Bike is brand new and in good condition, but am working on saving up for dedicated bags. What would prevent me from going on a 2-3 day trip (with ~75mi days on roads and gravel) basically just using a crate and non-cycling specific waterproof bags within? I’m in good shape so not really worried about my fitness level, moreso the logistics and reliability of a full crate and bungee cords til I can get a better setup.
by presdunc
36 Comments
Nothing would prevent you from doing that
Nothing really. I’d personally secure the bag so it didn’t bounce around if the gravel is particularly rough, or just ditch the crate entirely and bungee cord the bag to the rack if poss.
It’s cumbersome and inefficient but there is nothing particular stopping you. I’m in the camp that getting out there and doing it is better than worrying about a perfect setup. Nice bike, if you’re fit and comfortable on it. If you’re on gravel, it’d put a cargo net on top of the crate to keep anything from flying out.
I know someone that tours exclusively with a milk crate attached to a rear rack, and has been doing so for many years without issues. That setup is totally fine!
If it were me, I’d use some cable ties instead of the bungee cords. You can get a pack from Home Depot or your local hardware store for a few bucks. Maybe use 6 or 8 of to attach through the bottom of the crate to the platform on the rack. You’d be surprised how strong cable ties are, and the setup would be more rigid than what you’ve got photographed. You can stash a few cable ties in your bag, as backups (though you likely won’t need them for the crate, they’re good for solving all sorts of problems on the road)
my only worry would be about how much weight that back rack can hold. if the weight is good or you replace it with a sturdier rack, looks like a fun time to me 👍
Depends on how much gear you need for 2-3 days, which depends on how you like your camp set up. If your gear fits, that setup will work.
The balance might feel a little off with all of the gear high and to the back, but it should be manageable. Load it and take it for a ride. If it’s not bothering you by mile 5, then you should be good for the whole tour.
get a second water bottle cage!
Find a different solution other than the bungee cords. They are designed to move, even if only very slightly when under extreme tension. You want something more substantial to keep the crate on the rack. Bungee cords are great at making sure stuff doesn’t fly out of the crate however.
Cardiac arrest, broken leg and the like
Two things.
First is getting on and off the bike. I like to kick my leg over the back and that seems like a no-go with your setup.
Second is do some test miles fully loaded. Make sure everything in the crate is strapped down and not bouncing. But also do some crazy turns and stops. A general shakedown to make sure the crate is locked down.
Just try it out and go for it. Worst case is it is inefficient and cumbersome and you turn back after a day. Best case is you have the time of your life. Reality is it’s likely somewhere in the middle, you’ll figure out if you like touring without investing money is specific gear.
definitely do a fully loaded shake-out ride to make sure you’re prepared for the weight imbalance, you can turn quickly/react at low and high speeds. also if you’re doing anything off road/gravel that might make the ride washy. might be about to use some bottle cages and cheapo waterproof rolltop bags on the fork to distribute weight more evenly. have fun, let us know how it goes!
full disclosure i’ve fallen over on a bike with a back crate full of D&D manuals, dice, etc at a stop sign before, but that was after some beers… ymmv
What’s going on with the rubber banded washcloth on the seatpost?
Nothing.
I didn’t want to wait to save for expensive panniers so made “bucket panniers” in 2000. I still use them, both day to day and on bike trips. (Not the same buckets, but the same type.) They lower the center of gravity of your gear, and they’re waterproof – an important consideration because I attract rain.
Like these (googled image, but mine are identical.)
https://preview.redd.it/humjkj13olvg1.png?width=225&format=png&auto=webp&s=c4002e6fa17b213596db1dbc5246cbd4f5417fd5
The box seems wonky, especially if you’re only attaching it with bungees.
Rack is too high. Ever heard of a lever arm in basic physics class? You are putting a heavy mass at the long end of a lever arm. The fulcrum of the arm is where the tire meets the pavement. Imagine picking up a bowling ball, now imagine putting the bowling ball on the end of a broom and picking up the other end to move it around.
Swinging your leg over that is impossible. Coupled with the paragraph above you now have to dismount while keeping the bike perfectly centered otherwise it will tip and all the weight at the end of the lever arm is going kick in. Handling speed on tight corners might be fun, especially if the bungies start shifting. Need to stand up on the pedals and crank up a hill? That can use a bit of side-to-side motion and that weight on the lever arm will come into play.
