It's hot… way too hot!!
Hello to everyone across the country.
This is Maruzawa from Circles in Nagoya.
It's been all over social media, but this summer Nagoya has been topping 40°C again and again. Our sense of things has gone so haywire that we're having conversations like “35°C today, huh? Nice and cool” in complete seriousness.
When it's this hot, I imagine many of you “just can't face getting on the bike…,” but for those who rely on it for everyday transport, that isn't an option.
Pedal with a backpack on in this sweltering, sweat-pouring heat and your back is drenched in an instant…
At times like that, let your bike carry the load!
So this time, I'll introduce three styles of carrying luggage on a bike!
- Ease of access
- Carrying capacity
- Stability while riding
- Weight of the setup (lightness)
- Range of compatible bikes
I've also made radar charts based on these five criteria, so do use those for reference as well!
1. Top-loading (baskets and racks)
This is the most familiar, all-time classic style, making use of the top of the bike (a platform).
- Main items: baskets, front racks, rear racks
Features: For the sheer ease of tossing in a tote bag or a bag of supermarket shopping, it's the runaway No. 1! For everyday use, this is without doubt the easiest method.
Recommended bikes: Bikes with eyelets (threaded mounts) on the fork or dropouts. There are also ways of fitting them to bikes without eyelets, such as road bikes, so do ask us about that in the shop.
2. Side-loading (panniers and fork bags)
This style hangs your luggage in the space at the “sides” of the bike.
- Main items: panniers, pannier baskets, fork cages (anything cages) + dry bags
Features: Because the load sits low, the steering isn't easily thrown off even with heavy luggage, and stability is outstanding! It's a star not only for serious long-distance touring but also for big supermarket shops.
Recommended bikes: Bikes that can take a rear carrier or front rack, or gravel bikes and the like with eyelets (three-pack mounts) on the sides of the fork.
3. Frame-loading (bikepacking)
This style does without metal racks and straps bags directly to the tubes of the bike.
- Main items: handlebar bags, frame bags, stem bags, saddle bags
Features: The setup itself is very light, and because the load gathers near the center of the bike, it doesn't take away from a lively ride.
Recommended bikes: Road bikes without eyelets, carbon frames, mountain bikes and so on. Ideal if you don't want to spoil the ride or the silhouette of your bike.
Summary
If easy loading and unloading matters most ➔ [Top-loading]
If large capacity and stability matter most ➔ [Side-loading]
If you want a lively ride and the freedom to use any bike ➔ [Frame-loading]
What did you think?
Before long, Baki will be following up with specific product recommendations, so do look out for those as well!
Find the way of carrying things that fits your bike and your lifestyle perfectly, and let's enjoy a comfortable cycling life even in the fierce summer heat!