Carrying Stuff on Your Bike: Bike Bags vs. Bike Racks

[@jasongraham6772]

I disagree with your comment about bike bags being more economical, bike bags are often more expensive then racks which are the most economical solution, for under 20 dollars you can get a rack and attach a crate to it and it will carry far more for way less then any frame bag could ever

[@tokyobikeradio]

Seconded. In addition, even when you are investing in a quality pannier, like an Ortlieb, you are still getting more value PER LITER than you would with bike bags. Bike bags may be cheapers in some cases, but the amount you can carry with them is very little compared to the price. Whereas a quality pannier will carry tons more than that for your money.

[@OneWheelLess]

100%

[@jasongraham6772]

@Bebo racks don’t swing, bags on racks swing

[@jasongraham6772]

@Bebo or just sack up and get legs, fixie touring is the shit, sounding like Zach gallardo gatekeeping fixies

[@HaniJIsmail]

@Bebo I agree with you. I wanted a nice chrome rack and basket cuz it looks dope in my opinion but i tried riding a bike with one and it feels like shit haha. I rather just invest in a good size basket. im gonna get sweaty whenever i ride regardless where i live...

[@bene8168]

the key about racks is you can definitely run old rundown racks as long as they''re still structurally sound, it can get really cheap then, also throwing stuff on a basket is so much more convenient

[@FernandoHernandez-jw4yy]

I prefer a backpack. It doesn't interefere with steering like a pannier does and it also doesn't mess up the looks of your bike. And it works with every bike, no matter if it has eyelets or not. When you stop and get off the bike, you automatically take your stuff with you instead of having to take if off the bike. For it to be half way comfortable you need a quality backpack with a hip belt and a chest belt. This way, a lot of the weight will actually sit on your hip and not on your back and shoulders. I also have a backpack which is biult in a way so that only a light net has contact with my back, which allows sweat to evaporate and thus keeps your back relatively dry (a feature Chrome Industries backpacks are sadly missing, so I'll probably never buy one).

[@junboo8730]

Can you recommend me the one you are using? Thanks in advance.

[@patrickbateman6768]

@@junboo8730 Roadrunner has some good bags.

[@kendtchileninjah5905]

That’s my biggest issue is having to take everything off of the rack to carry it inside wherever I stop. Ppl steal everything so can’t even leave a lunch bag outside. One reason I’m looking for a helmet with a light instead of a mounted light

[@event4216]

Wrap tape around frame tubes under straps used to fix frame bag unless you like looks of worn paint. If you ride on gravel roads dust will accelerate wear even more.

[@jonathangapay1724]

For commuting, I’d go for a backpack. I don’t have to unstrap stuff from the bike every time I lock it. Might consider a rack and basket though in the future. For longer rides, a rando rack and bag is great. But for mixed terrain rides, bikepacking bags are more stable in the off-road bits.

[@davidcouch6514]

I use basket hang on handlebars and fit struts to brake pad stems. I have capacity backpack for groceries and smaller pack for other trips. Carry pump, tools, water in pack. Thanks nice video.

[@yazzmatazz86]

A wald front basket with hardware doesn't look too bad IMO and that only sets you back some 30-40$. That's definitely the cheapest, easiest to use, and most versatile option. A modest rear rack and pannier set up may not be more than 100-150, and you get more versatility in that when you have your pannier you can carry 15-20L worth of cargo, and without a pannier you can strap whatever you want to the rack (or add a basket to it). You'll see far more commuters with racks and baskets than bike bags, which is a testament to their price and ease of use. Also, many frame bags and top tube bags can be bolted onto the frame. I agree that ride quality is a toss-up and will depend on what kind of set-up, but at least with bags you can just get rid of them all to alter ride quality whereas racks are a pain to remove/reinstall. For light loads, prefer the ride-quality of front racks/baskets over rear, since it feels better (on my bikes) to push a load rather then pull. For a heavy load though, rear racks may be easier to handle. As for looks, bags can looks sexy AF. However, I do love me a front rack+basket set-up over a rear rack, and even better when that front basket is carrying a sweet basket bag.

[@Patrick-jq3lw]

Thank you I've been a bike rider for 46 yrs and now I'm doing longer or Groceries trips so looking for the proper gear to get and use.

[@paullacey2999]

One of my MTB's had a rear rack and Aldi and Lidl do cheap panier bags from time to time....Worked a treat!

