What do you carry stuff in for commuting?

[dhunt]

Thanks for everyones input. I'll probably get a ventura bike rack after I pay for my semester fees I was planning on getting one for touring on and didn't really think about using it for commutting.

David

[Zed]

Thanks for everyones input. I'll probably get a ventura bike rack after I pay for my semester fees I was planning on getting one for touring on and didn't really think about using it for commutting.

David

Good choice!

[BM-GS]

Tank bag. Worked for 10 years of commuting & handy for touring.

I got a Baglux tank harness on a bike I bought and shelled out for a new bag to go with it, consigning my magnetic one to use as a pillion-seat bag. The bag is light and pretty robust (replace every 5-6 years after daily use) and easy to repair if you crash...

As the bag fits to the tank harness, there are no magnets to wipe your credit cards or hard drive and it's lighter than a mag-bag. The harness protects the tank from everyday dings & scratches. Bags have a clear map pocket for, um, maps, cell phones, etc, you may want to see and another pocket for your keys & wallet. There are D-rings for a shoulder strap which makes it OK to carry, depending how heavy you've made it. Put strap though lid for 2 free hands. Strap goes in 3rd pocket which also holds the rain cover (which I've never used).

Disadvantage is that you need a bag AND a harness, and that co$ts. Harness is bike specific and can be any colour/pattern matched or wierd & funky.

If anyone has a Kawa GPz500 (EX500 in American) and wants a black/green harness, let me know! $30 plus postage.

Sorry, but I'm a believer. I have no connection to the company, just a satisfied user (and a satisfied Pom user of a French product, at that!).
John

Choice of bag styles for dirt & road bikes (lenght of tank is the difference, I'm told).

Check out www.bagster.com

Oceania agent: (who I've never used)
CARLISLE TYRES PTY LIMITED
7 Nelson Avenue
2211 PADSTOW NSW

Phone +612 9790 3187
Fax +612 9793 9113
carlisletyres@bigpond.com

[BM-GS]

Bugger, I forgot:

The harness has a hole in for the fuel fuller. D-rings & clips on the front let you tip the bag forward onto the bars or screen edge to fill up. Rear clips are springy-thingies and easy to do/undo with gloves on.

Harnesses & older bags are vinyl type stuff. And waterproof, except round the seams. Old bags are A4 size, newer ones seem rounder.

Good luck deciding, if you haven't already.
John

[vifferman]

Thanks for everyones input. I'll probably get a ventura bike rack after I pay for my semester fees I was planning on getting one for touring on and didn't really think about using it for commutting.

There are advantages / disadvantages to each of the 3 main 'luggages' mentioned here (backpack, Ventura system, topbox). I used a backpack for years and years, with no problems at all. When I did a longer trip, I just bungied a bag or two to the seat and/or rack (depending on what the bike had). It was a bit of a nuisance sometimes when the bungies slipped, so it required frequent checking on bumpy roads. Also runs the risk of marking your bodywork.
The disadvantage of a backpack is as mentioned - that it's more dangerous in an accident, and it hinders you a bit on the bike. It also makes you hotter in the Summer. Advantages are that it's cheap (if you go to somewhere like The Warehouse).

I've had two bikes and 5 years worth of commuting with the Ventura system, firstly with a Bathurst bag (45 litres) then with the Spada (about 25 litres, I think). Advantages are that it's secure (doesn't fall off, unless you don't fasten it on and go fast over speed humps - ooops ), the bags are hardwearing (stand up well to sliding along the asphalt when you don't fasten it on and go fast over speed humps), they hold heaps (I've had two biggish fire extinguishers in mine), the racks can be used for carrying other things, and you can take them off your bike easily when you get off. They also have reflectors on them, and you can mount them facing forwards and sitting on the seat to put the weight forward, or in the normal position when you have a pillion. Some of them allow you to zip an extra bag on the other side, and/or fasten stuff like camping gear to them. The rack is very easy to remove or replace with a sport rack or grab handle. One more dubious advantage is using the rack as an anti-wheelie bar, to save complete destruction of your taillight (as seen in a UK bike mag...)
Disadvantages are they aren't completely waterproof (seams leak after a while, but a storm cover is available), they aren't secure (you wouldn't want to leave them on your bike for very long unattended), they create a bit of drag (but less than a pillion), and they add a bit of weight to the rear of your bike, changing the handling a bit. However, the last couple of points apply to a top box too. Some of them while having backstraps aren't quite as comfortable as a proper backpack.

