For four years I have always carried a rucksack on my back when cycling to and from work. I did it because I wanted somewhere to put my valuables (now you know!) - my Peruvian instinct telling me that a pannier is all very well but it could possibly be nicked at the traffic lights or something. Sometimes the rucksack came in handy for extra loads, esp. in the winter, but more often than not it just filled up with stuff because it was there - the trully essential items didn't amount to that much.
But with the recent hot weather, I decided it was time to try something different. Why not load more in the pannier (those pieces of paper from work, my lunch, etc) and keep the valuables in a 'bumbag'?
After a week, I'm wondering what took me so long - how much unnecessary sweat my back has produced, for lack of ventilation.
I'll still carry the rucksack for longer rides, to carry my hydration bag (or perhaps I'll get myself one of those nifty little packs with a lower footprint). It may be that in the winter I come to need the extra room if I have to carry, say, a jacket or coat to work. But on any other weather I can't see myself going back to the old rucksack.
3 comments:
I remember this experience when I fitted the Xtracycle: I felt like I could ride forever without the backpack.
I prefer a back pack so I don't have to had 'additional stuff' on my bike.
It all depends, I suppose - on the ride, the distance, the bike. I prefer my pannier to carry the bulk of stuff, and if very hot I take a bottle in the cage. If touring I reckon I will need a rucksack for hydration.
I also have a saddlebag I've never tried...
I'd love to try an Xtracycle...
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