[@FlyingPastilla]

I went for a day trip with a friend last weekend and could fit all I needed (spare tubes, tools, food battery, etc) into my frame bag. It fits my 58 cm frame perfectly and was just what I needed. Frame bags add weight but do not affect the steering. You'll only notice it if you sprint out of the saddle and yank the bike from side to side. I cannot say the same about a front rack as when I went bikepacking with one loaded with 15kg of gear, getting out of the saddle on climbs felt like a circus act 😂

[@slackerjo]

Wait, pants with 4 pockets? You, sir, are living the dream.

[@PRH123]

Baskets are awesome. My Thule basket is perfectly sized for 2 shopping bags. Or 1 backpack. Just throw it in and go, no fussing around trying to stuff things into a pannier, or strap to a rack.

[@AdaHan]

I have a topeak rear rack and bag combo with expandable panniers that work great for light grocery trips and errands. The only things it doesn’t do well are take out orders and bulk toilet paper. I ordered a soma demi porteur front rack and a naked wald 137 from VO. I’m hoping that I can use voile straps to secure the basket. If I’m not using the rear bag then I have a plastic keg for my tools and spare in my second water bottle holder and an ortlieb cockpit bag for my wallet, keys, and snacks.

[@finechrome4037]

Lead out frame bag is essential in my kit! Solid build and still thin when packed up

[@maxkrug2000]

Backpack is the sexiest. There are such which allow ventilation so you don't get sweaty back even in the summer.

[@ZachariahtheMessiah]

I got the Orijen flat rack - the discontinued one without the Lip. It was 10$ off for being discontinued, I believe it was 60-70$. It served me well as a bike messenger, but alas, I had to leave the city after getting jumped doing deliveries. I used to carry 50+ lbs on the Orijen rack! It was one of my favorite things. I'm sure it added some extra strain to my fork but that's why you try to make good time! The faster you deliver, the less time you're stressing your frame!

[@TheMASTERCHORIZO]

What about rear racks? Did I miss it? Great info and vids BTW 👍

[@johnbrann75]

Rear rack for carrying whatever I may need to carry temporarily. Under saddle bag for the things I always carry like bike tools. Rear rack also doubles as a fender since it's a solid top.

[@GMoneyKountDownGaming]

It’s funny how your videos explain exactly what I’m looking for lol I recently did a grocery run on my bike a smashed about 8 of my dozen eggs so I’m looking for something that’s best for my eggs! 😂

[@feralearthworm3044]

Racks all day. Got a $40 front rack from State Bikes. Heavy as hell and a burr inside of it (common State problem I guess), but for cheap it's cool. Rear rack w/ panniers isn't aero, but so much room!

[@vichomangiola]

What's the link to the video of the bags only setup @4:11 ?

[@vintagesteel]

I run a rear rack and a frame bag. I like to keep my handlebars free because when I ride and just look forward on the road it almost seems like I'm not riding with a rack or bag at all and also because I have better visibility

[@erickjoestar1561]

I'm usually riding with a backpack, but i consider buying a frame bag a lot to carry stuff like tools and spare tubes. I already carry them in my backpack but they make some noise when I'm on foot and that's a bit annoying

[@eggplant9277]

i have a nitto m-1b and this is making me want the obento rack too... at the moment using a swift zeitgeist with the m-1b as a support, but i've also used one of those half wald 137s with a hungry fancy tote i love both setups and they both have their advantages. i like that the no basket setup is lighter, and the foam spacers the zeitgeist comes with mean i can still use the tops of my bars really well. the basket and tote is definitely better for shopping and moving weird shaped items around though

[@colinmurphy9512]

Thanks for this vid

[@buriedintheblack]

Slightly off-topic here, but I've been looking at the Chrome Kadet, which has made a number of appearances on your channel here. The Mini Kadet is said to have a hidden compartment behind some Velcro in the U-lock compartment -- is this feature present on the full-size bag as well? Also, I figure this bag should be able to hold two hardcover books relatively easily... would a third be pushing it? Thanks!

[@thehollows]

What bike was featured in your b-roll for featuring bike bags for bikepacking? super cool!

[@michaelwells8412]

I don't know, trying to figure out if I want to try something other than my lovely Brooks Rucksack. Funny enough I bought the Rucksack before I had a bike, I needed a rucksack that could fit an A3+ design portfolio when I was 19yo (10 years ago). Just so used to the load on my back but still hate back sweat!

[@Misuk22]

What brand is the rack?

[@tomcruz3774]

So many bags on amazon and aliexpress for cheap. I also live close to a lot of bag makers. Strangely not a lot of rack options though. Right now I'm using a front rack I ordered from indonesia with a locally made rando bag. Probably gonna get a custom frame bag made soon.

