Errand bike thread....

[KathiCville]

.... I go to this same library at least once a week to sit in the carrells and work on my papers, but I have hesitated to do this ride with my laptop in my pannier.

Great thread! Like Lisa, I work at home, but (like Crankin) I do go up to the university's main library 2x a week on average. I feel so virtuous (and younger!) when I pull up in front of the library on my old Peugeot and lock it up with the "kids'" bikes! The ride is only 2 miles, and if I do after morning traffic has died down, it's a quick and safe trip. Crankin, I tried carrying my laptop in my panniers the first couple of times I rode to the library, but felt too unsteady on the bike and worried the whole time about something happening to it. So I bought a Crumpler backpack with a heavy-duty laptop insert sleeve built in to it. The pack is heavier than I'd like (as is my ancient laptop!) but by carrying the laptop on my back, the weight is distributed evenly. If you haven't already tried a backpack, you might give it a whirl. I stow less-breakable stuff in my panniers, usually just my lunch bag.

The most offbeat errand I've done so far on my bike was dropping a small bag off at the dry cleaners on the way to the library---I got a funny look from the folks at the counter. BUT the guy who was parked next to me when I came out said, "Wow, that's great. I should be doing that!"

This thread is inspiring me to give (small-scale) grocery shopping-by-bike a try, too! Nearest supermarket is only about 1.5 miles away. I need to check out security first---I know there aren't any bike racks, and I can't picture an obvious place to lock my bike......Thanks for the inspiration!

[Crankin]

Kathi,
My husband bought a very small and compact sling back style backpack for his lap top, on the off occasion he needs to bring it home when he rides to work. Usually, he doesn't need to, but he did use it twice this past summer. Now, he hates riding with packs, so I may feel differently, but he said it was really heavy. And, his laptop is very small. I have an I Book, so it definitely is bigger. I might try it, though. I know I won't put the lap top in my pannier, after my heavy library book experience. I am not as nimble on the Jamis to begin with, as opposed to my road bike, and although I love it, I won't do anything else to upset my already precarious balance!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Gee how much does a laptop weigh? (sounds like the opening line of a joke)
Can you balance the weight in the other pannier, like putting jacket or a brick in it?
Also, if you only have one thing to put in your panniers, put it on the bike side that doesn't have the gears and cassette.

I think my heavy cable/U-lock combination weighs about as much as my husband's laptop!

Yes, I see that my folding Novara grocery panniers are no longer available on REI.com....what a shame! Guess I was lucky to get them. But if someone calls REI, maybe we will know if they will be restocked again soon.

[KathiCville]

Don't laugh but I DID try the counterbalance act with the laptop before I caved and bought the backpack. Can't remember what I tried to use to offset the weight of the laptop, but it was something akin to a brick. I remember feeling even MORE dangerous on the road with heavy weight added to an already heavy bike! Even now, with the backpack on, I pedal slowly, try to give everyone and everything wide berth, and heave a sigh of relief when I reach my destination. My next laptop will be significantly lighter!

[Biciclista]

i hate it when you finally find a good thing and then they discontinue it.

[7rider]

It might just be sold out for the '08 season.
I bet it comes back - or some slightly modified version of it - for '09. Their stuff definitely has model years and frequently sells out. And once it's gone...it's gone.

[Crankin]

I only have one pannier; I never envisioned doing major grocery shopping, so it's been fine for my short forays to various specialty stores.
But, it's amazing how heavy a few things feel when you are riding up a hill.

[Fredwina]

geez, I'm thinking about spending my settlement money already
http://www.ransbikes.com/ITR71.htm