Hey folks, just got a Brompton. Big fan. Question about how you folks carry things.
With my previous (non-brompton) folding bike, I was able to rack-mount my minimal work pannier bag (Ortlieb Twin-City Urban https://uk.ortlieb.com/products/twin-city-urban) , and I also kept a collapsible pannier on the other side of the rack that I could open up when needed. This was great when I unexpectedly needed to carry something back home or had to make an impromptu grocery run.
The collapsible pannier was a Tern Bucketload Pannier (https://www.piccadillycycles.com/product/tern-bucketload-pannier-373516-1.htm) permanently fixed to one side of the rack, and it would fold flat to the bike when not in use. My bike was a Dahon with a full-size rack.
My Brompton has an advanced roller rack. I'm currently using a Borough Waterproof Roll-top Small as my minimal work bag. Do you Brompton experts have ways that you're able to carry surprise cargo when you're out with your bikes?
by brainiac86
3 Comments
The [Brompton Basket Bag](https://www.brompton.com/p/578/borough-basket-bag-large-in-dark-gray?Colour=Grey) is the most obvious answer, but of course you’ll have to cycle around with it permanently in case of.
Alternatively, you can use a metal [front rack](https://www.fahrer-berlin.de/en/products/cycling-rack/front-rack-xl-fits-brompton/a-2463) (or the [smaller one](https://www.fahrer-berlin.de/en/products/racks/front-rack-for-brompton-made-of-aluminium/a-2461), perhaps better if you want to keep it in place for *surprise cargo*) or [basket](https://www.fahrer-berlin.de/en/products/cycling-rack/front-basket-fits-brompton-folding-bikes-alloy-version/a-2422) from Fahrer.
You can also perhaps attach a small pannier to the rear rack (but then there will be a problem when you fold the bike).
For small cargo, a [Restrap stem bag](https://eu.restrap.com/products/city-stem-bag) is a great unobstrusive solution.
I carry an ikea Frakta shopping bag folded up inside my basket bag or whatever bag i have on the front carrier block. Then I can hang this ikea bag off the handlebars or affix w/bungees to rear rack.
Also do the same w/regular reusable shopping bags too.
Nanobag backpack, stuffs down to about the size of a plum, holds 16L. About $16 USD.
Notabag, backpack and shopping bag in one, not as compact as the Nanobag version, but has wider shoulder straps. Not sure of capacity, but probably 15-18L. They used to have a model that was entirely reflective, very visible at night. About $28 USD.
Sea-to-Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Backpack, expensive at $50 USD, but more durable than the others. Stuffs down to plum-size, and has wide shoulder straps. More water-resistant, too.