Commuter bag when cycling - suggestions

bluestrattos

I know, yet another thread about this subject and I read it all, but my issue is different.

At the moment, I use as a "commuter bag" something that is surely classified as a "carry-on" by airliners, it's a wheely bag from IKEA called UPPTÄCKA.
It's bulky, slightly heavy and it fits in my bike rear basket, and it's kept in place by a cargo net.

Considering that I always need to carry everything with me (trousers, shirt, tie, shoes/boots, towel, shower gel, extra clothes for the return... Plus, laptop, charger, mouse, notepad, my lunch that usually requires 2 tupperware, extra bits and pieces. So yes, a lot of stuff, and I can't leave nothing behind.

Does any of you, more experienced commuters, are aware of a better solution for my conumdrum ?

One can argue, that "don't fix if ain't broken", since the current bag does indeed takes care of all my needs, but I would prefer something lighter and less bulky.
This bag is 40L, in the past I tried other (smaller) bags and 25/30-ish L, don't have enough space, so it seems 40L, is really the bare minimum

Any suggestions?

Again, I always need to carry everything, so leave items A,B,C in place Z doesn't work.


Thanks

07Lapierre

Do you have to carry a bag on your back? have you considered panniers?

bluestrattos

07Lapierre wrote: »

Do you have to carry a bag on your back? have you considered panniers?

The few times I need to carry the bag, I use the handle and the wheels, since is too heavy to carry on my back (unless is only for a few minutes).

I considered panniers, but I don't trust leaving the panniers in my bicycle, also it's more difficult to carry two panniers rather just one single (bulky) bag.

For instance, sometimes one my way home, I drop by the local post office, and it's easier, to take the bag with me, rather take two panniers with me. I know it's just for a few minutes, but you never know if there're some kids waiting to take your precious possessions (even if it's just dirty clothes).

Chuchote

40L? :eek:

Would you think of getting a cargo bike?

bluestrattos

07Lapierre wrote: »

Do you have to carry a bag on your back? have you considered panniers?

Chuchote wrote: »

40L? :eek:

Would you think of getting a cargo bike?

I did indeed, but it's too expensive, and hard to park since you can't just use a typical bike rack you find around town.

loyatemu

that's a lot of stuff, you really can't leave any of it in work?

extra clothes for the return

these are for cycling home? could you not wear the same gear you cycled to work in?

bluestrattos

loyatemu wrote: »

that's a lot of stuff, you really can't leave any of it in work?

these are for cycling home? could you not wear the same gear you cycled to work in?

No, I can't really leave anything in work.

When I get to my destination in the morning, I'm sweating and I've a shower, so for the return I've another t-shirt to wear. I say clothes, but it's really just one extra t-shirt, since the shorts from the morning are fine.

07Lapierre

bluestrattos wrote: »

No, I can't really leave anything in work.

Why not?

bluestrattos

07Lapierre wrote: »

Why not?

I'm an IT consultant, so 99% of the time, I'm not at the office, and it's not ideal to pass by the company and drop whatever I don't need with me in that day, and then head over to today's workplace.

So, imagine my company is in Adelaide Road, and today I need to be in Christchurch, and tomorrow I would be in Islandbridge. At the end of the day, I prefer to head home, rather go back, get my stuff and start the return commute.

In the past I did precisely that (back and forth) and it's a huge waste of time.

07Lapierre

bluestrattos wrote: »

I'm an IT consultant, so 99% of the time, I'm not at the office, and it's not ideal to pass by the company and drop whatever I don't need with me in that day, and then head over to today's workplace.

So, imagine my company is in Adelaide Road, and today I need to be in Christchurch, and tomorrow I would be in Islandbridge. At the end of the day, I prefer to head home, rather go back, get my stuff and start the return commute.

In the past I did precisely that (back and forth) and it's a huge waste of time.

Ah I see...well fair play for carrying all that gear on your back every day!
I think you should invest in a good set of panniers. I think there the best option.

As for making the odd stop at the post office on your way home...risk it!

wanderer 22

Ortlieb back roller panniers are probably my best ever cycling purchase, you won't go back to rucksacks. If you're in Dublin, Cycleways have a good selection and are (well were a few months back) cheaper than anywhere online.

