for the video.
Glad it was helpful!
One thing you didn't consider, if you are carrying your valuable stuff in an open basket or crate and have a crash all your stuff is going propelled all over the road and very likely ran over or otherwise destroyed. Panniers keep your stuff with your bike and a backpack keeps them with your body. I tried carrying textbooks around in a backpack once and the considerable weight causes extreme pain in the posterior. Panniers are the only way to go in my opinion until you get up to a certain weight after which a trailer is the way to go.
In the UK a bike commute is often combined with a train commute, in which case a backpack is most convenient because it makes the bike more portable up/down stairs & on/of trains. You also have a lower wind drag coefficient with a backpack than with panniers. That may not be an issue with a short commute, but you don't want to turn yourself into a parachute with a long commute. The real downside of a backpack is it's sweaty in summer.
I wish they can accommodate bikes on London commutes. Typically no bikes on trains at rush hour, unless it's a folding bike.
@@berniethekiwidragon4382 I can’t even fit bike on bus in U.K.
@@washx2k755 Yep I question the premise as well. I live in the UK and it just isn't true (from my experience in the south east and Greater London).
@@GTMarmot so u guys don’t have problems with Arriva bus?
@@washx2k755 I don't use buses but those who do don't take bicycles on them as there's no space for them in the rush hour.
The cheap plastic crates. We Dutch sometimes have those on the front of the steering wheel.
GF on the back, 2 backpacks on the front. Steering is very heavy with the weight, but we still go!
the dutch know how to show a girl a good time!
As a postman I use an over the shoulder mail bag. Easy to use and no sweaty back. Weight distribution can be a bit tricky at times tho.
One option not presented here are the folding baskets that can be added to either side of a rear mounted rack. The pro of these is that they're permanently attached to your bike so if you're out and about and grab something on a whim, the baskets are ready to go, but otherwise fold neatly away when you don't need them. The con is that you're always carrying around that extra weight whether you need them or not. Also, if you're using your bike for a grocery shopping trip, you'll want to be careful not to buy more than can fit into the baskets, barring any additional carrying capacity you might have in the form of a backpack or something. You can also still bungee things to the top of the rack, as long as it doesn't interfere with the baskets hanging off the sides.
Oh, and one other con - since the basket is made of metal wires welded together, watch out for sharp ends on the wires. One time I was carrying cans of beer without putting them in a bag, and one of the beer cans got punctured, resulting in wasted beer!
I love the folding basket! The only downside for me is that they’re heavy
@@matthewcain2880 yeah for sure. Generally manageable but every once in a while I'll take the rack /baskets off and my bike will feel so light.
It was almost nostalgic seeing mount royals campus, also super helpful to get some insight from someone who's prepping for calgary commuting 🤣
I currently use milkcrate and pannier. Works great for groceries as well as my work commute. When weather gets colder i can store my layers for colder nights compared to afternoon ride to work.
The milkcrate is permanently affixed to my rear rack, and is the same carrying capacity as an large ALDI bag, so i grab 1 bag and and carry my panniers and hang them on the cart for groceries. Keeps me from over buying.
Great video!
I'm using a basket in the back, I made it permanent so it is secure and tight enough. I feel like this is the best option because I can use any bags that I have and just throw the bag in the basket while commuting.
(Not throwing my stuffs one by one like you did, that's not practical actually lol)
Ohh I also make it more secure by adding an elastic rope so the bag or anything inside the rack wont fall off while I ride.
backack and one handed biking when carrying cargo short distances (5 miles or less) has been my preferred method for 12 + years lol
@Stephen Beary damn I live in fear anytime I ride one-handed.
a chrome roll top backpack did me well for years of heavy bike commuting. panniers are nice also. I made a bucket style and wooden ones too when I lived in Oakland. They are good when you really need to haul. Also who ever says you shouldn't use bungie cords on a bike needs to go outside more.
I started out with a backpack and to be honest it worked pretty well for years. Decided to try out a small pannier "accessory bag" to carry repair tools, water and other bits and bobs and leave the backpack at home (majority of belongings stayed at work).
Because of it's small size shopping wasn't feasible. I replaced it with a large plastic box secured with zip ties, was really great for convenience (chuck stuff in and go) and carrying heavy items, but got tired of the leg stretching manouevre to get on and off the bike lol.
I've now gone back to panniers - a 2 in 1 convertible type from Aldi that can change from a backpack to a pannier. It's admittedly not the best quality, but has lots of space to carry everything I need, and even handle some shopping extras when on the way home. Much easier to get on and off the bike too as it's lower down!
