Two beginner questions

[PamNY]

I've just bought a used Trek 7100 and am returning to biking after 25 years. I live in NYC and have used a Xootr for 7 years, so it's an interesting transition.

I'd like advice about the best way to carry things on the bike. Usually I'll carry lunch and grocery shopping, but it could be anything.

Friday I carried a set of tent poles (cheap ones, so they were heavy) enclosed in a stuff sack and strapped on the rack with a bungee cord and I could really feel it when they shifted. I'm worried about balancing the load. I just bought the bike on Thursday so I am still in the "feeling klutzy" stage.

I don't want to spend much on bike accessories until I know what I'll really use. I'm torn between panniers, a trunk bag, or continuing to use my small duffel bag-and-bungee-cord arrangement.

Second, any advice on getting in shape to carry the bike up and down stairs? I'll need to do this to get on and off trains. I've started by simply carrying the bike around the house and later I'll practice on the stairs in my apartment building. I've spent more time carrying the bike around my living room than I have riding it.

Thanks for any advice.

Pam

[wolfak]

Since you have a rack, I would suggest getting some panniers to put on the sides. I have the Avenir "grocery sacks / bags". I like them because they can hold larger items than some pannier bags - you can slide a paper grocery sack straight down into them. I too started with strapping things to the rack, then added one bag, then another. If you do a search on the forums, there are some doi-it-yourself panniers that you can make from old backpacks, litter tubs, etc. Good luck!

[Grog]

Hi Pam!

Glad you've bought a cool bike and love it! I have a 7100 fx myself and it still serves me well as my commuter bike. I have ridden a few hybrids and it's certainly one of the most efficient out there. (Now maybe you have the "comfort" version, not the sporty "fx" but I think it's just as good based on other people's comments.)

You'll soon get more comfortable with balancing the bike, and you may not be bothered by weight on the rack anymore. However since I have discovered panniers I have not looked back. I went to a local used-sports-gear store and found an old pair of nylon panniers for $12. They're not waterproof and they don't look very good, but the pair fits letter-size documents and books, my lunch and a change of clothes for the day, plus my U-Lock and other stuff too sometimes. My husband has fancier Axiom panniers that are waterproof (think wet bag) and also a lot bigger, but for my needs that was not necessary. (I can always cover them when the rain comes.)

I can ride with just one pannier and it's not a problem. My mom, who rides around her town to do errands, has a folding wire pannier that attaches to the side of her rack. She says she was surprised last week when she totally overfilled it (on just one side) and was still balanced riding the bike home. Bicycles + human brain and body = neat, powerful machine, it seems.

I don't see what use a trunk rack would be for me, especially since I often would need to take it off to go inside while my bike stays parked outside. But depending on your use it might work for you. Others will chime in.

Welcome to TE and good luck!

[wildhawk]

We outfitted our hybrids with Sunlite panniers and a matching Sunlite front bag - they are easily removable too. They have reflective material sewn in too which really helps riding at dusk, etc. We bought a little plastic pencil case to slip into the front bag which holds all our little bike tools, notebook, pencil, first aid kit, etc. The full panniers on the rear are fabulous - we load them up with extra water, food, change of clothes, rain poncho or anything else you want to haul. We do balance our load between the two panniers. Our panniers are one piece that attaches to the mountain rack on our bikes and it has a handle to tote it. The front bag has a shoulder strap so it can be used as a purse/shoulder type bag when not on the bike. We are currently doing our training rides with the panniers on and have not noticed much of a difference other than overall weight when lifting the bikes up into our truck. I have gained arm strength just from lifting the bikes up and down. It takes time - you will get used to it.

[gingerale]

Love the bikes, Wildhawk.

[wackyjacky1]

Yeah, you just need to gain a little arm and upper body strength and you'll be tossing your bike around with ease in no time! Maybe you could check out the 100 Push Up thread in the non-cycling forum -- it's hard, but it's fun, too.

(Fortunately my work at the bakery has me lifting 50-pound bags of flour all day long, so toting my bike in and out of my apartment isn't too difficult for me. The push ups are another story, though... )

Ditto on the panniers -- I strap small loads on my rear rack, but need a set of panniers so I can get a little more ambitious at the grocery store. I don't think a trunk rack will hold enough. I don't have any panniers yet, but that's high on my list of purchases in the near future.

Wildhawk, it's so cool to see a pic of you and your bikes. Lookin' good!

[PamNY]

Thanks for the welcome and advice. Wildhawk, those pics are great and the handlebar bag looks like exactly what I need.

I'm definitely getting panniers. Thus far I've carried a dining canopy, barbecue gear, an electric sander, and three lamps. And I only got the bike last Thursday.

My first weekend was fun. I did ten miles on the level bike path with no problem, but the incline on the Brooklyn Bridge wiped me out. So I have my first goal to work on. Since I live close to the bridge that's easy.

I also did my first riding in traffic today. I'm a little scared, but I chose my route carefully and it went well. Unpredictable pedestrians were my biggest problem, but that's probably bad karma which I richly deserve.

I'm really enjoying reading this forum. Very inspiring and educational. Not sure I'm up for the 100 pushups, though....

Pam