Chuchote

@bluestrattos I sometimes make a similar-ish journey, going in to the National Library or Pearse Street library and bringing laptop, tablet, phone, charger and cable. And rain gear in winter, and a lurid car-frightener of a gilet at all times; and from today a helmet, having finally bought a MIPS one.

Where are you cycling from? Do you really need to wear cycling gear and shower and change? If you're ambling along rather than racing, you shouldn't have to shower and change unless it's quite a long cycle.

Your lunch sounds rather palatial; would one Tupperware and one bidon with a homemade smoothie do the job?

@colm18 are these the Ortlieb panners? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ortlieb-back-roller-classic-panniers/

Moflojo

colm18 wrote: »

Ortlieb back roller panniers are probably my best ever cycling purchase, you won't go back to rucksacks. If you're in Dublin, Cycleways have a good selection and are (well were a few months back) cheaper than anywhere online.

Totally agree on Ortlieb back roller classics. Bought my pair 4 years ago, commuted daily with them for three years, they never let a drop of water or dust in and are still in perfect nick. My OH bought a set of Altura bags at the same time as I bought my Ortliebs - the Altura were never 100% waterproof, some of the clips & ties eventually failed, and they were replaced with a pair of Ortliebs last year.

Also agree re. Cycleways, they were cheaper for Ortliebs than any online supplier I could find and if you want a specific colour they can order it in for you if you're willing to wait the additional week.

Harrybelafonte

bluestrattos wrote: »

I did indeed, but it's too expensive, and hard to park since you can't just use a typical bike rack you find around town.

No they're not. Park in town all the time.

what_traffic

Perhaps get a mix of panniers. Ortlieb for the clothes and a Vaude for the laptop? Thats what I use for the Winter months - in the summer I get away with just the Vaude bag for everything else.

poochiem

Second (third fourth?) the Ortlieb Back Roller classics, I got a Tubus rack with mine as it's built to suit and is steel so no worries taking 40L.

tomasrojo

If you want to continue carrying unfeasible amount of stuff, a trailer is a cheap option (not as cheap as panniers, but much cheaper than a cargo bike). I use this all the time:

http://bikehod.com/

You can take the arm off when you get into work and it'll sit nicely in a corner, taking up as much room as a large suitcase. I do the weekly shopping with mine, as well as any other job that requires carrying bulky things or lots of heavy things.

what_traffic

tomasrojo wrote: »

If you want to continue carrying unfeasible amount of stuff, a trailer is a cheap option (not as cheap as panniers, but much cheaper than a cargo bike). I use this all the time:

http://bikehod.com/

You can take the arm off when you get into work and it'll sit nicely in a corner, taking up as much room as a large suitcase. I do the weekly shopping with mine, as well as any other job that requires carrying bulky things or lots of heavy things.

Do you know if the bags for the "Bike-Hod" and "Bike-Hod Classic" are the same size? Roughly how many liters?
Not much information on the website http://bikehod.com/bike-hod/index.html

what_traffic

poochiem wrote: »

Second (third fourth?) the Ortlieb Back Roller classics, I got a Tubus rack with mine as it's built to suit and is steel so no worries taking 40L.

Ditto for Vaude. Have Tubus rack as well works well for both Vaude and Ortlieb. All German brands.

tomasrojo

what_traffic wrote: »

Do you know if the bags for the "Bike-Hod" and "Bike-Hod Classic" are the same size? Roughly how many liters?
Not much information on the website http://bikehod.com/bike-hod/index.html

The design has changed a bit since I got mine, but from the pictures the capacity looks about the same. My bag is the one with the red piping (which is now the cheap one, I see). It's a fine bag. I doubt the other is much better, though probably more attractive.

I measured the bag, and the main bit is about 38cm x 30cm x 65cm, which gives you about 75 litres. However, you can "overtop" the 65cm height by quite a bit and the lid will hold it in. There are also two side pockets on the bag which easily hold a sliced pan, so they're pretty big too. And you can strap things to the frame too. I've carried huge amounts of stuff on it.

E.g. my last trip to the dump:

bluestrattos

Thanks for all the input.
It seems panniers are something to look into. Before I went with Basket+bulky bag combo, I looked into the panniers bag, guess I'll have to check Santa's list

Regarding the trailer, that's a bit too much, at least for what I've in mind, but worth looking into, if I need to carry more stuff without getting a cargo bike.

