Your purse in bike pannier

[shootingstar]

..well if you have/have to carry one, what does it look like?

I've had to do this several times, not often. And usually it is work-related thing.

I have a small black handbag, quite small purse. It is the lightest and neatest thing that I can cycle with inside my pannier with my dressy change of clothing ....but unfortunately it does look almost too cutesy, almost outdated.

AFter all, isn't the fashion to carry a large, carpetbag looking purse with huge buckles, etc.? :confused:

[sgtiger]

I personally don't do those carpet bag style purses. The purse I use most often is one I purchased a couple of years ago at Pike Place Market created by a local craftswoman. It's a fabric purse that has various strips of Asian print fabrics quilted on the front. A couple of the strips of fabric, I was told, are from antique kimonos. Since my purse is soft I can fold it over and stuff it in my handlebar bag with my wallet, checkbook and keys still in it.

I'll post some pictures for you later.

[Becky]

I'm so unfashionable that it's not even funny, so take this with a grain of salt.

I made a small drawstring bag that slips easily inside my pannier with all my purse junk in it. Most days, this is sufficient since I'm only leaving the building for site visits (informal, get dirty sort of affairs). I've considered leaving a more fashionable purse at the office, just in case I need to go off-site for a meeting or whatever.

[Triskeliongirl]

I carry a very tiny purse, its just big enough to hold my cell phone, keys, ID and pocket money. I cycle with my cell phone and keys in my jersey or jacket pockets, so the purse lies very flat in my carradice bag (i tuck it in the pocket on the outside of my jannd computer padded case), and then wear it at work strung over my shoulder to hip so I have my keys, ID, and cell phone handy at all times.

I have a larger purse at home, but usually I just use this when travelling. Its a great LLbean mini-messenger bag I got at their last sale. Great for holding that extra bit of stuff you need when travelling.

I have no clue what 'fashion' dictates, I like making my own fashion.

[KnottedYet]

I don't have a purse.

My stuff is generally in my pockets. I do have some packpacks and bookbags, and one of them will fit in my huge Ortlieb pannier if I wanted to do that.

[Trek420]

No purse. I carry a wallet, keys, cell phone. Timbuctoo (sp?) backpack or bike bag has all that 'cept the wallet. Leaves room for a sketchbook, whatever book I'm reading now, and when riding it has my spare tube and mini pump.

[Grog]

I have purses because I like bags, but I really just use them when I go out for a nice dinner wearing dressier clothes.

Otherwise I'm with Knot in the "purseless" club.

ETA: with the current wave of purse snatching in Vancouver, I don't regret my decision!

[Crankin]

I have lots of purses, but I just started using the "smallest" bag made by Timbuktoo for everyday around town and when I ride the train into Cambridge. It fits all my normal stuff, plus if for some reason I needed to go somewhere on my road bike, I can sling it over my shoulder, and slip my light weight Keens in there and take my road shoes off upon arrival. It also fits into the pannier on my Jamis. My textbooks and notebooks are too big for it, though. I think it will fit into my Basil "briefcase."
I also have a really small black leather purse that my husband bought me in Paris. It fits anywhere, but the zipper is breaking. I think I will have it fixed, because it is nice to use when wearing professional clothes.

[OakLeaf]

Very ugly (http://www.baggallini.com/product1.asp?product=%27WBL149%27) but so practical I don't care. At least it comes in different colors and fabrics. My only gripe about it is that the phone pocket has a magnetic closure, which means it's possible for the phone to drop out if I grab the purse upside down (also I have to be careful with it around the computer). Also, the phone pocket is a little bit deep for my phone, so I have to fish around for it.

But anyone who took fashion advice from me would have to be either crazy or blind. Probably both. :rolleyes:

[divingbiker]

I've got that same bag, Oakleaf! Only mine is very old, so there's a velcro closure on the phone slot.

It is indestructible (looks the same as the day I bought it) and is so handy and practical I also don't care that it's ugly.

And I've got snap hooks on my keys and my sunglasses case, so I hang them off the strap D-rings. I love this bag.

[OakLeaf]

And I've got snap hooks on my keys ...so I hang them off the strap D-rings.