I took it a little step further and attached some metal helmet QR buckles to a woven bag and the rack (to carry any large items). Seems fine up to about ~12kg before the buckle pops open (over bumps) so I typically load it up to ~4-6kg.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It's so helpful for others to hear.
I have aldi panniers that convert to backpack. Can’t beat 13 euro.
I commute on a 2021 Cannondale Trail 7 and I use a backpack and it's horrible if you commute on a bike with an aggressive riding position do not use a backpack it puts all the weight on your shoulders wrists and hands any bike bag or basket option is the right one 👍 thank you for all of your videos
Toss the backpack into a basket and secure with cheap stretch net. Most convenient, organized, fast, secure.
yea, cargo net is superior evolution of the bungie.
Backpack is not really comfortable for longer rides because you get sweaty underneath on longer rides (>5 km).
I have all of those. For around town running errands I use a milk crate. It's more easily accessed than paniers. One downside is that things can bounce out if you hit a bump. I use paniers for touring. Rarely use a backpack. Only if I have some light stuff to carry. I secure the milk crate with cable ties to the rack.
You’re lucky ‘cos you live in a country where the roads aren’t dotted with potholes big enough to cause your stuff to fly out of the basket. Here in the UK, potholes are becoming a very serious problem for both cyclists and motorists with no end in sight.
Voting in the wrong people.
From the US, we have the same problem. Too many people who vote, shouldn't: they are first order or magical thinkers, no idea the complexities or costs, and they don't care. So politicians pander to their wants, and take from those who produce, while taking a lot off the top and getting rich.
Education doesn't help, especially now; they're teaching kids to answer, not to think. They think interaction should be like a video game: they select from a few answers, they don't process anything, articulate or understand anything. Which is the intended outcome, really. Good workers, not good thinkers. Thinkers challenge the status quo, which is profitable for those running the society...
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!!!!
A bike trailer is really nice if you are grabbing groceries on your way home.
Paniers of course.
Loaded rear paniers are a counter balance to flying over the handlebars too.
Something that's important.
Before the panniers, I used milkcrates and zip ties. I even used the collapsible vegetable crates. They’re longer and hold more, but can make the ride a little sketchy.
Do the panniers make it good for groceries
@Arturo Gonzalez panniers are awesome. They close securely, and most times, you can just drop your shopping bag into them.
I use a cheap wire basket on my back rack for everyday commuting, in which I put my bag or backpack and secure it with a bungee cord. On rainy days I put my bag in a plastic shopping bag :). I do own panniers as well, but only use them for multi day rides on the weekends or vacation. If you buy panniers, I would recommend buying truly waterproof ones. Many are only water repellent and let water seep through the seams.
A cargo net can vastly improve the basket and milk crate's functionality.
I still prefer panniers for carrying lots of stuff and a trunk bag for less stuff, but the problem with lots of capacity is that it encourages you to carry more stuff. Ask me how I know.
How do you know
@@hexxed4245 😄 Because I've carried much too much stuff.
My old cargo rack had a spring arm on the top that laid flat most of the time, but I would often use it as a way to quickly clamp my backpack or messenger bag to the top of the rack (often kind of wedged against the seat post). It actually worked quite well and was very secure, and made it so I could use the same bag that I would want for the day anyway and just slip in on and off my bike very quickly. I think they make pannier systems that rely on spring arms like that as the main way to secure them, and those systems are very quick and easy to take on and off. Oh and I managed to use it to secure pizza boxes in a pinch when I got carry out.
To whoever asked the question, I'll be grateful for he created a video of it.
I commute on a BMX bike. In an urban environment I think it’s hard to beat. The 2.4 tires roll over anything. Smaller frame and wheels fit in smaller spaces. Tall bars and short stem give you incredible amounts of steering control. Heavy build quality means it’s gonna take a crash and not take any serious damage most of the time. No basket, no luggage carrying at all on the bike. I use a backpack with chest and stomach straps to keep it tight and I’m place.
front basket or backpack!
because after every bump I want to check that I still have my stuff - after loosing bag with all my keys I'm paranoid.
I only put on my spandex and ride my bike to work. The rest (backpack, laptop, coffee press, coffee mug, tea bags, tea cup, pens, smartphone, monitor, bike tools, rain coats, shoes, flip flops etc) got shipped to my office and back everyday by DHL.
J/k I love your vid man. Bike commuting rocks!!
