Commuter bag when cycling - suggestions

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.