Yup, yup, yup. Also a mini LED flashlight and, when I'm traveling, a 1/2 oz bottle of hand sanitizer :D

[KnottedYet]

I've got a serious case of the hots for this: http://www.titlenine.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=3095&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=729500

mainly cuz it's "expandable" just by moving the strap clips. Very elegant solution to the One Bag problem.

oh, and the silver/merlot color combo is nice... ;)
(and it zips shut. my bags must zip shut or I lose things)

[shootingstar]

When we bike tour where in the evening after day's ride, we go out to eat, I do carry a wallet if I have to but prefer not to. But am wearing clothing that doesn't fit a wallet well. This is when it's just not worth cycling 2 kms. to a restaurant.

So I've been hunting around over past few months for a small casual purse that is secure but small, not heavy in pannier. And of course has to be crushable inside pannier.

Yes, cycling can transform one into fashion-practical.

When I wasn't cycling, I've had several incidents of accidentally leaving behind my purse or wallet ..but getting it back. Yea, some incredible stories you wouldn't believe.

[surgtech1956]

No purse. Carry what I need in my pockets or have a small backpack/messenger bag I carry to work.

[shootingstar]

One thing for certain, I haven't carried a cosmetic bag in years. I just put my lotions,etc. in a plastic bag. It's often not even Ziplock. Just fold down the top and stick in my pannier ..or suitcase.

[Sgritn]

Pannier in future, not just yet. Never biked to work but while doing my weekend and rare early morning rides before work I use a strap across my chest FOSSIL army green bag. I carry ID, cell phone and my keys. Never bothers or obstructs. I have a rear wheel carrier but have not strapped anything to it yet...too afraid some jackass will try to snatch it and cause me injury. Eventually I'll get one of those velcro bags which attach to the bike some how.

[shootingstar]

I have a rear wheel carrier but have not strapped anything to it yet...too afraid some jackass will try to snatch it and cause me injury. Eventually I'll get one of those velcro bags which attach to the bike some how.

Do you really believe someone would grab/unhook the carrier bag while you were on bike ,ie temporarily stopping for a light or what? :confused:

I've cycled in some "questionable" areas often since both Toronto and Vancouver have some areas which may make a woman on foot, feel uncomfortable, particularily at night.

In fact, I lived in an area in Toronto for over 14 yrs. where there was the drug dealing, some shoot-outs, etc. And when I was on bike often, I certainly felt no one was going to rob me, even if I stopped for a light. I always felt safer on bike.. if there was fear of theft, etc.

I tend to worry more about any maniac driving their car. The car itself in the most negative sense under wrong circumstances, is the weapon.

[Blueberry]

I use a Timbuk2 Metro. Love it! Most of my clothes don't have pockets. I usually wear it cross body - to at least discourage purse snatching. It's a messenger-style bag, so I just carry it on the bike.

CA

[KnottedYet]

That Timbuk2 Metro is pretty cute... http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/messenger/metro/

So is the Pork Chop http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/totes/original-pork-chop

And this has to be the coolest thing since sliced bread: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodTK_1402.html

[wannaduacentury]

small purse here. My purse was actually a travel bag hubby used going to Italy a few years back for security reasons. Now I use it all the time b/c I haul a bookbag around and don't need a purse complicating all of that. I sling it crossways over my shoulder, out of the way. When I flew earlier this month to Texas, a friend lent me her big purse where I could stash my small purse, a camera, a book, and whatever else would go to act as my purse. then had my carry on luggage, worked like a charm and very easy. The same could work for your panniers, except stuff small purse in pannier. I also use one of those small, easy id,keychain fold things to keep dl in, cc etc. then I can hook my keys to it and wear around my neck. keeping me as hand free as possible. Jenn

p.s. I am making one of those cute Amy Butler pattern Frenchy purses w/ leftover fabric, so I would have my own, big bag purse when I do need it :)

[shootingstar]

Love your avatar, wannacent! Not sure I could carry my keys around my neck. I'm the sort of person that dislikes things bobbing around on my chest or in view of me when I'm moving around alot.

And Knotted, that white reflective mini-messenger bag looks cool. But orange Pork Chop is great too.

