riverdrifter

I mounted a Wald 137 basket on my rear rack thinking it would work for a short (about 2 miles each way) daily commute. I don't like the way it handles though. I'm considering ditching the basket and the rack, and using a backpack. I don't like riding with a backpack either, but I'm not sure yet which one I dislike more. Anyone else try both these methods? What was your outcome? This is on a modern, drop bar road bike. Thanks!

baldilocks

On my grocery bike, which is also my inclement weather bike, I have both a trunk bag and one Wald 582 basket. My other bike has a cheap trunk bag that has small fold out panniers that are really good for storing the sweater I need in the morning, but not on the way home. Both My bike's are ridge mountain bikes and my commute is also 2 miles. I would say the trunk bag is my favorite. I have a inexpensive pannier that I tried for groceries and the rack wasn't the right one. A gallon of milk shifted in the bag, and the pannier hit the rear wheel causing 2 inches of the seam to open. Still used it on my bike overnighter.(See Photo) I found a lunch bag that fits in my trunk bag. That's usually all I have to worry about. If I need extra clothes, I use the side bags. Also I found a sling back pack I've used but I don't want to use back packs in the heat. I really don't want a back pack when my bike could carry the load. What do you need to carry?

https://www.amazon.com/Disconano-Wat...%2C189&sr=1-55

Geekage

I too like the lower center of gravity of the folding 582 rack. I've got it on the cargo bike, but even on my commuters, I have no problem with a heavy pannier on just one side for my ten mile commute.

My kids have top baskets on their rear racks because their backpacks are much too large for the 582 racks. One rides two miles to school with the backpack in the rack. The other kid wears the backpack and only uses the rack for a cable lock for a one mile ride to school. This is on a small 24" wheel bike where there is no front triangle space for the lock.

So there you go, one family with three different preferences: top basket, backpack, and side pannier.

Edit to add: the kids are on straight bar bikes, I'm on drop bar bikes.

Gresp15C

I've been using a Wald 585 non-folding basket for upwards of 20 years. I attach it to the side of my rack with stainless hose clamps.

I've always preferred a basket over anything else, as I can just drop stuff in, and it handles weather and abuse better than anything else. Once the basket is full, I can still lay stuff over the top of the basket and rack, and hold it down with an old innertube. I've carried entire bikes home that way.

Having everything on one side doesn't really seem particularly bothersome. I put it on the drive side -- it also functions as a sort of roll bar to protect the drivetrain from getting bashed when the bike is parked or falls over.

wphamilton

Not a basket, but I zip-tied a light bag on a seatpost rack on my road bike. Shaped inside with coroplast. Just keep it light, doesn't affect the handling or balance.

I-Like-To-Bike

Backpacks are not as comfortable or convenient for handling bulky packages.

Bill Kapaun

This works for me- Folding basket's because I only need them open part of the time.

Darth Lefty 

I got head shake and it’s tippy when you’re walking it.

KraneXL

I like my bike to be light and agile. So before I got a Toothpick trunk. It has expandable storage, handles, a shoulder strap, water bottle holder, and a rain coat. The rail beam is quick release and had a mount for a reflector or rear light.

When I just want to go for a ride and not commute to work everything comes off and stores in a snap. The clamp trunks are limited to 20 lbs so it won't carry a weeks worth of groceries or a keg of beer like the ones shown above.





1024 × 768

BobbyG

I rack my backpack.

I also use Wald 582 Folding Baskets.

The center of gravity on the Wald folders is low enough to carry 50lbs of is low enough to carry 50lbs of ice melt on snow and ICE!