Seeking Recommendations: Rear Rack + Shoulder Bag

[pfunkallstar]

I love the hell out of my Seagull bag, but they aren’t cheap and are made but of bunch of pretentious, talented jerks up in Ohio. There are certainly cheaper options out there as well. As for bike racks. Given the flex in your rear triangle, you are probably looking at a seatpost-mounted rack, which are generally limited in terms of carrying capacity.

[khanb1]

@pfunkallstar 33714 wrote:

I love the hell out of my Seagull bag, but they aren’t cheap and are made but of bunch of pretentious, talented jerks up in Ohio. There are certainly cheaper options out there as well. As for bike racks. Given the flex in your rear triangle, you are probably looking at a seatpost-mounted rack, which are generally limited in terms of carrying capacity.

Are there any decent racks that would mount to the wheel + the lower portion of the bike (instead of the seat post) for more appropriate load capacity?

[TwoWheelsDC]

Yeah, I doubt your bike has the necessary mounting points for a traditional rack (can’t tell for sure from the photo), so you’ll have to use something like this: http://www.rei.com/product/697096/topeak-mtx-beamrack-e-type-v-type-and-a-type

They carry about 20lbs, so you should be able to get away with putting a bag/laptop on it, assuming you aren’t also lugging around a bunch of books. Many on this forum, including me, would say that getting a proper rack/pannier setup is your best choice for commuting, but you generally can’t use panniers with clamp-on racks like the one I linked to above. I only use a backpack on the days I commute on my rackless road bike, and then I just use one of the roughly 15 or so backpacks that are scattered around my house rather than a “commuter” backpack. I prefer the go as small as possible so my back doesn’t get sweaty, but if you’re carrying a laptop, you don’t have much choice but to go with something bigger.

[DismalScientist]

Traditional racks are mounted at both the wheel and on the stays near the seatpost (either with a clamp or fixtures brazed to the frame). As they do not flex, this would be incompatible with a rear suspension bicycle.

[khanb1]

I think that rack will do the job. 20 lbs is more than enough. I just need something to carry my set of cloths that I plan to change into when I get to work.

Another option is to maybe simply bring a set of cloths at work ahead of time so that I can change into after I wash up. That way I can carry just my laptop. But I’ll need a bag that won’t damage the laptop in case I wipeout (like I did on my way to work this morning).

I’m thinking of something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Brenthaven-2244101-ProStyle-15-Inch-Ultrabook/dp/B003UYT4GO/dp/B003UYT4GO

[off2ride]

A rear BOLT ON rack will not work on your DUAL SUSPENSION bike. Trust me on that one. The cheap thing you can do is purchase a SEAT POST mounted rack or a Timbuk 2 bag that accommodates a laptop. Buena Suerte.

[dasgeh]

@khanb1 33723 wrote:

Another option is to maybe simply bring a set of cloths at work ahead of time so that I can change into after I wash up. That way I can carry just my laptop. But I’ll need a bag that won’t damage the laptop in case I wipeout (like I did on my way to work this morning).

This is what I do, and I highly recommend it, especially if you’re only commuting a few times a week. I commute daily and my entire work wardrobe is in my office (we have on site dry cleaning). It just takes a little planning, and it has the added benefit of giving you an emergency outfit if, for example, you have a Pollack-esque sauce drip during lunch.

[Certifried]

I tried the backpack route, I bought a nice large Chrome messenger bag. Even with minimal gear in there, it was just way too much to carry on my back comfortably. I guess it really depends how long your ride is and how much you plan on carrying, but I wouldn’t invest in too much up front in case it doesn’t work out. As noted, your full suspension bike prevents you from putting a rack on. There are racks that can be bolted on even without drop-outs (the little eyelets that let you bolt on a rack on many commuter/touring type bikes). http://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS/Fly/FLY%20PAGE.htm
but I’m pretty sure those won’t work with your bike, the rack would be angled severely.

[JustinW]

You could try this:
– Seatpost rack that accommodates panniers: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1023820_-1_400031_400005_400104
– Then add pannier(s) of your choice.

I’ve had success with this sort of set up for years. Can carry moderately weighty things like a laptop, lots of groceries, and even a chainsaw if need be.

Also thumbs up to stocking your workplace with extra clothes and such. Supply once, use multiple occasions. Your co-workers will thank you!