Chuchote

I would tend to carry laptop etc in an Altura bag that has a stiffened back for support plus a padded removable inner bag; it's got luminescent strips. It kind of locks on when you clip it to the bike and has a flap that zips down over the clips to make it into a shoulder bag when you take it off the bike; I think this is it

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Altura-Urban-Dryline-Briefcase-15-Pannier-2016_69316.htm

Probably too girly for Bluestrattos, but I carry other stuff in a Reisenthel bike bag like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KLICKfix-Reisenthel-basket-folklore-black/dp/B01LE3A40M/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1475007882&sr=8-16&keywords=reisenthel+bike+basket

though the price seems to have doubled since I got it. Heavy enough to carry when full - and it holds a good few days' shopping at a time - but you can carry it.

tomasrojo

Yeah, I think I'd recommend carrying laptops in a bag on your person. Vibrations can really damage them. I often use a netbook for work and it fits in my extra-small messenger bag.

Chuchote

tomasrojo wrote: »

Yeah, I think I'd recommend carrying laptops in a bag on your person. Vibrations can really damage them. I often use a netbook for work and it fits in my extra-small messenger bag.

Ah no, mine is a pannier - but well secured and padded - when on the bike, and becomes a shoulder bag when you take it off.

OldBean

Friend of mine carries about the same in the larger Carradice Classic range. I think it's the Camper Longflap, and he's fitted with a shoulder strap and Bagman on the seatpost, so when he gets to work, he just throws it up on his shoulder, goes in and changes. Never complained about an issue with the laptop in there.

tomasrojo

Big saddle bags are also an option:

https://theeverydaycyclist.wordpress.com/2016/05/16/saddlebags-for-commuting-the-old-school-solution/#comment-2569

2RockMountain

Is there a way to avoid bringing the laptop in and out? Get a 2nd laptop for home perhaps? Stick everything into the cloud?

Chuchote

OldBean wrote: »

Friend of mine carries about the same in the larger Carradice Classic range. I think it's the Camper Longflap, and he's fitted with a shoulder strap and Bagman on the seatpost, so when he gets to work, he just throws it up on his shoulder, goes in and changes. Never complained about an issue with the laptop in there.

I have a couple of those cotton duck Carradice bags, and it's only now, perhaps 30 years later that they're starting to get a big holey in the bottom. But I'd choose the specifically designed Altura for carrying 'lectronics: better padding, better stiffening, lighter, and most importantly a more secure clip (you have to press the button firmly down to get the bag off the carrier).

topcat77

I use one of these.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/BAPXHIVIZDP/planet-x-hi-viz-daypack

It's currently out of stock at the moment but it's a class bag for the price. i use the same bag as a Triathlon transition bag.

cunavalos

I have a Union34 seatpost mounted back pack


It is 30L so on the small side of your requirements

The also do similar backpack style panniers for a standard rack that go up to 40L


and a 25L laptop bag for panniers

Macy0161

In the scheme of the load, probably not much of a saving, but I decant my shampoo and soap into the travel bottles you get in the likes of dealz. They're steeper, but there's also the sub 100ml deodorants. Towel wise, the micro fibre ones are smaller than a normal one.

Apart from that, my only suggestion is to ditch the spare cycle clothes. Either suck up the grossness of putting on wet gear, or if you're using shower facilties at these places, is there defo no where to dry wet gear?

Only other thing I can offer is to learn how to roll the work clothes/ pack jocks and socks in shoes etc.

I'd also vote panniers - have one for the low value stuff/ dirty clothes/ empty lunch boxes and chance that one left outside for the occasional stops and only bring the one in with the laptop/ important stuff. You might get away without the shower without carrying the big back pack as well?

beauf

bluestrattos wrote: »

I...One can argue, that "don't fix if ain't broken", since the current bag does indeed takes care of all my needs, but I would prefer something lighter and less bulky.
This bag is 40L, in the past I tried other (smaller) bags and 25/30-ish L, don't have enough space, so it seems 40L, is really the bare minimum ...

It doesn't seem like you have left yourself any options.

1) carry less,
2) change to lighter more compact versions of the same stuff.
3) don't make any changes
4) get an electric bike, so its no effort, wear your clothes, and cover them up.

For example You can change to an ultra portable that doesn't need a power supply and learn to use the track pad. Cycle so you don't need to shower things like that. But if you are unable to adjust to such changes, there's little anyone else can suggest.

