Because of the coronavirus outbreak, many of us have had to reconsider how we transport food on our bikes. Cyclists could make multiple modest excursions to the grocery shop each week before the pandemic, rather than one large grocery carry. However, due to social alienation, it is now advised that we only go to the grocery shop once a week. While this adjustment will take some forethought, it is something that everyone can undertake! You can learn 8 different ways to carry groceries on your bike in this article.
1. The Backpack
Surely, somewhere at the back of your wardrobe, you have some form of an enormous, strong backpack. Although having an expanded feature is an advantage for individuals who are easily tempted by the sale shelves at checkout, it is a good start for your first shopping journey. When it comes to backpacks, ergonomics are crucial since they affect how comfortable they are to carry. Please choose a type that provides stability and comfort when being carried so that it does not become uncomfortable while riding.
2. The Basket in Front
You can even put the bag you’re wearing in the basket if you have a large enough basket (messenger bags work great with baskets). You can wear your bag and then load the basket if you have to make an unplanned stop. Getting items into and out of a front basket is quick and simple. You can also see what you’re carrying in case anything shifts or falls out. Adding weight to the front of the bike, on the other hand, greatly increases steering effort. We discovered that 5 lbs are the ideal figure for putting on the front rack; anything above is too unstable.
3. The Cycle Truck / Cargo Rack
Get a Clydesdale cargo fork and a crate — milk, beer, whatever you can find – and attach it to it. If you’ve always wanted a cargo bike but aren’t ready to commit to a longtail or bakfiest, the Clydesdale fork is a cool alternative that keeps your wheelbase while increasing storage space. It holds a lot more than the normal basket, and you can even bring your pet along.
4. The Rack in the Back
Don’t like things getting in the way of your maneuverability? Try mounting your rack on the back of your bicycle. However, keep a watch out for your goods, as apples are known to be excellent rollers. If you need to secure something, having a few bungee cords on hand is a good idea.
Pro tip: Adding a basket to the top of a rack increases carrying capacity quickly.
5. The Pannier in the Back
Consider purchasing panniers if you plan on purchasing more than two huge bags of goods. You can efficiently carry greater weight and volume while also loosening up your body and decreasing back and shoulder pain. When riding with panniers, you will be able to pedal and handle your bike freely. Longer excursions will be a lot easier on your body as a result of this.
6. The Bike Trailer
If you’re shopping for a family or don’t have much time to travel to the market, a trailer is a terrific option because all of the awkward, bulky, or heavy things, such as a 10kg bag of rice, can fit into a trailer easily and anytime you want.
Despite the numerous advantages of a trailer, there are a few issues to consider. The problem was immediately apparent the first time you used the trailer and then went to the grocery shop. It’s difficult enough to park your bike without the trailer pulling on it. Another, the more significant danger is the possibility of a car driver failing to notice the trailer behind you and hitting your trailer by turning too near to your bike. When there is a lot of traffic at an intersection, this can easily happen. As a result, making your trailer as obnoxious as possible is both a fashion statement and a safety precaution.
7. The Bakfiets
Cargo cycles are now available in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from the aforementioned Cycletruck to the massive Bakfiets. The Bakfiets, like a trailer, can fit groceries for a family (or two). You can even take your child along for the ride. However, a bakfiets, or any other type of front-box cargo bike, has the disadvantage of having linkage steering, which requires a few trial rides to get used to. Hills, on the other hand, are a considerably bigger issue: climbing uphill is difficult, but going down is even more difficult.
8. The Bikepacker
Why not use a set of rackless bike-packing bags you already have, such as a frame, saddle, top-tube, or handlebar bag? This will spare you the trouble of installing fussy racks, especially if you aren’t expecting to utilize the rack on a daily basis. Bikepacking bags can be used for shopping in a pinch, albeit they aren’t ideal (because of their small capacity).
Bikepacking bags are simple to attach and detach with the use of velcro and cam buckles. However, you must consider the size, shape, and weight of your things when utilizing these bags. Sure, you won’t be able to bring your 5-pound protein powder or a liter of your favorite soymilk with you, but you’d be shocked how many energy bars and other minor items you’ll need throughout the week will fit!
Tips
Whatever option you choose for transporting your groceries, make a grocery list first, then start picking the items that will go in the bottom of your bag/crate, so that when you check out and begin loading your bag/crate, everything goes smoothly and you don’t have to deal with impatient queuers’ eyes. You should also bring your bike lock because you want your bike to remain where you left it. Finally, remember that you should never overload your bike and that carrying bags over your handlebars is not a good idea. Not only is it inconvenient, but it is also quite dangerous. The bags may collide with your front wheel, causing your handlebars to sway.
FAQs
On a bike without a rack, how do you transport groceries?
You may purchase folding metal baskets to attach to it and use to store your purse, tote, backpack, or grocery bags.
On a bike, how do you transport groceries?
If your bike has a front or rear rack, attaching a crate or robust box to it is a terrific way to transport groceries.
Is it possible to put a basket on a bike?
Yes, both a front and rear basket can be installed on a mountain bike.
Conclusion
We’ve covered some strategies for carrying groceries on a bicycle, as well as how to figure out which technique is ideal for you based on your load and the route you ride in your area. There are numerous options to examine, and it’s critical that you consider all of them before committing to a specific carry solution.