[@joseledesma3703]

You should link the products you’re using in your video bio

[@erichfajardo42]

I prefer custom frame bag like Terry Barentsen's used for his affinity low pro and adding a custom front rack and a saddle bag is just enough for me when bike packing

[@reidei6842]

hey zach, i recently got into fixed gear cycling after watching a lot of your videos and I love it. but, I have a slight issue. my chain has uneaven tension throughout the rotation of the cranks. how do I fix this?

[@ljm4319]

Handle bar bags are the best

[@nikoger8617]

Hi Zach ! I have a question for you! if you can help me identify my bike 🤔🤔 it has MBZ Record engravings …. If anybody knows please let me know . Thanks !

[@brayanrodriguez8190]

Give the kids from Rio vista a shout-out real quick

[@gugaroc]

I was doing a medium bike ride, about 45 miles with a lot of head wind and I felt that when I carry my rack with a bag It was like q parachute on my back. Then i switched to a bike frame bag I i was 3 to 5 miles faster braking the head wind. I fell like for faster riding were you only bring tools an water bike bags are best. for longer rides without the need to go fast a bike rack is much more suited.

[@georgeegan8682]

Any recommendations for front racks ?

[@Piggy-0145]

Panniers on my beefy mtb, bike bag on my aluminum fixie. 💜

[@jackferris999]

For daily use (carrying not much), nothing beats a stem bag.

[@maxkrug2000]

I think for bikepacking purposes bike bags look better, you just have to get good quality bags like Apidura for example. And that is also more aerodynamic.

[@Robertjustice101]

What about bike trailers you can haul a lot of gear with a bike trailer food cooking gear tent camp tools axe saws machete etc.

[@brayanrodriguez8190]

No dude come back to Rio vista we miss you!

[@Aubreykun]

For the life of my I cannot find a good saddlebag that fits a bike with minimal seatpost extension.

[@michaelmann6482]

“Bike racks” can mean so many things. No mention of lowriders and FRONT panniers. I’ve tried lots of systems and by far my favorite is front panniers on a low rider rack, some kind of largish handlebar/rando bag (or basket), and a large saddlebag. I really dislike frame bags, both because of the severe packing limitations most impose, and because I find frame bags ugly as f***

[@andreshoe3772]

Should discuss back bike racks with crate, everyone uses them. $20 rack free crate

[@Finnspin_unicycles]

I don't even know how he seriously argued that racks are more expensive, just because his "fillet brazed"- rack was. That's not representative at all.

[@f1rstclass366]

Hands Way Up, I'm Feeling Racks, Facts!

[@sparkysurvivalist9507]

Ehhh panier that turns into a backpack is my go to. Plus I look more hipster lol

[@MartinMunthe]

Putting the main weight over the front wheel and up high is really a bad idea. You get a much more stable and better handling bike if you start with rear racks and then put smaler things over the front. A basket over the front wheel is too high for anything other than short grocerie trips. Riding for days like that will drive you insane.

[@OneWheelLess]

For everyday I like the bags, for carrying lots of stuff I think racks are a good economical choice.

[@joshportelli]

Nice rack. I never really thought about the benefits

[@BernieHoule]

Racks for me!!

[@davidhakes5141]

Racks need to go down both sides of the front, and back wheels, as well as over the top of them.

[@jstndmnd27]

Nice

[@p49N]

bike bags can wear through carbon in as little as 500 miles

[@jamessampiano7409]

mabuhay

[@Amos-SydneyKing14]

I'd still go the backpack... sorry, but I dont think the racks or bags look cool. But that's just me 😎.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Build a gravel bike

[@a_donut_]

I think it really depends on the bike. Sure aestheticly more pleasing on the fixes Gear is the the bike rack, but put this rack on a gravelbike and it Looks Like you Had no idea what you were doing. Bikebags on a gravelbike are aestheticly More pleasing.

[@OneWheelLess]

Bags look good if you find one that actually fit the frame…

[@psychoaiko666]

Unpopular opinion : bikepacking sucks and front racks are death!

[@galenkehler]

Frame bags don't work if you actually have thighs

[@stinkyhippie7750]

This video clearly was just made to fill a content goal on your channel. Repetitive and really shallow in information.

[@MG-fu4rh]

Bike bags definitely look better then racks with racks you look like a grandpa 👴🏼

[@judejayrievillarcortes7459]

zach senpai plss give me fixie bike hehe :D

[@carmelo7446]

Yooo

[@valeriosiviero1126]

cap

[@CarlosMartinez-sz7xx]

First

[@dmoney55]

👍🚲💚