An alternative to a backpack or panniers...

[fossyant]

I've used rucksacks, rack 'packs' and full on panniers. Found panniers better when I needed to carry shoes as well to work, and or documents, especially as Ortlieb are totally waterproof.

The added advantage is the panniers also helped protect the bike in 'crashes'. Two 'knock offs' that left me with broken bones, the bike came off lightly.

 

[rivers]

Ooh, pogies. Exciting. I've vaguely wondered about getting some of those for yonks.

Any feedback, or recommendation fro supplier?

Bit nippy this week...

Amazon for about £15

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Amazon for about £15

Would you recommend them?

 

[rivers]

Would you recommend them?

They've been absolutely brilliant. I've rendered my thick winter gloves to the back of the bike cupboard. Handy in the wet as well.

 

[rivers]

What didn't you like about panniers out of interest?

I don't really notice mine unless they're heavily loaded (over 4kg) although they do get in the way if I ever need to negotiate barriers.

They made the handling of my bike feel a bit off. And they made cycling into a strong headwind really hard work. Whereas a saddle bag i don't even notice.

 

[BSOh]

I've got and have used both, the Carradice SQR is the perfect commuting solution, I haven't put panniers on since discovering what a revelation it is. 🤷‍♂️

How much does it hold? Would it cope with rolled up trousers, top and a light pair of trainers (very small trainers - I'm only a size 3-4 )

 

[straas]

They made the handling of my bike feel a bit off. And they made cycling into a strong headwind really hard work. Whereas a saddle bag i don't even notice.

Fair enough.

I forgot once when I had a load of food and bottles of wine and nearly fell over at a set of lights!

It does make my weekend bike feel so much more nimble in comparison though.

 

[dodgy]

How much does it hold? Would it cope with rolled up trousers, top and a light pair of trainers (very small trainers - I'm only a size 3-4 )

I often carry laptop, trousers, shirt and underwear. There is room left for shoes, but I leave them in the my locker. I use a packing 'cube' bag, fill that with gear then put the whole thing in the Carradice.

You can get packing cubes in a variety of sizes at Amazon/Argos.

 

[confusedcyclist]

Framebags are cool. Great excuse for a little sowing project so you can make one tailored for your own setup;

 

[BSOh]

I often carry laptop, trousers, shirt and underwear. There is room left for shoes, but I leave them in the my locker. I use a packing 'cube' bag, fill that with gear then put the whole thing in the Carradice.

You can get packing cubes in a variety of sizes at Amazon/Argos.

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Thanks. Those cubes are a great idea! I think I'll be doing some shopping this weekend

 

[straas]

They're brilliant for holidays too - one for t shirts, one for socks etc. much easier to organise things.

 

[LargoDoug]

I have a hard shell plastic bicycle trunk. I prefer the hard plastic one because it is water proof and lockable. The lock won't stop a determined thief but is enough to store my helmet and lights during a short stop.

Another nice advantage to a bicycle trunk is that it sits directly behind you. That means it does not increase your wind resistance as much as panniers do.

 

[mjr]

I have a hard shell plastic bicycle trunk. I prefer the hard plastic one because it is water proof and lockable. The lock won't stop a determined thief but is enough to store my helmet and lights during a short stop.

Another nice advantage to a bicycle trunk is that it sits directly behind you. That means it does not increase your wind resistance as much as panniers do.

Saw a DIY one recently. Made by cutting a door into a jerry can. Maker said they get wider overtakes now!

 

[dodgy]

I also have bar mitts / pogies, haven't needed them this year, not cold enough. But they are brilliant when it's very cold. Highly recommended.

 

[rivers]

I also have bar mitts / pogies, haven't needed them this year, not cold enough. But they are brilliant when it's very cold. Highly recommended.

I've mostly been using them to keep my hands dry due to the sheer amount of rain we've had. A pair of light gloves is all I need.