Let's Talk Bicycle Gear

knittnponder

I've got a bike and it's got a pannier rack on the back. My cycling at the moment is recreational (no commuting or grocery shopping). I'm looking for pannier bags/baskets, a cooler bag or grocery bags that will allow me to carry all the junk that goes along with biking with my kids. Our bike rides so far have been a few hours long and snacks were needed but we did take an all day ride where we packed a lunch. The small cooler I had strapped to my bike just didn't cut it for a family of six!

So do any of you have bags that you love? Features that you feel are necessary? Features that you hate and would never, ever get again in a bag? I'm not looking to spend $200 of a set of bags but I would like something I'm not going to have to replace in 5 minutes. I live in the PNW so weather could at some point be a factor though our family recreational rides are not likely to be done in a downpour! Oh, I will be biking to my Taekwondo class but I figure whatever type of bag I get I can stuff my uniform into that.

One note, I DO NOT want to wear a backpack while biking! I really dislike the idea and much prefer bags attached to my bike. Please help! I'm overwhelmed with the choices!

anzura

I actually still have my Burley trailer from when my kids were little. It holds about 6 filled grocery bags! It would fit a pretty big cooler no problem, but I don't know if I would want to pull something that heavy. lol! A benefit of the trailer is the cars really go wide when they think you are pulling a baby.

giftedcat

I have a pannier bag that I bought from Argos (uk) & its fab. I carry all of my gym gear, plus any shopping I need. Plus it has come in handy on bike rides with my Family (for picnics & juice)

alligatorsmile

I was so scared yesterday while riding my bicycle, someone honked RIGHT BEHIND ME!! for no apparent reason - actually it happens a lot where I ride (South Houston near Hobby Airport). I don't know if people are just obnoxious and like to scare the living *kitten* out of people on a bike, but I wonder if I had one of those bag packs that you can put a baby in there, would they honk so freaking much if they thought I had a baby??!!

alligatorsmile

this one is pretty inexpensive but you may need to buy the rear rack, too

http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Cargo-Net-Tote-Basket/dp/B0038F1EJK/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1308672815&sr=1-4

kaytedawg05

I want info on bicycle seats... my rear is a bit bruised but I love my bike.

I have a very tiny budget. so if u can suggest brands or what kind of things to look for, it would be helpful

giftedcat

I bought a gel seat for my seat & it's sooo much better. Was really cheap too & just fits over the top of the saddle.

aviduser

I was so scared yesterday while riding my bicycle, someone honked RIGHT BEHIND ME!! for no apparent reason - actually it happens a lot where I ride (South Houston near Hobby Airport). I don't know if people are just obnoxious and like to scare the living *kitten* out of people on a bike, but I wonder if I had one of those bag packs that you can put a baby in there, would they honk so freaking much if they thought I had a baby??!!

That has happened to me too. Scared the piss out of me. Road rage is a bad thing. Be safe.

knittnponder

I've seen that cargo box and thought about it but you have to buy the box and the net separately. I'm still unsure because at least with a bag my stuff would be inside. There is also the fact that with a bag the weight is lower and on either side of the tires. The basket puts the weight up higher and depending on how much stuff I'm carrying I don't want it to throw off my balance. I'm a little "graceful" as it is!

Kayte, I need a new seat or a cover too! My tush is tender today after 1.5 hours riding yesterday! My husband has a memory foam seat that he's liking a lot. We bought my son a bike off craigslist that came with a really nice seat that all of us are coveting. I need to see what the brand is and see if I can find it anywhere. Those gel covers look nice too. How do they feel after a long ride?

One thing I insisted on (and I'm glad I did!) was a bike pump that attaches to the frame. I really did not like the thought of being miles down the road and getting a flat. The first family ride out my youngest's bike needed pumping up! Just need to get a patch kit now. I also carry a little first aid kit and with four kids mine includes an instant ice pack.

I haven't done regularly biking (with or without kids) in years so I think that's all the tricks I've got.

ambreee

I have had a few sets of paniers. I like the ones that have a few external pockets making it handy to get to my keys, wallet ect. I also use a bike trailer to get groceries, very helpful (of coarse when the kids aren't tagging along).

My bike bags are old, so I don't really have a recommendation with brand, and I found some of them at a garage sale. I believe I got my first set at REI.

When it comes to seats, my cruiser has a big cushy seat, which is fine for short leasurly rides. But I really prefer the seat on my road bike. It took a little time to get used to, but I was able to go on a 125 mile(split up in a couple of days) ride down the Oregon coast with out much uncomfort. It is the type of seat designed for women that is slender and has a hole in the center. Looks uncomfortable, but is awesome because it doesn't restrict blood flow. I purchased it from a local bike shop for around $40.