Thanks for watching!
you forgot the front basket
they're a good way to catapult all your stuff to the side, at least that's half the front baskets I see on the market.
Great video. Useful , well planned and edited. Thank you.
I like the first option because it protect your items from rain. save you a lot of weight from your backpack
backpack in a big enough side basket hung on the rack, for me. I use a pair of metal mesh baskets on the rack, and put my backpack in one of them on the commute, and weather clothes /jacket in the other if it gets warm.
I use a milk crate with 2 bungee cords. works great!
Happy to see another bungee man!
I've been trying a few solutions for carrying stuff since last winter. One thing that might be pretty good for some people is completely enclosed basket with cover, which you can lock. It's pretty good if you want to store spare lights, small pump, few keys, or other things you might want to have with you "just in case". But it's not great (or rather it's really bad) for carrying it around in hand, it's bit too bulky, and, depending on model, attaching it might take a while.
I also tried two types of panniers. One type was pretty good design, very convenient for carrying around as a bag, very quick and easy for attaching in on the rack. They weren't so cheap, but quality was crappy anyway, so they were in pieces after about 300 km. Other type - cheaper, better quality, big capacity, yet mounting them is pain in the neck. So I use them only if I want to haul a lot of stuff.
For now, in most cases (especially when going for short route, but making several stops) I returned to my old solution, which is backpack, put on the rack, sometimes secured with bungee cord.
I went from box on a rack, to panniers, and now I use a backpack. I prefer the backpack of all the methods. I made sure to get a pack made for cycling, which has a structure that keeps the pack off my back for airflow and the straps curve in a way to follow a riding position. Plus it has a mounting area for my rear flashing light. I live in Vic and it rains a lot, and no issues yet.
Just discovering your videos! thanks for making them. So helpful now that I just purchased my first adult bike :)
yup, I'm with you on the panier. I have done the milk crate on the back when I lived in a hot country - I fastened it on to the back rack - it was really good.
Never stow a computer where it could bounce out!
@@31xrg yeah I actually got careless one time and threw my laptop into the crate on my bike before going to work. I missed and the laptop landed on the concrete driveway. It survived, but I felt kinda no too clever about it.
I use panniers, baskets and a backpack on my bike. Helps with carrying my shopping. I use a backpack cover and cargo net to secure the basket content.
I know it all depends, but I feel that for most people, this fact applies: bike thief is an issue. Therefore, if you do not have any particular requirement for a pannier, forget about it. It's another product you have to buy and carry. A milk crate is just right. Cheap and handy, no need much maintenance, rain is not an issue. You can put your backpack on it or your shopping bag. My only trouble with milk crate had been if I need to carry something bigger than it, then it gets annoying. Carrying a full tower computer on a bicycle is not fun. In which case, pannier bags won't help either way. Pannier main advantage is its low centre of gravity.
I used a milk crate today before i even saw your video, i secured it with long Velcro straps and it was perfection. Until i find my regular trunk bag, it's great.
Idk why nobody is talking about how easy it could be to steal stuff off a basket and milk crate, since it's just open there for everyone to see
Saddlebags are great too, I've had 2 or 3 carradice nelson longflaps over the years and they have a "traditional' aesthetic looking good on a skinny steel frame. Having said that i've recently moved back to a pannier rack on my everyday commuting bike. This is because I've recently found a solution to the perennial problem of carrying my guitar in its hardcase. I'm using this nifty "airpannier' from mundomusic in the uk. I'm not associated with the company (honest!) but it's such a well designed and secure way of carrying large items on your rack. Looking at their website people are carrying their double bass, even palm trees, the works. I just love anything that makes cycling even more practical.
When I've used a milk crate, I used multiple bungies so it wouldn't move as much. But, yeah, panniers are the best way I think.
Here in Germany clip- on side bags are very popular. They protect your computer well and often come with anti-snatch clips to make thieves' lives harder. Lots of baskets around too tho.
Hi Alex, will finally receive my bike soon here in Munich. Can you share example of these?
"3 tins of beans... that could be lunch?"
Me: *laughs in British*
I switched from using a rear rack with panniers to a front rack mounted to my brake bosses. I place my backpack on the front rack and secure it with a small cargo net. It has been working great and gives me peace of mind that I could see my backpack fall off if that ever happened. In the winter time, the backpack on the front minimizes windchill on my core. For $17 amazon it was a good deal!
I just always make my own panniers out of buckets of some sort.
Brilliant! Like permanently attached baskets on the side of the bike?
