It's slightly off the topic of commuting bags, but over the many years I have commuted via pedals (from age 17 to age 61), I discovered that a single speed or fixed gear commute bike was ideal: much fewer repairs, no malfunctions, and really strong wheels (the latter cannot be overstressed-- no pun intended)! The Rivendell 'Quickbeam' was perfect (with moustache bars to get leverage for accelerations and easy hills). The fixed gear is less ideal if you have long steep hills, but most commutes do not. I found that fixed gear was far better in terms of both speed and efficiency on my commutes. Now my commute is uphill most of the way, so I am using my Teesdale touring bike, but the fixed gear was the best ever for all my other flat or rolling commutes.
On Sun, Feb 6, 2022 at 9:27 AM <rltil...@gmail.com> wrote: > On my commutes I also carried a large thermos full of coffee since our > office coffee was pretty bad. It added weight but coffee is worth the extra > effort. > > I basically work from home now so I have to find excuses to get out and do > errands throughout the week to ride. > > Robert Tilley > San Diego, CA > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Feb 6, 2022, at 8:17 AM, Roberta <rchas...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > These days it's semi-casual, but I still need to look sort-of > professional. I wear my top and just change my shoes and pants because > they can get dirty on the trip. Last week I got one leg soaked when a > driver ran over a big puddle at full speed. > > I think I'll keep shoes in the office, so will only be totting pants and > lunch. I am going to try Tom's bag in a pannier option on my Platypus, and > with the bag in a basket option on the She-Devil. > > I loved reading everyone's responses and seeing your enthusiasm. Thank > you. > > Roberta > > > On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 12:33:47 PM UTC-5 Ray Varella wrote: > >> Roberta, >> One thing I may have missed is what sort of work attire do you need to >> carry? >> Two miles is a relatively short distance and unless it’s really humid or >> raining, you may not need to change. >> If your clothes need to be neatly pressed then you will need to keep them >> neatly folded for your commute. >> A basked with some sort of tote bag would likely cover most of your needs >> and keeping some work clothes at work could cover you for the days you >> really need to change. >> When I commuted 10 miles each way, I changed at work. >> When I commuted 3 miles each way, I rode in my work clothes. >> Neither job required dress attire. >> A backpack in hot weather doesn’t appeal to me but 2 miles gives to tons >> of flexibility. >> >> Congratulations on your short commute. What a blessing to have so many >> hours liberated from your workweek. >> >> Ray >> >> On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 6:57:50 AM UTC-8 Roberta wrote: >> >>> *" I have one of those cheap packable backpacks >>> <https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Lightweight-Packable-Backpack-Resistant/dp/B010NGLJFU/ref=sr_1_10?crid=32U0TBE3MYY84&keywords=packable%2Bbackpack&qid=1644003778&sprefix=packable%2Bbackpack%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-10&th=1> >>> that folds up into its own pocket. I use it for my work stuff and slide it >>> inside the pannier, basket or saddle bag. That helps me keep my stuff more >>> organized. "--Tom* >>> >>> >>> This is brilliant!!! I like simplicity and no fuss. The She-Devil >>> already has a basket and the Platypus, I expect, will soon have panniers. >>> If I take my third bike H. Homer Hilsen for a long after work ride, I can >>> use the Riv Saddle Sack, so it won't matter which bike I'll take--I'll be >>> set. >>> >>> It's so great reading about everyone's experiences. >>> >>> Roberta >>> >>> On Friday, February 4, 2022 at 2:44:41 PM UTC-5 Tom Wyland wrote: >>> >>>> In my years of commuting I've used: >>>> 1) Milk Crate >>>> 2) Wald Basket >>>> 3) Panniers >>>> 4) Saddle Bag (Riv Large Saddle Sack) >>>> >>>> I have one of those cheap packable backpacks >>>> <https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Lightweight-Packable-Backpack-Resistant/dp/B010NGLJFU/ref=sr_1_10?crid=32U0TBE3MYY84&keywords=packable%2Bbackpack&qid=1644003778&sprefix=packable%2Bbackpack%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-10&th=1> >>>> that folds up into its own pocket. I use it for my work stuff and slide >>>> it *inside >>>> *the pannier, basket or saddle bag. That helps me keep my stuff more >>>> organized. I also sling it on my back when I'm locking up my bike, etc. . I >>>> borrowed the idea from a friend, so I can't take credit. If you use a >>>> basket I recommend a foam pad for the bottom, though. >>>> For short trips my preference would be a basket. It stays on the bike, >>>> is transparent to the wind when empty, and keeps my stuff in view. >>>> >>>> Tom >>>> >>> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/c1459447-6b7f-4d77-b1ac-93279a45c1b3n%40googlegroups.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/c1459447-6b7f-4d77-b1ac-93279a45c1b3n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/99BB290D-34F5-47E0-BBBC-257464389363%40gmail.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/99BB290D-34F5-47E0-BBBC-257464389363%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. 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