​Smart Ways to Carry Things on Your Bike

If you use your bike to commute or for transportation, you will probably need to carry more gear than when you are taking a recreational ride on the weekend.  You will need a way to carry the items you will use when you arrive at your destination, such as  a change of clothes, a laptop, work papers, locks, bike tools in case of a flat tire, and your lunch.   If you run errands on your bike you will need a way to comfortably carry your purchases.  Hanging plastic bags from your handlebars is unstable and risky!  The most popular bike bags if you bike for transportation are a backpack, messenger bag, panniers, trunk bag, or a handlebar bag or basket. 

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Using a Backpack for Cycling
If you want a general-purpose bag with a lot of carrying capacity, a backpack is a good option.    Backpacks come in many sizes, colors, and with varying number of pockets and can be also be used as a day pack or luggage when traveling.  While a basic backpack can be purchased at a dollar, big box, department, or sporting goods store, there are backpacks optimized for cycling. 
 
Common features of a cycling specific backpack:

• Waterproof material or optional removable cover if only water resistant
• Padded straps for comfort
• Padded laptop sleeve to safely carry a laptop
• Multiple pockets, including a waterproof one for sweaty clothes or shoes
• Mesh back panel for wicking moisture away from your back
• A waist strap for stability
• Water bottle pocket
• Attachment for carrying a helmet while off the bike

 
Pros:

• Available in multiple price points and sizes to carry whatever you want
• Nothing to remove from the bike when you stop
• Can be utilized for other purposes

 Cons:

• Extra weight on your shoulders
• May limit your rear view
• Raises your center of gravity and lowers your stability

 

Using a Messenger Bag for Cycling
Bags that sling over one shoulder were originally used by bike messengers because it is good for accessing and carrying flat items like documents.  You can adjust the bag so that it rests on your back as you ride and there is usually a waist strap to help stop the bag from moving too much.  Messenger bags usually come in small,  medium, and large and are usually made from weather resistant fabric.  There are many options for colors and designs to express your style. 
 
Pros

• Easy to get items in and out quickly without getting off the bike
• Broadcasts the cool, urban rider style
• Nothing to remove from the bike when you stop

Cons

• Harder to ride with as it tends to slip to the side as you ride
• All the weight is on one shoulder
• Easy to get sweaty from heat generated by the torso and trapped by the bag
• Limited size and inside pocket options

Using Panniers for Cycling
A pannier is a bag designed specifically for cycling that attaches to either a front or rear bike rack.  The rack is  permanently attached to the bike.  You can use one pannier or a pair on either side of the rack.  They are made from water repellant or resistant fabric in multiple colors with reflectors.  A roll top is popular since it prevents water from seeping into the bag and enables some adjustability in size.  Most panniers are stiff on the side that is adjacent to the rack and have clips to attach at the top of the rack and another clip or elastic strap at the bottom to prevent the bag from accidentally flying off.  Bags come in a wide range of capacities and styles, including a garment bag, laptop bag that looks like a briefcase, a boxy grocery bag, or a convertible bag that has the fittings for both attaching to a bike rack and wearing as a backpack.   Panniers usually have a carrying handle or shoulder strap for carrying when off the bike. 
 
Pros

• Allows the bike to carry the load which enables easily carrying more weight and more comfort for the rider
• Low center of gravity
• Lots of options for style and size and you can use different bags if what you carry varies from day to day

 Cons

• Requires a permanently mounted bike rack which adds weight to the bike
• Not all bike frames have the necessary mounting points to hold a rack
• Gets beat up in weather since they get sprayed by the wheels in wet or dusty conditions
• For security it is best to remove panniers when you stop

Ortlieb briefcase pannier

Using a Trunk Bag for Cycling
A trunk bag is a rectangular shaped bag that attaches to the rear rack either with straps or a bracket.  Access to the contents is usually with a zippered or Velcro flap.  To be able to stand upright on the rack, it has to have a frame or reinforcement on the inside.  It often comes with a wrist or shoulder strap for carrying off the bike.
 
Pros

• The smaller, compact size makes it easy to access and find items

 
Cons

• Must have a permanently mounted bike rack which adds weight to the bike
• Limited size options since it must fit on the rear rack, although there are versions that allow additional storage with pockets that unzip and hang over the sides like a pannier
• For security, should be removed when you stop
• Higher center of gravity​

Using a Handlebar Bag or Basket for Cycling
If you do not have a lot of things to carry or only smaller items, a handlebar bag might be good for you.  It attaches to the handlebar, either with straps or a bracket that is permanently attached.  Some baskets are permanently bolted to the bike.  You can get handlebar bags and baskets in a variety of sizes but they are best for smaller size loads such as a wallet, keys, cell phone, and sun glasses.  If you tour new areas on your bike, many handlebar bags have a pocket to insert a map that you can follow as you ride.  Baskets can be either metal, plastic, or wicker but you need to be careful if you bike on rough surfaces or where there are potholes that items do not jump out of the top.    
 
Pros

• A wicker basket reflects a certain retro style
• Easy front access to items
• Can be used in conjunction with other rear bags for additional storage

 Cons

• Limited capacity
• Wire baskets add weight to the bike
• For security, you should remove the contents of the bag when you stop 

 
Unless you are an occasional commuter, make sure you invest in a bag that will last—it should have sturdy zippers and fasteners, reflectors, and be made with material that will stand up to the elements to keep your gear dry.   Sometimes plastic mounting clips and straps break with normal use, so if you are a hard user, select a well known brand that makes small replacement parts available.  In the end, the ideal bag is one that works for you.  ​