Old Bag

Headhuunter

I usually commute with a cheapo Decathlon rucksack, it's 40 litre and can fit a hell of a lot in it, however when it's full it weighs probably 10-15kg or more and recently it's been making my back ache a bit. I rode from Greenwich to Wimbledon yesterday with it fairly full which hasn't helped.

So my question, which has probably come on these forums before is (sorry if so), what alternatives are there to rucksacks? I don't like panniers, they make the bike feel strange, so I'm thinking perhaps a courier bag? I just tried a Chrome Kremlin, the largest Chrome one on in Condor over lunch. It seemed massive but it's hard to tell how comfortable it would be without it fully loaded.

So what are your thoughts? Thanks.

il_principe

I'm a convert to courier bags - make sure whatever you buy has a stabilising chest strap. I like being able to access the bag without taking it off, v handy for getting the locks out when I'm in a hurry etc. I find it leaves my back less sweaty as well and the cordura lined ones are totally waterproof.

cjcp

I've a good Kathmandhu backpack. 30-40 lt jobbie, with a cushioned support on the lower back. However, it doesn't have the arched shape, so it sits along the length of my back. It's comfy, but, with that weight, my back starts to hurt if I do a lap of the Park on the way home. I'm not convinced a courier bag would ease the problem.

R_T_A

If you're carrying loads of stuff, then a courier bag won't really help (IMO). You need to get the weight off your back - all you're doing is moving the weight lower, and potentially making it a bit more unstable. I think courier bags are pretty good apart from that, and Il Principe is right in mentioning the cross strap (I got mine from Crumpler).

There's also a "rackless pannier" from Knog: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Knog_Neat_Dog_'Rackless'_Panniers/5360039641/

It clips on the bike without a rack, and can also be used as a rucksack. Not sure if it's any good, but I like the principle.

I've managed to leave a lot more stuff at work and stagger what I'm carrying in my rucksack.

Aidy

The rackless pannier, seatpost racks, large saddlebag solutions are all going to have the handling alteration problem. But by far the best method of carrying weight on a bike is to have it frame supported.

I really can't see how courier bags are going to be better, isn't the point that you sacrifice comfort for being able to get into it without taking it off?

Personally, I'd be looking for a backpack that's designed to be carried whilst on a bike.

Paul E

I took my pannier rack off my bike as I didn't like the way it slowed down the handling of the bike when it was loaded, I tended to leave more in my desk (when I had a job, got a new one lined up) got a courier bag and a camelbak, will experiment with both to see how they feel when i get my road bike. The courier one i have is a northface one, water proof and has a stabiliser strap.

Headhuunter

Yes, it's the bike handling changes that I don't like when using panniers. I like to be able to nip in and out of traffic/filter and I find tha panniers make the bike feel unwieldy and heavy.

Interesting that some of you think that a bike specific rucksack might help. I'll have a look at some of those. How does a bike specific rucksack differ from a normal rucksack?

prawny

To the OP if you're filling a 40l rucksack, I think I'd go for panniers to save my back or stick with a rucksack. The deuter ones with the rigid backs are good for on the bike because the spread the weight down onto you hips instead of pushing your back down.
I still find though that I get a sore lower back if I carry a bag in. I have a 12l seatpost bag that squeezes just enough in.

spen666

Carradice Camper Longflap saddlebag- www.spacycles.com