A top box is the way to go if you want waterproof, secure storage on your bike, or you want an integrated back rest. But they are dearer than the other options, and sit a bit higher and further back.

One other option is a bag that clips on your seat. I've seen one of these, and it was very kewl, if a little pricey. Advantages are: no rack, easy to put on / take off, easy to carry (has straps), lightweight, and sits lower than a rack or top box. Disadvantages are that it doesn't hold much, and is a little pricey for the amount of storage.
There are also throw-over panniers, where you sit on the flap that goes over the seat.

I think your decision to get the Ventura rack is a goodun, but going with this option doesn't preclude adding any of the other options if you need more carrying capacity. I believe you may even be able to add a bracket to the Ventura rack to enable a topbox to be fitted.

[Aleph]

Pack & Packrack for me, particularly as you are lugging heavy books.
If you are on your own, load the pack on back to front so it sits on the pillion seat and the bike balance is better, doesn't get wet so easily either.
I also like the packrack so the pillion does not fall off when asleep (not lying about that one either).
Packrack may not look so cool though if you are worried about image.

[wkid_one]

generally in the boot of the car

[Hooks]

I just got a new Motodry tank bag from Phil Turnbulls for $150, it has the zip off backpack that you mention but it also comes with a shoulder strap so the whole thing can be lugged around in one piece. It also has a suitcase strap on the side so you have different options for carrying it depending on the load. On the bike it holds onto the tank with the magnets and is is quick & easy to remove. It has a great capacity and I can carry enough clothes for a couple of days plus easily and you never even notice it while you're riding. I recommend them ....

This was an unpaid advert !!!

[Motu]

I've used all sorts of things,but never anything motorcycle specific - that costs money! I used cardboard and vinyl push bike saddle bags on my Norton (black of course) they smell just right with a 2 week old bannana sandwich inside.One of the most versatile things I've used was a set of leather throw over bags,like cowboys use,got them from The Hog Farm all those moons ago,and still have them.Just throw them over and go,stop,pick them off and toss over the shoulder,just like John Wayne (he was a cowboy you youngsters,also won the second world war for the USA) These days I have found that bandolier back pack from Motumail has been handy and easy to use.

[Blakamin]

Just throw them over and go,stop,pick them off and toss over the shoulder,just like John Wayne (he was a cowboy you youngsters,also won the second world war for the USA) .

ROFL!!!!!

How many $$ are the ventura racks??? what does it take to mount?

(i now have ideas in my head that the missus wont like )

[marty]

keep a look out on trademe. i picked up a spada IV and delta IV ventura packs (zip together) for about 1/2 the new price, and they are unmarked. motomail have heaps of mounts for sale for venturas. they had a big bin of sale out ones a couple of months ago. i don't even know that they are on the back of the bike, and they store a spare helmet, wet weather gears, my flying headset, my leather pants, etc etc...

how about this one?

[toads]

well I use a backpack for just small stuff, if I have to pick up anything big I generally use the car but when we go on this rally quasi has organised I'll be using the packrack, which I really don't like, it sticks way up in the air and makes me feel as though someones following very close behind me. I like wearing a backpack cos my back feels warmer with it there, but I guess it could be dangerous if I fell off with hard objects in it

[dangerous]

As per my previous post here is the 10L Ventura sport rack/bag

[matthewt]

Yer I use the Ventura pack as well. I use the 45L pack (only one I have).

[scumdog]

I've got a set of NZ made throw-overs made of light cordura/nylon stuff, not too waterproof but have handles on the top so you can carry them back-to-back like a briefcase.
Just throw them over the seat and hook an eyelet to the sissy-bar and your away.
Cost $10 at a gargre sale