Cycling Sisters

Bikes are great for carrying stuff, even large, heavy loads. Here are some methods:

• simplest: backpack, small bag on the handlebars
• a rack on the back of the bike, with a milk crate (free) attached to it.
• Strap larger things directly to the rack. Make sure objects and bungees are tightly secured--the study of how to secure your load in this fashion is referred to as "bungee science*"
• baskets can be attached to the rear rack and to your handlebars. A heavy load on the handlebars makes steering difficult. DIY project: you can build yourself a customized basket bike by adding supporting tubes that rest on the bike frame, and attaching baskets directly to these tubes. Then you can carry more weight without affecting the steering.
• For more money, you can purchase panniers, bags made to be carried on a bike rack. Some bags are waterproof, and some convert to backpacks. See your local bike shop.
• for touring: a rack can be attached to the front of some bikes, to which you can attach smaller panniers. Many bike-tourists use a handlebar bag with a clear plastic top, through which to see your map.
• Xtracycle--a bike with an elongated back end. It has carrying capacity similar to a trailer but with no extra wheels. Check out www.xtracycle.com.
• Trailers are the best way to haul very large loads by bicycle.  Some trailers are smaller and more nimble, convenient if you frequently carry medium-sized loads or light, bulky objects. A common one is the B.O.B. yak model.
• Bikes at Work makes a flatbed trailer, which comes in 3 sizes and can carry up to 300 lb. Examples of things that have been carried by folks in Chicago on this type of trailer:-20 bicycles
   -washer and dryer
   -1927 farm-house sink (heavy!)
   -piano
   -queen-size bed
   -various furniture, including large dresser, sofa, etc.
   ---Check out this amazing photo!
• A new venture to provide low-cost trailers in Chicago is starting up.  I use a prototype to deliver Time Out Chicago one day a week. This two-wheeled trailer is lighter and faster than one from Bikes at Work, but still stable and can carry a lot of weight.  It can easily carry 6 boxes of magazines at a time.  When I have more information about the availability of these trailers, I will publish it.

Some more trailer resources:
-Free instructions on how to make your own trailer: http://www.re-cycle.org/trailer/
 

*this term was coined (to my knowledge) by Lauren Salmi and Alex Wilson.