I found things like lightweight clothes, and panniers allow you sweat less, so there less need of a shower etc. If its dry on the way into work, I don't bring rain gear. As getting wet on the way home isn't important. Things like that.

Chuchote

I have a suspicion that it's B'straat's cycling style that's part of the problem. He (or she) is, I think, cycling from somewhere around Kilmashogue, so it would be possible, if cycling in a relatively sedate way, to wear work clothes on the way in, and carry (tightly rolled) lycras and wets, shoes and lunch in an ordinary pannier on the road side, and laptop, chargers, extra hdd and any other work stuff in a specialist secure-clipped padded pannier on the pavement side.

Both panniers can be clipped off the bike at each destination, and both should have shoulder straps.

The cycle home is likely to be sweatier, so work clothes could be removed and rolled for that cycle only, and lycra donned to replace them. Once at home, shirt and undies and lycras can go into the wash, trousers and jacket can hang up for airing and shoes can relax by the fire while B'straat lounges around in slippers, cooking happily.

Is that a plan?

loyatemu

cunavalos wrote: »

I have a Union34 seatpost mounted back pack

that looks very top-heavy.

bluestrattos

Chuchote wrote: »

I have a suspicion that it's B'straat's cycling style that's part of the problem. He (or she) is, I think, cycling from somewhere around Kilmashogue, so it would be possible, if cycling in a relatively sedate way, to wear work clothes on the way in, and carry (tightly rolled) lycras and wets, shoes and lunch in an ordinary pannier on the road side, and laptop, chargers, extra hdd and any other work stuff in a specialist secure-clipped padded pannier on the pavement side.

Both panniers can be clipped off the bike at each destination, and both should have shoulder straps.

The cycle home is likely to be sweatier, so work clothes could be removed and rolled for that cycle only, and lycra donned to replace them. Once at home, shirt and undies and lycras can go into the wash, trousers and jacket can hang up for airing and shoes can relax by the fire while B'straat lounges around in slippers, cooking happily.

Is that a plan?

I really need a shower, after cycling, no matter how slow I cycle.
In the past I did considered an electric bike but it's very expensive and I already have two regular bikes, so I better use them.

The panniers option do seems to be something used by a lot of people. The saddle bag, it would need to be big, which means, I would end up with a configuration similar to what I've at the moment.

Saying that, just so you can have an idea, this is how I commute: bag.jpg
It's not there, but I always attached a blinking red light.

Chuchote

bluestrattos wrote: »

I really need a shower, after cycling, no matter how slow I cycle.
In the past I did considered an electric bike but it's very expensive and I already have two regular bikes, so I better use them.

The panniers option do seems to be something used by a lot of people. The saddle bag, it would need to be big, which means, I would end up with a configuration similar to what I've at the moment.

Saying that, just so you can have an idea, this is how I commute: bag.jpg
It's not there, but I always attached a blinking red light.

Well, different people sweat different amounts, and it could just be that. Your current bag -



looks like it holds more than two panniers, but maybe that's an illusion.

I'd prefer to get that weight down lower, though, into panniers; that size of a bag that high throws the centre of gravity out of whack. Panniers would bring the weight down lower, which is safer.

Edit: incidentally, if you're sweating a lot while cycling, are you by any chance wearing too many clothes? Probably not… just a thought.

bluestrattos

Chuchote wrote: »

Well, different people sweat different amounts, and it could just be that. Your current bag -



looks like it holds more than two panniers, but maybe that's an illusion.

I'd prefer to get that weight down lower, though, into panniers; that size of a bag that high throws the centre of gravity out of whack. Panniers would bring the weight down lower, which is safer.

Edit: incidentally, if you're sweating a lot while cycling, are you by any chance wearing too many clothes? Probably not… just a thought.

Regarding the sweating is just the "nature of the beast", I use shorts and a t-shirt, and I still look like a new-born calf after the commute. The fact that I'm not a fit cyclist, also doesn't help, so the sweat will always follow me.

The panniers I've seen so far, usually take 20/25L tops each, which means I would always need to take boths panniers with me.

tomasrojo

If you're using panniers and carrying that much stuff, you should probably use two panniers. The number of times my bike's fallen over unexpectedly because I've overloaded a single pannier.

