Backpack for cycling - recommendations needed!

Makunouchi

Makunouchi

Makunouchi

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So, carrying on from this [thread=17990034]thread[/thread] I'm looking for a backpack that's suitable for use when cycling.

One of the reasons I decided to get the bike was so I wouldn't have to use my car so much in an attempt to save some money (and save the world and all that), so I need something that can fit at least one large supermarket bags worth of shopping/stuff inside.
I went into an outdoor sports shop today and asked the guy and he said that they do have backpacks specifically for biking, the one he was talking about had some sort of webbing that kept it off your back (I don't know how or why), but apparently he didn't have any in and it will takes weeks to get.
Trying on some of the ones they did have in this shop it seems that the ones that have two horizontal straps across the chest and waist/stomach secure better to the body and I would imagine move around less?

So I was hoping someone could make a recommendation for something that I can also buy online and have delivered to save some hassle (although I love riding my new bike so much I'd rather have an excuse to cycle somewhere to get it!). Price wise I'd rather not pay more than around £45-50, and less would be better. Also, nothing to flashy, all black would be best.
Or you could just post a link to a decent site to look for this stuff and I will check it out myself. Normally I would just google this straight away but there seems to be a lot of bike people here so it seemed a good idea to ask first :)

Thanks in advance.
 
If I want to carry any more than the basics I use a Deuter (sp?) Trans Alpine. It's 30l, has a built in rain cover and the main section can be zipped into two seperate sections, each with individual openings.

Cycle bags are generally kept off your back to stop you sweating too much. I use it for running as well if I've got a lot to carry

You might also want to look at OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) bags, but Deuter are cycle specific.

Have a look on Wiggle. I also think that Chain Reaction Cycles and Tredz have sales on; all recommended online stores.
 
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Well after about 2 hours googling everything that moved, price comparison, a volume converter and a tape measure.... I have concluded that which Asprilla recommended, the Deuter Trans Alpine 30 Rucksack, is the best rucksack.

I wanted something that was more like 22-25L, but I don't like the look of the shoulder straps on the bags at that volume, if you go to 30L it seems you get the nice padded straps, which I want.

The cheapest I found it was £58.49 delivered, from here: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Deuter_Trans_Alpine_30_Rucksack_2008/5360028688/
 
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It's an excellent piece of kit, hope you like it. The helmet holder is pretty useful as well.

I sometimes use a Lowe Alpine Echo 15, but once I've put my work cothes and a waterproof jacket in it bursting. Just holding a sweater (because cycling gets you warm) doesn't leave much room.
 
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Makunouchi said:
So, carrying on from this [thread=17990034]thread[/thread] I'm looking for a backpack that's suitable for use when cycling.

One of the reasons I decided to get the bike was so I wouldn't have to use my car so much in an attempt to save some money (and save the world and all that), so I need something that can fit at least one large supermarket bags worth of shopping/stuff inside.
I went into an outdoor sports shop today and asked the guy and he said that they do have backpacks specifically for biking, the one he was talking about had some sort of webbing that kept it off your back (I don't know how or why), but apparently he didn't have any in and it will takes weeks to get.
Trying on some of the ones they did have in this shop it seems that the ones that have two horizontal straps across the chest and waist/stomach secure better to the body and I would imagine move around less?

So I was hoping someone could make a recommendation for something that I can also buy online and have delivered to save some hassle (although I love riding my new bike so much I'd rather have an excuse to cycle somewhere to get it!). Price wise I'd rather not pay more than around £45-50, and less would be better. Also, nothing to flashy, all black would be best.
Or you could just post a link to a decent site to look for this stuff and I will check it out myself. Normally I would just google this straight away but there seems to be a lot of bike people here so it seemed a good idea to ask first :)

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
The one the shop was probably talking about is made by , Berghuas, I have a freeflow 20, bought it about five years ago now and it was when I was riding to work every day and it is by far the best rucsac I've ever had, paid about 45 Pound for it.

The net is there to keep a good amount of air flowing across the back so it doesn't get to sweaty,and they have a hard back that's curved to take the weight away from the centre of the back and places it firmly around the waist area. as for space it's 20 litres and easily fits "a bag of shopping", I generally have a 15" laptop, 3 or 4 A4 sized books and still have space to spare.

Edit: Forgot to mention it has a pocket inside for a Bladder (Camleback) and tube hole in the side, comes with Parachute style rain cover hidden in a pocket on the bottom, all in all perfect for riding.
 
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Just to amend this a bit. I went for the 25L version in the end. After trying both out the 25L one has a bit of a shorter 'backplate' part to it, so it doesn't interfere as much with your lower back / ass region.
 
I have but I don't want them permanently on there, and I can't have a quick release one as I have a sprung saddle column, so a backpack just seems like a good solution.

Also, no one looks cool with saddle bags :D You can call them panniers as much as you want :D
 
I like my rack pack :D Bit small for your needs, mind... I have a pannier too when I need a little extra. I wouldn't have a bike without a rear rack, need somewhere to shove my sweater and it's a nice grab-hold to move the bike with :D
 
Brooks B17 saddle and Carradice saddlebag, baby optional.

carrababy.jpg


Seriously, I find it more comfortable for the bike to carry the weight rather than myself.
 
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