I decided to start commuting the 8 miles to work via a CL special (steel framed late 80s trek I picked up for $100!)
My current backpack is a little large, and bulky, but carries my laptop, tablet, power cord, notepads, mouse, and misc cables (I am on a 3/4/5 schedule and have to cart everything through the airport). I may end up having to carry a second laptop, but it that starts, the tablet goes, and I get a new phone. The office is letting me keep the bike over the weekends locked up inside in their bike parking area - really nice office!
I am expecting to ride in rain as well, as the office has showers and lockers, no harm to me, but want something that is semi waterproof, and has an optional cover for heavier rain.
Saw the Thule paramont and it looked promising, but wanted feedback from others. Is a backpack better than say a messenger bag? Etc.
I commute daily, sometimes with very little in the bag, sometimes it’s packed to the brim.
I would say firstly that an expandable bag is a great one. Think Chrome Bravo, Chrome Barrage, Mission Workshop Rambler.
You can narrow your search fairly quickly by deciding what the range of size is that you need to carry, and how organized you want it. For example, Ortlieb bags are great, totally waterproof, and have a good pad, but they are just big waterproof buckets.
I ended up with the Chrome Barrage. It’s expandable with a roll-top. Inner bucket has a laptop sleeve, and there is a separate zipped compartment for wet/funky gear. Two water bottle pockets on the outside, a few extra straps that can be used as lashing points (extra wheels, shoes, various sh*t). Also has a smaller outer zip portion for keys, phone, wallet, etc.
I got the Motor Barrage b/c it’s super heavy duty & rugged. It’s a big on the heavy side, but I see it lasting for a good long time.
As in many things, with bags, you get what you pay for.
You get the bag off your back so you aren’t as hot and they click off so you can just shoulder them and go inside with them. It’s really the best design out there unless you strap a milk crate to the back and throw a bag in that.
ya know, I thought about that, but I am trying to limit the money invested in the bike as it is most likely going to be given to someone in need at the end of the gig.
Messenger bags suck balls for commuting. They suddenly slide forward between your knees and your handlebars. If that happens in a turn, you can’t steer and you’re into a wall/ditch/car/tree. I’d just skip that option entirely.
I decided to start commuting the 8 miles to work via a CL special (steel framed late 80s trek I picked up for $100!)
My current backpack is a little large, and bulky, but carries my laptop, tablet, power cord, notepads, mouse, and misc cables (I am on a 3/4/5 schedule and have to cart everything through the airport). I may end up having to carry a second laptop, but it that starts, the tablet goes, and I get a new phone. The office is letting me keep the bike over the weekends locked up inside in their bike parking area - really nice office!
I am expecting to ride in rain as well, as the office has showers and lockers, no harm to me, but want something that is semi waterproof, and has an optional cover for heavier rain.
Saw the Thule paramont and it looked promising, but wanted feedback from others. Is a backpack better than say a messenger bag? Etc.
Thanks.
Been commuting for a long time via bike, although I am usually carry pool-toys, groceries etc. For me the key has been Wald 582 Baskets, Topeak Explorer Rack, and Topeak MTX Trunk Bag. I really like Wald 582 Basket because they are bomb proof, and foldable. The Topeak Rack is great in conjunction with the bag as you can take it off really easy and put it on. You don’t have to worry about thieves either stealing it or rifling thru it.
Messenger bags suck balls for commuting. They suddenly slide forward between your knees and your handlebars. If that happens in a turn, you can’t steer and you’re into a wall/ditch/car/tree. I’d just skip that option entirely.
As someone who has commuted daily with a messenger bag (Timbuk2) daily for >20 years, I can tell you this is precisely wrong. If this I happening, you’re screwing something up somewhere.
I get given a backpack to ride with when we are on holiday. Messenger bag for me every day.
ya know, I thought about that, but I am trying to limit the money invested in the bike as it is most likely going to be given to someone in need at the end of the gig.
Trying to stick with a backpack or messenger bag… I don’t use a special bag I just strap my normal back pack to the rack. A rack should not be any more than a new bag.