Hauling gear can be quite the feat while riding your bicycle through city streets. Sure, a backpack works — to a certain extent. Sometimes there are errands to run, farmers’ markets to visit, and gym stops to make. We’re all about riding our bicycles with ease, which is why we gathered six versatile, no-fail bike cargo solutions for every urban commuter. It’s time to take a load off your back.
BIKE CARGO SOLUTIONS FOR URBAN COMMUTERS
TOURBON VINTAGE CANVAS BIKE PANNIERS BICYCLE HANDLEBAR BAG, $27
We’re suckers for all things vintage. Have you seen our vintage helmets inspired by motorcycle helmets of the 60s and 70s? It should come as no surprise that we’re all heart-eyes-emoji over the Tourbon Vintage Canvas Bike Panniers Bicycle Handlebar Bag. And at only $27, you could technically get one in every color and still spend less than $100. As for the craftsmanship, the gorgeous leather straps attach to your bicycle handlebar, front top tube, seat or bike rack with ease. Plus, it’s constructed of waterproof waxed canvas making it ideal for all climates. When you arrive at your destination, just unbuckle and pop it into a backpack or tote.
TREK BONTRAGER CITY SHOPPER PANNIER, $155
Running errands? Check. Carrying gym clothes? Check. Traveling with your laptop? Check. Trek designed the all-new Bontrager City Shopper Pannier with the minimalist urban bike commuter in mind. It quickly and easily mounts to a rear bicycle rack and just as easily slides right off when you get to work, the gym, or the grocery store. It’s got reflective materials to enhance visibility, a large 22.94-liter zippered compartment, an accessory pocket, and an adjustable carrying strap.
ORTLIEB BACK-ROLLER HIGH VISIBILITY, $165
Night riders, this one’s for you. Bike commuting in the city after sunset can be thrilling, but it also requires some extra safety precautions. Stand out among the traffic with ORTLIEB’s waterproof Back-Roller High Visibility bicycle pannier. Yes, it’s designed with 3M reflectors. But the entire neon yellow bag acts like one big reflector ensuring that you’re seen on the streets and your gear is kept safe while in tow. For nights when you aren’t carrying all that much stuff, check out the Saddle-Bag Two High Visibility.
NITE IZE HANDLEBAND UNIVERSAL SMARTPHONE BAR MOUNT, $18
Not sure about you, but our phones are precious cargo. And sometimes we could really use hands-free navigation, especially when we’re on our road bike weaving through traffic or on our mountain bike tearing up a new trail. That’s where the Nite Ize Handleband Universal Smartphone Bar Mount for nearly all bicycles and phones comes in. The expandable silicone securely wraps around almost any bike handlebar. Slide your phone in and go. It’s really that easy.
BLACKBURN LOCAL BASKET FROM OR REAR RACK, $75
Blackburn makes riding around with extra stuff functional and, dare we say, fashionable. Like its namesake, the Local Basket Front Or Rear Rack can be installed on the front or back of your bicycle. You’ll appreciate the lightweight design and the adjustable height and width for a snug fit on nearly every two-wheeler from a road bike to a mountain bike. It even comes with a cargo net to safely secure your belongings.
BURLEY NOMAD CARGO BIKE TRAILER, $350
Even urban bike commuters enjoy escaping the city and hitting the mountain bike trails or the long open roads from time to time. If that’s you, listen up. Burley makes an excellent bicycle cargo trailer appropriately named the Nomad. It’s specifically designed for longer journeys during which you might be hauling gear that simply can’t fit in a bike pannier or backpack. It’s lightweight, large and includes a handy weatherproof cover to keep your stuff safe and dry from the elements. Just hook up the hitch and tow arm and pedal your way toward adventurous bliss.
