what bag for commuting - running erands?

[tulip]

I just got back from the bank downtown, on my bike. Since I only had to go to the bank, I took an over-the-shoulder sling bag that I got at the Gap years ago for about $10. It's big enough to put my jacket in (I thought it would be cooler out there), but very light. I find my Timbuk2 messenger bag heavy even when it's nearly empty.

I live across the street from my primary grocery store, so I walk there with a fold-up wheeled thingy. I do go across town 5 miles every few weeks to the health-food store to get stuff I can't get at my local store. I use panniers in that case.

[GLC1968]

I wanted a basket on the front of my bike just because I thought it would be cute, but what I've discovered is how incredibly useful and handy it is!

It holds the same amount of groceries as a full paper bag (about 3 plastic bags worth?). Mine has a bar attached to the front hub as support, so weight is not a problem. When I'm riding, I don't notice it affecting my steering, but it does get a little wonky at super slow speeds (when carying a heavy item or two).

It's so convenient to have something to just toss things in and I love that it's permanently attached to my bike. Nothing I have to carry - or to worry about getting stolen...and it doesn't make me sweaty!

This is the one I have. The bar that is sticking up in the photo is only there when they ship it - it actually goes under the basket and attaches to the front hub when you install it. (mine's silver & matches my fenders) Wald and Basil both have TONS of basket styles and some of them are designed to hold quite a bit of cargo with ease.

[Andrea]

Detours Toocan. It's sort of like a giant purse.

[uforgot]

Detours Toocan. It's sort of like a giant purse.

I second the Detours. It's also easy on and off, and it opens and closes easily. Kind of heavy, kind of dorky, but I love it.

[bean fidhleir]

I used my very capacious backpack for shopping, at first. But I found it was too good at turning my back into a lake, so I bought a Topeak wire basket that clipped to the top of the Topeak rear rack. But loading that basket up made the center of gravity unpleasantly high, so I switched to Nashbar fold-flat grocery panniers which have been very satisfactory, and will no doubt be even moreso when I finally modify the rack with a new crossbar/mounting point and shift them down.

[SouthernBelle]

I looked at Detours site. The bags are cute & nifty, but I always wish that sites had more pictures of the bags actually on the bike. Plus pics of the back of the bag.

Is anyone familiar with Deuter bags?

[sgtiger]

...I've been considering the kitty litter containers panniers or the duct tape panniers What the heck, if I'm going to have something boxy on the side why not almost free and boxy?

Those are actually pretty nifty. I saw a guy with a set at a cargo bike ride. After he unloaded picnic supplies from them, one was filled with ice and drinks brought by others to use as an extra cooler. The other he used for a chair. He said they rocked for bicycle camping.