I never really thought about the dressy purse thing when I'm biking with my panniers, until I got into situations where I had to carry a purse with a dressier work outfit. If I'm not biking, I tend to carry simply a leather portfolio which doubles as my case for papers, hairbrush, etc. Then I don't need the hassle of a purse, or 2nd bag to worry about.

[jsdilks]

http://www.cherrylanecollection.com/AmeriBagClassicCollectionMicrofiber0.html This is the bag that I've carried for years - it holds a TON of stuff and is easily sorted with all the pockets inside. It squishes down into the top of the rack bag quite nicely. I was sad though - because when I got this job and was getting ready to start, I bought a "Big Girl" purse, which is quite lovely and large and leather and fancy. And then a month later, we started with the "let's see if we can do the commute" thing. So , back to my normal bag :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The older I get the tinier my 'purse' gets.
Now it's down to a little 4"x5" zipper pouch with a strap that I sling diagonally over one shoulder. I hitch my cell phone to it on the outside, and inside it carries cash, a chapstick, a few creditcards/ID/license, one folded blank check, my key, and a bag of my favorite jasmine tea. :p
If I'm just riding down the hill to breakfast on my bike, I sling it across my chest. (the strap tightens and loosens as needed). If I'm going on a longer ride I throw it in my saddlebag.
I originally bought it just for riding light on my bike, but I like it so much I use it all the time now.

[bmccasland]

I have to admit I'm not a bike commuter, the streets between here and work are not very condusive. So when I am on my cruiser, the wallet just goes in the pannier along with the keys for runs to the bakery, grocery, or other local errands where I don't have to stray far from the neighborhood.

For general daily stuff... I keep trying to go to something smaller, but with the wallet, cell, keys, reading glasses, and epi-pen even my little travel purses quickly get over-stuffed. If only they were one inch longer. Ever since I had my sorry butt hauled out of a restaurant by ambulance, I don't want to be far from my epi-pen. Something about the tone in my Doc's voice about not trying new food if I'm more than 20 minutes from a hospital.... Why do they have to make epi-pens so cumbersome?

I wish I could go with less stuff!

[jsdilks]

I love your name :) I try to explain to people about being raised in Chicago with a Southern Mother. Not many people understand all that implies. My folks are both gone now, but people used to wonder about my calling my parents "Mother and Daddy" - didn't matter how old I was, I had a *Mother* and a *Daddy* 'nuff said. My girls have been fussing at me for awhile now that they've been raised with a vocabulary that their friends do not use. ;)

[emily_in_nc]

I love your name :) I try to explain to people about being raised in Chicago with a Southern Mother. Not many people understand all that implies. My folks are both gone now, but people used to wonder about my calling my parents "Mother and Daddy" - didn't matter how old I was, I had a *Mother* and a *Daddy* 'nuff said. My girls have been fussing at me for awhile now that they've been raised with a vocabulary that their friends do not use. ;)

Interesting, my mother called her parents "Mother" and "Daddy" as did my bf in jr. high. I always called mine "Mom" and "Dad", despite being raised in NC.

[jsdilks]

Mine was definitely not a Mama (or Momma) - and not a Mom - nope, she was a Mother. I need to figure out another way to describe it - one of those Steel Magnolias was how a friend used to describe her. :) But my Dad used to call me at work (this was after my Mother was gone) and ask about things - and I'd turn to tell people that I needed to take a call, then answer the phone and say "Hi, Daddy" and they'd all just grin...the boss talking to her Daddy

[GLC1968]

I used to carry one of two nice leather bags. When I moved here and it was raining all the time, I didn't want to have to worry about the leather getting too wet, so I ditched them both for this bag:

http://www.rei.com/product/724185

I bought it on clearance last year (a different pattern) and it's all I use now. It's durable, easily smooshable, and it still looks brand new after 6 months of daily use. I can wear it messenger bag style while biking if necessary. It holds my timbuk2 wallet, cell phone, sunglasses, foldable shopping bag and keys (all I ever carry). I can also throw in a small water bottle, snacks, lists, etc...as needed.

[beccaB]

regarding Timbuk2 bags, which I have 5 of, I absolutely LOVE them-has anyone tried strapping the pork chop bag to your bike? I have one coming in soon, and am hoping I can use it for a bike bag. If not, I'll use it as a purse, since I seem to be collecting them anyway!