@@raffisandoval9103 My first ones were permanent but I bought the mounting hardware from Arkel. They are made to survive a nuclear blast so I keep moving them to revisions. I'm on version 4.0 now.
I’m looking at the exact same Vincita Bags. They match my old road bike perfectly
Decades ago when I rode an upright and didn't have a car I had a milk crate attached to the rack on the back. One time when I wanted to buy a tree for my yard I made sure the container fit in the crate and off I went. Everything was balanced so it went well. This was in warm weather so when I passed the fire house with the firemen out front sitting in their chairs it gave them a good laugh and shouted about how it was so hot I had to bring my own shade.
The tree was sitting so high that I had to ride far enough away from the curb so it wouldn't hit the small trees planted on the boulevard.
Now with my recumbent I just use a bag hanging off the back of my backrest.
Haha, if you ever visit the Netherlands you can see the magic of students moving with their bikes. Sometimes complete couches are moved on simple bikes.
@@Arlae_Nova Cargo bikes?
If you're commuting to work, you'll need a U lock, or a heavy chain to secure the bike for several hours, unless you can take the bike inside. That beautiful panier could be easily stolen unless removed and taken inside. I vote for a removable tote riding in a fixed, steel rear basket. Good video.
Does anybody know what bike is he using ?? I like it so much.♥️
I have both Panniers and backbag, panniers for summer time, back bag for winters, both work perfectly.
When picking a backpack: take one with waist strap and chest straps. The waist strap will carry most of the weight, the chest strap will keep things tight. There is zero mounting and demounting work. And it is usable outside of your bike comute. A good backpack however will cost a bit more, than the other options. Here in Germany I assume 60-100 € for a good one.
In the end, it is an individual thing I think.
I love my fixed rear basket, where I put my backpack during riding to not get my back sweat.
Never been fond of the way front things affect the steering, but I guess it'd be okay as an extra thing for light stuff.
I've always preferred panniers, although uh I pretty much never take them off (even with regular groceries or not overly valuable stuff inside). Never felt like it was strictly needed here in the Netherlands living outside the city, mostly doing my basic shopping in surrounding towns. In one of those towns it's apparently still safe to keep an unattended unchained bicycle pump for people to use at the small sidedoor for repairs etc of a bike store, has been like that for years.
I do typically use a backpack in addition to that since I leave my panniers on the bike, stuff for an office commute easily fit in there and when shopping at more than one store valuable things will be in the backpack if possible. Did get one of those fancy hiking backpacks by Osprey though that has a hip strap so the weight isn't on your shoulders. And it has an inward curving back, reduces storage space a bit but that air gap between me and the backpack reduces the sweaty back problem.
Realised now that I've seen the school kids having something useful as well the last few years. Some of them seem to have regular pannier bags but with something mounted on top of the rack as well that can securely hold on to typical school backpacks.
I have the larger rectangle milk crate and I attached it (middle rack in front and back) with 2 velcro ankle straps. Velcro ankle straps (1.5" thickness) are very strong as I do 75 pound hamstring curls on just 1 ankle strap and they are tightly on and perfectly fine. Easily strong enough for groceries and gallon of milk (gallon weighs 8.3 pounds). Easy and quickly on/off. One could also order 6 heavy duty cinch velcro straps (1" thickness and 12" long) for like $13 on Amazon. Various uses like holding water hose or wood together. I recommend 1-1.5" thickness straps as they fit in the milk crate holes and I recommend steel clasp over plastic clasp. I have lots of bungee cords but I would never trust it for a milk crate on the rear bike rack. I use a bungee just as a cover on the top of the milk crate if I have lot of groceries.
A cargo net would be worthwhile for your basket or crate
Basket+panniers for life!
Carrying low keeps your CG low, which make steering more controllable. I use a BoB trailer that I have had for over 25 years. I still Love it. It still works great.
I use a combination of paniers and a backpack. I usually dedicate one side of the panier almost exclusively to a change of clothes while the other has some spare tubes and other accessories. My computer and other work stuff live in the backpack
I’m a backpack type of person. I’ve been wearing backpacks my whole life. It’s just comfortable and feels secure. I also find it convenient as it’s easy to carry, doesn’t require any fiddling to get on or off the bike. It’s just a grab and go solution.
I understand how not having a bike can give you a sense of lightness and freedom but for me, that feeling turns into a feeling of worry that something is missing or forgotten.
When my backpack is too heavy, (student), my back just starts hurting...
my immediate response to the title was "why not all at once?"
