Which bike bag?

parking_question_chap

Hi

I have recently got into cycling and want to get another bag. I am currently using a backpack but dont want to keep carrying weight on my body.

I dont want double panniers as it doesnt suit my requirements. My bike has a rear pannier rack so I am looking for ideas on the best type of single bag and method of attachment. I tried to attach my backpack to the top with bungee cables but it kept sliding off and hanging to one side.

Should I look at buying a general holdall and some straps I can tighten manually (rather than relying on elastic bungee wires), or do I need a specific bike bag?

zaax

What are you carrying?

fred246

I have used the Altura Dryline for years and love them. I have the rack pack and the 56 panniers. The rack pack I use for commuting and holds my puncture repair kit and sandwiches etc. I normally only use one of the panniers for gym gear and shopping etc. It's amazing how much weight you can put on one side of your bike and not notice it. I only use two panniers for a large shopping trip. Why don't you want panniers for your rack?

parking_question_chap

Generally carry clothes and food.

Due to logistics of my day to day activities, one bag is much easier for me.

fred246

As I say I normally just use one pannier. You don't notice it is there. You don't feel unbalanced if that's what you are worried about.

parking_question_chap

Yes, its the balance issue that concerns me. Especially as we will be heading into winter and some of my routes are likely to include frozen puddles etc. I would be ideally interested in hearing one bag options where then can be placed on the top of the rack. Though thanks for the Altura suggestion, I will check it out.

fred246

I have another winter bike with Schwalbe Marathon Winter tyres on it. 240 carbide spikes per tyre. Good for frozen puddles. Also has a rack on it for carrying my usually single pannier. I think you'll find it's boxes that generally go on top of the rack. I like my box but it doesn't have the capacity of a pannier.

Keep_pedalling

Buy a pair of panniers, they can be used individually but it is almost certain that on occasions you will need two. Unless you are carrying heavy stuff then balance is not a problem, but when I do carry heavy loads I prefer to have the weight distributed either side, and nearer to the road surface rather than on top of the rack.

What is your budget?

zaax

This one does both a rucksack that clips on to your bike. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vaude-Cycle-Rucksack-black-Size/dp/B00ECR45EO
Read up about winter cycling (no cracking sound your on hard ice), most roads are gritted and spiked tyres make it very hard going, but are wonderful for off roading.

parking_question_chap

I am not interested in a panniers. Mountable backpack or holdall is my requirement.

£100 would be my limit.

Vaude bag is the kind of thing I am looking for, cheers.

Moto2

Maybe a Lomo pannier bag and Rok Straps to tie it on?

http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/dry-bag-panier-hi-vis.html

http://www.rokstraps.com/