Bateleur1 Posted January 2, 2014 Posted January 2, 2014 Did my first commute two days before christmas, 16 kms, CPT cycle lane to Gardens. We now have showers - but the backpack schlepp wasn't great. Have since decided to leave work shoes at the office. Second day felt much lighter - forgot to take towel, which sucked a lot... keen to optimize my packing over the next few days. I cant imagine carrying a laptop and ipad on my back. One question: safety wise, do you guys carry pepperspray or something? I did get fairly nervous at stages. Leave a towel at work and swop it when you have to go in by car (in my case that is normally once a week). Regarding the pepperspray .... no. Just be vigilant.
Active Monkey Posted January 12, 2014 Author Posted January 12, 2014 Crumpler ( Belly M ) Best bag i have ever used , mine is 4 years old now and still has not gone soft or lost its shape . its done about 20 000km ( actually its way more than this ,im just being conservative ) on my back in all weather . takes laptop , cell , clothes , food ( just not shoes , leave those at work ) they are not cheap but so worth the money , as it will last you well like for ever . Cant find this anywhere... Who stocks these?
FrankG Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 I use a Thule Crossover backpack. A bit pricey at around R1,500, but the quality is exceptional and you cannot go wrong with a 25 year warranty. Has a hard protected section for sunnies/cellphone, and dedicated compartments for a tablet and laptop.
JvanLog Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 Timbuk2 Raider backpack is my new buy. Looks well thought out Hey, Where did you get it from? Am looking for one myself...
sluiper Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 Backpack is too small for me, so I got a proper commuting bike with rear pannier and saddle bags. Inside the panniers I fit:Work clothes and shoesTowelToiletriesRunning shoes, shorts, cap and vest (for lunchtime run)Speedo and goggles (for after work swim)Repair kit (tube, tire irons, 2 bombs)Chain for locking up bike outside gymLunchExtra bottle with recovery drink mixWallet & cellphoneI used to have a backpack, but I hated how sweaty my back got on the 20km commute each way. Now I wouldn't dream of having a backpack. Panniers can hold more and make you less top heavy than a backpack. The hybrid bike is also pretty cool. Almost as fast as a road bike, but more sturdy and willing to climb pavements, go through potholes, etc.
Active Monkey Posted January 12, 2014 Author Posted January 12, 2014 Backpack is too small for me, so I got a proper commuting bike with rear pannier and saddle bags. Inside the panniers I fit:Work clothes and shoesTowelToiletriesRunning shoes, shorts, cap and vest (for lunchtime run)Speedo and goggles (for after work swim)Repair kit (tube, tire irons, 2 bombs)Chain for locking up bike outside gymLunchExtra bottle with recovery drink mixWallet & cellphoneI used to have a backpack, but I hated how sweaty my back got on the 20km commute each way. Now I wouldn't dream of having a backpack. Panniers can hold more and make you less top heavy than a backpack. The hybrid bike is also pretty cool. Almost as fast as a road bike, but more sturdy and willing to climb pavements, go through potholes, etc. What dis the bike cost?
sluiper Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 What dis the bike cost? I got mine for under R3000 on Gumtree. It needed some minor work, which cost me about 2 or 3 hours and R150. Depending on the model, they cost beween R5000 and R30000 new: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/fitness/sirrus Pannier bags cost about R350 from CRC, rear rack cost about R200 from Olympic Cycles.
LeTurbo Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 One question: safety wise, do you guys carry pepperspray or something? I did get fairly nervous at stages. Up to you, really. I usually have a cannister in my backpack, but if I'm doing an unusually dodgy area at a dodgy time, I'll carry it in my hand. Sportsman's Warehouse had a neat version with a velcro sleeve that can attach to a thinnish frame (like steel) or the handlebars.
Niel1 Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 I have the Rudy Project backpack, i don't commute to work but commute to visit friends on my bike and the backpack is big enough for my beers.Got the Rudy Project backpack too!!Inside:15mm spanner for the wheel nuts (YES, I commute on a fixie!!)Clean clothesTowelShoeslunchSpare tube
Active Monkey Posted January 12, 2014 Author Posted January 12, 2014 Got myself the First Ascend orbit 35 l. Has back arc for support, shoulder and hip straps and space for all my goodies and more. Also has retractable rain cover. Its actually a hiking bag but will fit my purpose just as well. Testing out tomorrow
johanpre44 Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 Got myself the First Ascend orbit 35 l. Has back arc for support, shoulder and hip straps and space for all my goodies and more. Also has retractable rain cover. Its actually a hiking bag but will fit my purpose just as well. Testing out tomorrow I had a look at the new First Ascent Cadence, very impressive, but the 20L seems just too small. The pack you bought is R50 more but you get a whole 15L extra! Shoes and Lunch just takes so much space... Will be interesting to hear your verdict.
divernick Posted February 5, 2014 Posted February 5, 2014 http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mriq8_6VvTxx8KViiUDn58A.jpg I use the above Camelbak Blowfish bag. I ride without the bladder when commuting and use a bottle on my frame. I take my lunch, tools and spares, toiletries and whatever else I need for the day. I don't commute with clothes, shoes or laptop in the bag. I leave these at the office.
Robrider Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 Fox back pack: Jocks, socks, Shirt Try and leave pants and shoes at work, but sometimes have to take those tooLunchglassesspares At work I leave:TowelToiletriesPants and shoes, if I canSlops to walk to the showers in
MTBc Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 Front compartment (closest to my back): towel, toiletry bag with shower gel, deo & facecloth.Back compartment: work clothes (top to toe including shoes & undies)Bottom compartment: tools (tubeless kit, multitool, chain oil, tyre levers, bombs)Top front pouch: old emergency Gu and a pack of sweets (energellies). just in case.Left side: light + battery pack.Right side: shades. have 1 x clear pair and 1 x dark pair for day / night.
MTBc Posted February 19, 2014 Posted February 19, 2014 Up to you, really. I usually have a cannister in my backpack, but if I'm doing an unusually dodgy area at a dodgy time, I'll carry it in my hand. Sportsman's Warehouse had a neat version with a velcro sleeve that can attach to a thinnish frame (like steel) or the handlebars. I used to. Haven't had a single issue, but probably not a bad idea depending on your area. On my full commutes, I ride right through areas of Diepsloot in the vicinity of the Lion Park & the chicken farms, and all I've ever had is friendly greets. The most concerning part of my commute is the river crossing on the Spruit near Scout Hall, but I think there's been minimal issues there and generally am not riding that section when it's dark.
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