In college I used a bike, bike rack, bike basket, hiking backpack... and also fasted bags to the handlebars and outside of the backpack. I'm sure some of the other students thought I was nuts...
Around here, I'm used to the Amish who favor countrybikes with good cargo capacity even if they're not riding a trike. It's a sturdy style of bike that's a bit heavier than a citybike and typically has either a basket in front with a cargo rack in back, or two cargo racks. A typical cargo rack is a flat metal frame above the wheel that can support cargo above (e.g. a milk crate) or below (e.g. saddlebags). If you know what you're doing, you can pack a LOT on those things.
Do check your bike's capacity. Common limiters of cargo include wheels/tires and kickstand. The wheel/tire will often tell how much weight it can handle (remember bike + you + cargo + safety margin). You can easily upgrade to a sturdier wheel and tire, but changing the kickstand is harder. Many bikes have a flimsy one that leaves the bike leaning when parked, which doesn't work with more than a very light load. A dedicated cargo bike usually have a sturdy dual kickstand. Some bikes have a single kickstand that will leave the bike standing upright or close to it, which is good enough for light to moderate loads.
Since I live someplace hot and might be biking long distances, I'd rather avoid using a backpack if at all possible.
I could upgrade my front basket - if I can find one that fits!
The bike came with a rear rack and fenders. I'm trying to figure out how to attach a milk crate (or maybe two?) so that it wont fall off but I can take it off easily. Or I could try side baskets or panniers...
Since I'd be carrying groceries often, I also want a way to keep my cargo from getting coated in road grime.
A trailer might be best, especially if I can get a three wheeler. I don't have a ton of money, so it might be best to keep an eye out for secondhand ones.
And I'd rather not have too many ropes, etc that could come lose and get tangled in the wheels, I really don't want to get tossed off the bike (or damage the motor.)
>>Do check your bike's capacity.<<
Should be listed in the instruction manual. I deliberately chose one that would be smaller and easier to store/carry rather than a bulky cargo bike, so its lower than it could have been.
>>You can easily upgrade to a sturdier wheel and tire, but changing the kickstand is harder.<<
Ebike, so changing the wheels isn't feaseable.
>>Many bikes have a flimsy one that leaves the bike leaning when parked, which doesn't work with more than a very light load.<<
>> I could upgrade my front basket - if I can find one that fits! <<
That or a front rack.
>> The bike came with a rear rack and fenders.<<
That's good.
>> I'm trying to figure out how to attach a milk crate (or maybe two?) so that it wont fall off but I can take it off easily. Or I could try side baskets or panniers...<<
Panniers are an excellent and secure choice, available in various sizes, soft or hardshell.
>>Since I'd be carrying groceries often, I also want a way to keep my cargo from getting coated in road grime.<<
1) Solid container (e.g. hardshell pannier)
2) Waterproof, washable bags to go inside a milk crate or other open container.
>>A trailer might be best, especially if I can get a three wheeler. I don't have a ton of money, so it might be best to keep an eye out for secondhand ones.<<
Excellent idea.
>>And I'd rather not have too many ropes, etc that could come lose and get tangled in the wheels, I really don't want to get tossed off the bike (or damage the motor.)<<
Sensible. Look for secure things like hardware (for instance, U-bolts and nuts), bungee cords, or velcro straps rather than improvised things that may come loose.
For waterproof containers, check camping stores or a dedicated bike store. However, don't overlook garage sales. Tupperware makes some truly huge things and they are really watertight.
*ponder* If you are crafty, something else to watch for is a vinyl raincoat or shower curtain. You could make that into a rain cover to throw over your front or back cargo for extra protection.
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ysabetwordsmith
(no subject)
Date: 2025-06-12 03:53 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2025-06-13 03:04 am (UTC)Yes ...
Date: 2025-06-13 03:38 am (UTC)Re: Yes ...
Date: 2025-06-13 05:14 am (UTC)Re: Yes ...
Date: 2025-06-13 05:59 am (UTC)https://road.cc/content/feature/how-carry-stuff-your-bike-easy-ways-271971
https://511contracosta.org/carry-more-by-bike/
https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/carry-stuff-bike-cargo-guide/
Do check your bike's capacity. Common limiters of cargo include wheels/tires and kickstand. The wheel/tire will often tell how much weight it can handle (remember bike + you + cargo + safety margin). You can easily upgrade to a sturdier wheel and tire, but changing the kickstand is harder. Many bikes have a flimsy one that leaves the bike leaning when parked, which doesn't work with more than a very light load. A dedicated cargo bike usually have a sturdy dual kickstand. Some bikes have a single kickstand that will leave the bike standing upright or close to it, which is good enough for light to moderate loads.
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2025-06-13 07:08 am (UTC)Since I live someplace hot and might be biking long distances, I'd rather avoid using a backpack if at all possible.
I could upgrade my front basket - if I can find one that fits!
The bike came with a rear rack and fenders. I'm trying to figure out how to attach a milk crate (or maybe two?) so that it wont fall off but I can take it off easily. Or I could try side baskets or panniers...
Since I'd be carrying groceries often, I also want a way to keep my cargo from getting coated in road grime.
A trailer might be best, especially if I can get a three wheeler. I don't have a ton of money, so it might be best to keep an eye out for secondhand ones.
And I'd rather not have too many ropes, etc that could come lose and get tangled in the wheels, I really don't want to get tossed off the bike (or damage the motor.)
>>Do check your bike's capacity.<<
Should be listed in the instruction manual. I deliberately chose one that would be smaller and easier to store/carry rather than a bulky cargo bike, so its lower than it could have been.
>>You can easily upgrade to a sturdier wheel and tire, but changing the kickstand is harder.<<
Ebike, so changing the wheels isn't feaseable.
>>Many bikes have a flimsy one that leaves the bike leaning when parked, which doesn't work with more than a very light load.<<
The kickstand actually seems fairly good.
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2025-06-13 07:44 am (UTC)That or a front rack.
>> The bike came with a rear rack and fenders.<<
That's good.
>> I'm trying to figure out how to attach a milk crate (or maybe two?) so that it wont fall off but I can take it off easily. Or I could try side baskets or panniers...<<
https://www.vilanobikes.com/how-to-attach-milk-crate-to-bike/
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/ideas-to-make-my-milk-crate-quick-release.1336598/
Panniers are an excellent and secure choice, available in various sizes, soft or hardshell.
>>Since I'd be carrying groceries often, I also want a way to keep my cargo from getting coated in road grime.<<
1) Solid container (e.g. hardshell pannier)
2) Waterproof, washable bags to go inside a milk crate or other open container.
>>A trailer might be best, especially if I can get a three wheeler. I don't have a ton of money, so it might be best to keep an eye out for secondhand ones.<<
Excellent idea.
>>And I'd rather not have too many ropes, etc that could come lose and get tangled in the wheels, I really don't want to get tossed off the bike (or damage the motor.)<<
Sensible. Look for secure things like hardware (for instance, U-bolts and nuts), bungee cords, or velcro straps rather than improvised things that may come loose.
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2025-06-17 04:32 am (UTC)Re: Yes ...
Date: 2025-06-17 04:57 am (UTC)*ponder* If you are crafty, something else to watch for is a vinyl raincoat or shower curtain. You could make that into a rain cover to throw over your front or back cargo for extra protection.
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2025-06-17 05:17 am (UTC)I'm on a tight budget. I do have some waterproof fabric though. (I think there's ways of tying fabric around boxes, etc, as wrapping.)