There is a reason we have luggage way down close to the pavement.
At least add a second water bottle and consider a good solid rack that attaches to rear fork instead of the seat post. Get a rack that is heavy duty and purpose built for touring. [https://oldmanmountain.com/product/divide-bike-rack](https://oldmanmountain.com/product/divide-bike-rack)
That’s quite funny, got a good laugh with the crate. In my longest journey so far (5 days), I used a Nike sports bag, covered with one of those decathlon orange protections (that costs a couple of euros). Everything was tied to a back rack just like you have with bungee cords. It worked fine, the decathlon cover protected the bag from rain.
I did a three day tour ten years ago on my Breezer (!!) Downtown EX 7-speed commuter bike with the stock steel pull-back bars. I should have put a real saddle on it, that was my only complaint. I’m a Brooks guy.. I had bought a pair of Ortlieb rear panniers, but used a big Wald shopping basket in the front. I was carrying a Sears-Roebuck Edmund Hillary 4-man tent and a Coleman sleeping bag, as well as clothes and other camping gear. My son rode with me on his LHT, but he was fine, I kept up ok! I guess my point is that rig looks fine to me, as long as you don’t mind throwing your leg over the crate, and it’s not interfering with the glutes. If it does, you might regret it. Have you considered just stuffing everything into the waterproof bag or even rolling it into a small waterproof tarp and bungeeing that bundle to the rear rack? That’s how I carried the tent.
Have fun!
Have you ridden it yet? I run a milk crate on my rear and my butt/lower back touches it and it bothers me. But I’m too lazy to reattach the crate lol
I ride with tons of folks who have the same set up. If you can lower the rear rack it will be more stable.
Looks okay to me. I might just suggest packing your gear in that crate in a way so it doesn’t bounce around… maybe stuff your tent and sleeping back on top as packing filler.
As far as waterproof bags go, I’ve been buying those dry bags off Amazon for cheap, and they work great.
I would also suggest staying away from bungee cords to secure the crate. Use nylon straps. You don’t want any sort of stretching or the crate will wander around over bumps, and might jump loose.
I wouldn’t use that rear rack setup on gravel. Looks like an accident waiting to happen.
The only thing preventing you is your decision not to do so.
bucket panniers definitely better than milk crate, some kitty litter buckets are much narrower so they don’t stick out as far. Zip ties FTW…More capacity, easier on/off, lower CG
Have you tried putting the milk crate on the side of the rack instead?
Nothing, you need just an elastic with hook ( you can buy it everywhere) to block the things you will put in the basket, otherwise they fall down while riding
https://preview.redd.it/65xecgv5slvg1.jpeg?width=1215&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=77eede94071df11f815a61b76105adea689ccaa0
What kind of breezer?
>what would prevent me from using this setup
Yourself?!
Careful with how much weight you put in the crate. I loaded mine up with a case of beer one time and it TORE THE (aluminum) FRAME at the connection point where the rack attached near the seat post. It can also be tough to maneuver tight corners if it’s too top heavy. Other than that… ride and smile!
I’d swap the bungees out for something like a tie down luggage strap kind of thing. Even a tight bungee is going to let things jump and wiggle, especially on gravel. It’s a pain.
Other than that, you so don’t need anything fancy or special. Get out and go! You’ll learn if there’s something you need/want to upgrade first hand as you need it. The bike might handle a little odd with worthy that high, but not a deal breaker. If it is, you know it’s time for panniers lol
wth just go!!! you’re using space age tech compared to the stuff folks used to cross continents with.
Nothing. Get peddling. Enjoy
I’ve seen people do a 5 day tour on a bike they got for a few pounds and a couple of heavy duty shopping bags strapped to it. You can tour for almost no money.
https://bikepacking.com/news/tristan-ridley-junkyard-challenge/
I met a dude riding basically the same setup with a milk crate. I had my panniers and bike bags and we road the exact same 20 day tour together, camping and all. If you’re doing a 2-3 day tour I’d say just go for it once you can fit the essentials.
There is nothing preventing you.
Get a rear rack that uses the mounting points on the frame and you won’t need the wash cloth wrapped around the seat post mount rubbing against your legs. Those rubber bands will not last long.