Grasschopper

Ok so I am looking for a bag for my bike. I have a rear rack (some cheap Ascent model) FWIW. My goal is to be able to get what I need where I am going.

Simple right?

Here is my issue I need to carry a fully inflated volleyball and my court shoes. So I wear size 11 running shoes and the ball is ~7.5" in dia. Is there a trunk rack that will fit this? Panniers? Just stick with my back pack?

Thanks

RonH

Try a bungy cord for the shoes and a cargo net for the volleyball.

Grasschopper

I would really like to get them covered up a bit due to the weather. Currently there is a bunch of snow so melting snow and salt and stuff on the leather ball and in/on my shoes is not a welcome addition. I could stick them in a plastic bag or something I suppose but I was hoping for something a bit more elegant.

supcom

How about a bowling ball bag? You might be able to get the ball and shoes in the bag, then bungie it to the rack.

super-douper

I once carried a soccer ball on top of my rack using velcro cable ties, my u-lock and a cable lock.

Put the soccer ball in the middle of the rack, velcro the straight bar of the u-lock to the front of the rack and lean onto the ball. Looped the cable lock into a small circle about 8" in diameter, velcro'd the circle lock to the rear of the rack and leaned it onto the back side of the soccer ball. Then I velcro'd the ulock to the cable lock where they met on top of the soccer ball. Worked pretty good. You might be able to do something similar, and put your shoes underneath the ball or something.

I didn't have any bungee cords with me, but if I did, i would have used them to secure the ball. You can hook one bungee at the front of the rack from right side to left side making a U shape. Then do the same on the rear, but run the rear bungee through the U of the front bungee. Might work.

Or deflate the ball and take a needle. If there's a gas station with free air near your destination, just pump it up there and ride a block with the ball under your shirt. You'll look pregnant, but it'll get the job done.

Grasschopper

Hmm now there could be the answer. It would look a little goofy walking into the gym with the bowling ball bag but that is a bit of my style anyway.

So now I need some yard sales or something so I can fine a crappy bowling ball bag.

Grasschopper

Anyone have one of these? I am wondering if the ball would be secure on the top under the bungee strap. I would hate to have to replace a $40 VB because it went bouncing down the street and under a car when I hit a bump.

super-douper

I use that trunk bag every day. You won't be able to get a volleyball under the bungee on top. And when you put stuff on top, it makes the whole thing unstable and sway back and forth. I have had to run straps to the seatpose to secure this thing and keep it from swaying like crazy when I put even a loaf of bread on top.

Grasschopper

Well thanks for that, we will write that one right off the list. LOL

Grasschopper

Not sure which way to go on the bowling ball bag. There are several retro style options.
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...128836402&rd=1
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...128750817&rd=1
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...128837495&rd=1
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...128861144&rd=1

Or there is the newer style:
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...129022055&rd=1

balto charlie

I'm partial to the Pooh bag myself. For large items(VB) try a kayak dry bag. I alway use 'em for big stuff. They have them in all shapes and sizes. Here's some from Sierra trading
https://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/...st_display.htm
Charlie

KleinRider

AFA the kid's bags, I would double check to make sure your shoes would fit. I would guess if they do, it would be really close.

Mr_Super_Socks

I have a set of vaude panniers. they are pretty big and are expandable. you won't will style points since it's not campy or slick, but it will easily fit your shoes and whatever else -- and the expandable top portion, which works like the expandable tops of most internal frame backpacks, would easily accomodate your ball. it has a built in rain cover, too.

roadfix

I've seen duffle bags designed to mount on bike racks. I'm sure that'll work.

junioroverlord

https://www.baileyworks.com/products/SPRO.php

Nuff said.

Bolo Grubb

Check your local SPorts Authority or similar store. They often have bowling supplies and may have several styles of bags for you to check out.

skord

I'm really partial to messenger bags, and I just tested a soccer ball, shoes, and a two changes of clothes in both of my bags. My wallet, keys, soap, washcloth, tools, lube, rags, tube, and emergency inflator were already in the smaller bag.

Smaller bag is a Patagonia Critical mass, I really like it for a few reasons. The cross body strap works on either side, and works as a cross-chest or waist strap. It's got a LARGE reflective strip on the back, and it holds a heck of a lot more than it appears to. OOO, nearly forgot about the built in laptop pouch. It fits on my body the best, provides better balance than any other thing I've tried (racks, backpacks, etc), and it's REALLY tough.

The bigger bag is a Chrome Kremlin. I could probably write novels about how much I love the thing, but I still think the patagonia (while smaller) is designed a bit better. You could fit all the previous stuff listed and a team member or two in it.

The reason I think a messenger bag would work well for you is that you can put all your stuff in it and take it everywhere. IMHO, I think they work better than backpacks at distributing weight. Stablizers are a MUST, which is why I didn't go with a Manhattan Portage bag for my #2 bag. You can even get a lot of use out of it when you're not on your bike, like I am now while I'm on crutches.

Grasschopper

Thanks I will look into the Patagonia CM. There is nothing terribly wrong with the back pack I am using now but with a rear rack I was hoping to get the bag off me and onto the bike.