[mstone]

@JustinW 33800 wrote:

You could try this:
– Seatpost rack that accommodates panniers: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1023820_-1_400031_400005_400104
– Then add pannier(s) of your choice.

Mildly amusing that the demo bike in the picture has all the brazeons for a real rack. The seatpost racks will work, but they’re definitely less desirable than a real rack if you can use one. (The seatpost ones will always tend to have more sway due to physics. You also want to avoid clamping anything to a carbon seatpost.) Topeak also has a zillion seat post models for different kinds of bikes (http://www.topeak.com/products/BeamRacks-MTX http://www.topeak.com/products/BeamRacks-RX) and also has side bars that let you use a light pannier. If you have a topeak rack, they also have a series of bags that clip in and out pretty easily.

[vtben]

@khanb1 33723 wrote:

Another option is to maybe simply bring a set of cloths at work ahead of time so that I can change into after I wash up. That way I can carry just my laptop. But I’ll need a bag that won’t damage the laptop in case I wipeout (like I did on my way to work this morning).

I’m also a keep-all-my-work-clothes-at-work person and use the dry cleaner a couple blocks away. When I first started bike commuting I would carry my work clothes (and shoes!) every day both ways in a backpack. It actually wasn’t that bad, although that probably depends on how far you have to go. Also, adding a laptop to that mix would make things much more unpleasant.

[Dickie]

In regards to back packs many folks on the forum really don’t recommend their use, and mostly for good reason, but I also don’t have a rack option so a backpack had to be part of my daily commuter life. I ride 25 miles everyday and thus wanted a really comfortable pack. Currently I am using a Vaude Bike Alpin 25-5 Backpack. It is the “air” model so it floats off your back a little a breathes better. This is not ideal for off-roading as it can bounce around a little, but for commuting it is awesome. VERY adjustable, even down to the torso length. Will take a bladder system if you have one, expandable, lots of compartments, built-in rain cover, key/phone pouch, blink light attachment, and built really well…. great zippers, perfect seams, super comfortable. I almost always have 10-15lbs. in it but have occasionally hit Whole Foods, expand it and cram tons of food and beer in it. Even fully loaded it is still very comfortable and accessible. Vaude make great bags and have plenty of options.

http://www.bikebagshop.com/vaude-bik…ck-p-1181.html

I tried lots of bags (Osprey, Ortlieb, Banjo-Brothers, Novara, Deuter) but loved the Vaude.

best of luck!

[rcannon100]

Reviving this.

I bought a pair of TransIt bags from Performance maybe two and a half years ago. I have liked them. They work like stuff bags – can get a lot in them. Nothing has ever gotten wet. They have a top pocket which is convenient for frequently used stuff (my multi tool so I can adjust my seat again, just for instance). They are a little hard to clip on the bike, and they ultimately, I dont know…. dissolved? The material just crumbled away.

Rootchopper recommended Ortlieb – and seems pretty good. They seem VERY water proof. And they seem simple to get on and off the bike – altho its hard to see exactly how that works. But it seems like simply one big bag – which is causing me to hesitate a little. Seems like keys or camera or multi tool will just sink to the bottom of my clothes, making it hard to fish things out on the trail. It is nice to have a few separate compartments.

So what does the peanut gallery think? What bags you got? What do you like, what not.

[Arlingtonrider]

If I know it’s going to rain or that there will be puddles on a certain day, I just put my things in a couple of plastic bags, fold over the tops of the bags and slide them into my regular panniers. For more compartments, more plastic bags. See-through ziplocks are great for small things, even when not needed for rain protection.

This seems too simple. There must be disadvantages that I haven’t thought of or problems I haven’t experienced yet. Clearly, Ortliebs are really nice.

[TwoWheelsDC]

@rcannon100 36563 wrote:

So what does the peanut gallery think? What bags you got? What do you like, what not.

I’ve got this, which I think was actually discontinued. I liked the Ortliebs, but jeez they’re expensive and I also didn’t like their lack of internal and external pockets. My main requirement was that the bag converted to messenger style for easy carrying. It’s not strictly waterproof, but it has a rain cover that has worked for me without issue. On my Christmas list is the garment bag pannier from Nashbar. Right now, every couple of weeks I have to take my work clothes in by car so they don’t get too wrinkly, but a garment bag pannier would make that a non-issue, I think.

[Author]

Posts