Have you considered side baskets? That way you could leave on the bike the stuff that wouldn't be a great loss if nicked and have a smaller bag of essentials you bring with you.

I'm Ikea-hacking a small side basket for my tourer, but there are commercial ones.

beauf

The only solution is to carry less stuff and make the stuff you carry lighter. You're fighting against physics otherwise. It's just hard to break old habits.

Chuchote

bluestrattos wrote: »

Regarding the sweating is just the "nature of the beast", I use shorts and a t-shirt, and I still look like a new-born calf after the commute. The fact that I'm not a fit cyclist, also doesn't help, so the sweat will always follow me.

The panniers I've seen so far, usually take 20/25L tops each, which means I would always need to take boths panniers with me.

Ahhh, so it's a temporary thing. Understood.

I'd get two panniers: one specialised padded one with a secure clip like the Altura one I use, for taking the lectronix, and the other for clothes and lunch. Makes you more balanced anyway. The Altura has a shoulder strap as part of the deal; you can either get the other with a shoulder strap or sew one on; me, I'd get one with it already fitted, because I'm lazy.

C3PO

bluestrattos wrote: »

I really need a shower, after cycling, no matter how slow I cycle.
In the past I did considered an electric bike but it's very expensive and I already have two regular bikes, so I better use them.

The panniers option do seems to be something used by a lot of people. The saddle bag, it would need to be big, which means, I would end up with a configuration similar to what I've at the moment.

Saying that, just so you can have an idea, this is how I commute: bag.jpg
It's not there, but I always attached a blinking red light.

I'd carry less if I was going on a two week tour ... are you sure you need all that stuff?

gk5000

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-baskets-panniers/ridge-pannier-bike-bag

Get 2 of these from Halfords - 20 euro each - 25 litres but you can get more in - bulging out the top

I've used it for laptop and clothes - works fine.

tomasrojo

Just looking at your list:

trousers,
shirt,
tie,
shoes/boots,
towel,
shower gel,

These would fit in one pannier of medium size.

extra clothes for the return

Since this is just a t-shirt, this is negligible. (I bring two fresh t-shirts in a large sandwich bag, to keep them dry. Takes up no space, really.)

laptop,
charger,
mouse,
notepad,
2 tupperware,
extra bits and pieces.

These would comfortably fit in a second pannier.

You should be ok with two panniers, I think.

what_traffic

Chuchote wrote: »

I'd prefer to get that weight down lower, though, into panniers; that size of a bag that high throws the centre of gravity out of whack. Panniers would bring the weight down lower, which is safer.

100% agree with Chuchote. If you switch to two pannier bags this alone will make your journey far more enjoyable. Would recommend rear mudguard to keep "wheel spray" down if switching to pannier bags.

bluestrattos

I know it's been a while, but I thought an update was due, considering all the suggestions made by you.

I eventually got some panniers bag, you can see in the photos.
Are they big? Yes! Heavy? Yes! Rainproof? Yes! Can I carry everything I want? Yes!

A big advantage of being big, is that makes a wider bicycle, which helps drivers to better identify and give more space. The pictures doesn't show but on the road side I've a red light that helps to identify how large the bag is.

The bags are very easy to put and remove. There's a few straps, but due to the weight, I only need one to prevent it from falling and that's it.

link to amazon: http://amzn.to/2tRMypk

what_traffic

bluestrattos wrote: »

I know it's been a while, but I thought an update was due, considering all the suggestions made by you.

I eventually got some panniers bag, you can see in the photos.
Are they big? Yes! Heavy? Yes! Rainproof? Yes! Can I carry everything I want? Yes!
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Sounds like you are happy with the panniers overall?
2.2 Kg seems on the heavy side but they will probably last a lifetime?

bluestrattos

what_traffic wrote: »

Sounds like you are happy with the panniers overall?
2.2 Kg seems on the heavy side but they will probably last a lifetime?

Yes I'm quite happy. It's been a few months and no problem whatsoever.
Yes, it's heavy but then again, it's very well built. I always look like I'm touring around Europe or something, but, I was looking for sturdiness and load capacity, and this bags get the job done.

Even if I'm carry something that can fit a backpack, I prefer the panniers: less sweat on my back, and I'm not getting any younger, and also the size of the bags prevents the "stupid side of me" to try to squeeze between vehicles.