this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2023
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Shopping by bike: how do you do it? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/bikecommuting
10 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

When I first started out shopping by bike, I pretty much stuffed my backpack full. I had an MTB so a pannier wasn't really an option. If things ended up not fitting, my handlebars came to the rescue to hold the rest of the bags.

With my current bike however, things are a little different. The rear pannier rack enables a few more options and things to try...

Carabiner

Shopping bag handles attached to a rear bicycle pannier with a carabiner

Tried and tested, never failed me yet. Using the carabiner I can carry a pretty heavy bag on the rear pannier, without shelling out $$ for an expensive cycling bag.

The bag does stick out a bit depending on how packed it is, which is something to be aware of.

Motorcycle helmet clips

Image of a motorcycle helmet clip modified to secure a shopping bag to a bicycle rear pannier

These mainly allow me to secure boxes and water bottles to the top of the pannier rack, while still being able to quickly attach and detach shopping bags from the side.

While the helmet clips themselves have been flawless, the bags themselves have been less than stellar - every single one of them have ripped so far ☹️

Picture of torn shopping bag near the handle

DIY pannier bag

Picture of shopping bag attached to bicycle with a retrofitted pannier rack

I did consider getting a proper cycling rack bag... but they're a bit costly and can't really be used for much else.

After some research I made my own, using a reusable 'cooler' shopping bag from a supermarket, and a cheap pannier attachment kit. I had some short bolts, nyloc nuts and washers available to put it together.

It's so much more convenient to use than the other two methods above, but I haven't put it to the test yet with heavy shopping. The zip is a pretty nice touch to keep shopping cool and dry.

Additional pictures

Picture of the rear of a shopping bag with a retrofitted pannier rack attachment

Picture showing the interior of the bag, with the nyloc nuts and washers exposed

 

How do you guys carry your shopping, or any goods in general?

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Nice setup! Seems like it works for you.

I use panniers on the rear. They are expensive, but convenient. Mine came with shoulder straps and are waterproof which is essential for my area and hauling electronics.

Also have some bungee cables to connect bigger things in the rack. I also have a pretty big backpack that’s waterproof, but when full it blocks my vision a bit.

The biggest trick is just shopping more frequently for smaller amounts of stuff. I pass a few stores on my normal commutes, which makes it easier.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Shopping frequently is indeed the best option. I shop at least every two day and enjoy being "forced" to take my bike and go outside after work.

If the weather is really bad or if I have heavy stuffs to buy, I am lucky to also have the option to take the bus.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Cool ideas!

I went the boring way and bought a costly rack bags. Before that, I used to put everything in a backpack.

In the winter, we also have some tubes on the rack of our old tandem to carry our skis.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've got a rear rack with two metal collapsible baskets on it, one per side. They both fit a bag nicely and can carry significant weight. I shop with two bags, or if I only need one, I move some stuff over to the other basket to keep the weight more balanced over the rear wheel.

If I need to carry more than two bags, I'll hang a third or fourth from the handlebars, again ensuring balance as best as possible.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Bad memories for me here. This was my first arrangement when I started commuting. I brushed my knee against the basket and it ripped open a huge gash. I moved on to Ortlieb panniers that held more volume, were waterproof, and didn't leave me bleeding out on the sidewalk.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

A rear or front basket? I can't stand having one on the front because it makes the bike way less stable (which is why bags on the handlebars is a last resort). Having one on either side of the back wheel is much better for weight distribution.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

These were Wald folding baskets on the rear rack, when panniers would normally go.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Hm. I guess it depends on the distance between the basket and the crank, and probably the individual using it. On mine, I can't hit the basket with my knee even if I try.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

When mounting or dismounting and swinging your leg over the back.

[–] psud 3 points 1 year ago

My food isn't so bulky, and I ride a recumbent with a tail bag (a carbon fibre aero box), so my one bag of shopping fits in the box

Luckily since you can't wear a backpack on a recumbent