Basket in front, pannier in the back, milk crate over the pannier and backpack hanging over your shoulders
A frame-mounted front rack works really well as well. Also a messenger bag that attaches to the rear rack, like the Ortlieb QL3.1 types work really well if you need to take all the stuff with you.
Does a front rack make your bike wobble, especially going faster? I've had front baskets and not tried a rack because of the wobble.
@@lindatisue733 Front racks that are mounted to the fork or handlebars do. A number of cargo bike manufacturers, mainly in the Netherlands, make bikes with racks mounted directly to the frame. In this case, the bike is often more stable. Since these bikes are designed to be ridden upright, most (probably over 80%) of the weight is in the back of the bike, so a front rack balances out the back. I'm not sure you can easily retrofit a bike to have a front rack however.
Here are some examples: azor.nl/azor-fietsen/
@@TheSJCieply Thanks for the link. When I need a new bike I might be able to find a Dutch bike with the frame rack.
My way is mounting a wire basket permanently to the back rack and I put my laptop computer backpack into it, fixing with a bungee cord (ensure it does not pop put on a bump). Advantage is my backpack is totally compatible with any other transportation (I can switch to bus or car or walking whenever feel like). Disadvantage is high center of gravity. When not commuting to work I just use the wire basket to throw anything (like a bag of groceries etc) into it and ride off.
I'll stick to my backpack as a primary choice. Works well because once you're off the bike it's better than carrying something on your hands, and most journeys outside of commuting involve that, for example walking around town shopping once you've cycled there
I use a cargo net on my front Wald basket. It keeps my stuff from bouncing out. I use two panniers and once the bolt on the hook loosened up and the bag fell off at night on a dark bike path. I threw the pannier in my front basket and secured it with the cargo net.
I like the front basket but when rains my ortlieb panniers are better. But the front basket rocks and you can keep an eye on your stuff.
I commute 18km one way, working shifts, so 36km a day.
I commute also in freezing weather, rain, and snow sometimes.
Front basket is good to have. It's permanently attached to the forks.
I got mudguards, hub dynamo light.
I do my best to make the commute work.
I definitely recommend schwalbe marathon plus because they are indestructible. 720km no flats and i haven't added air in a few months.
I am still learning how to commute.
Next goal is single speed conversion.
I like your videos and learn what others do.
Stay safe and keep biking
Dude.. I was looking through your videos.. was wondering if you had a vid on the bike in this vid.. anyway.. what is it???
To me it's panniers to be sure everything is secured inside, they have a quick release that hold up very nicely to the rack. Everything else looks like it's just so prone to falling off.
I started with a backpack, but was tired of having a sweaty back at the end my long commute. It had negative effect on my skin as well.
Paniers it is for me
The backpack is a really sweaty option in Australia - really horrible! I agree that panniers are fantastic. And they’re more secure than the baskets, which would not even be an option for carrying expensive items in dodgy areas of the city.
I'm currently in Louisiana where I'm from but I will be moving to a city in Florida by next yr. Chicago was too cold and I couldn't find work there that's why I moved back home. Cycling is fun especially when u can make money delivering food
where do you get a milk crate from these days? Disadvantage of backpack especially at night I ride with a reflective vest the backpack obscures the vest,
Found grey, real deal milk crates for 8 bucks each at target yesterday. 1st time I've seen them for sale. Normally not for sale and just taken by people.
Just go steal one from behind your local Walmart go at night time and be very quick as there's usually trucks unloading at night time but they definitely will have empty periods of time. Early morning is even better, you could try from behind other grocery stores but Walmart is the best as they package them loosely with just some plastic wrap securing the pallet of stacked milk crates.
Also you can ask a local Asian convinence store if you can buy one of theirs for a few bucks, probably you can also ask a McDonalds if you can buy one just make sure you appear friendly and well dressed when you ask and ask the manager in store directly. If they say no come back a few days later and try with another manager....
I keep a waterproof pannier bag on one side of the rack, and a folding grocery basket on the other. My stuff is in the pannier when I ride to work, and I unfold the basket if I need to do some shopping before I ride home.
One other consideration is weight distribution. It is amazing how much of a difference it makes in bike handling between items stowed low in a panier vs the same items high on your back.
Care to explain? I'm currently into making the switch, I'm a new rider that's annoyed with back sweat on my way to school and my 30 min bike commute. Don't have a rack on my bike either
I was waiting for Canadian David Spade here to send it down the stairs with his pan-ee-yays ha ha ha