bike bags?

[Bad JuJu]

Do you really need to carry all that stuff?

Depends on the kind of ride you're doing and what kind of rider you are. On a fast training ride, a seat bag is sufficient, but not every ride is either fast or a training ride, and for some people, no ride is a fast ride. We've all just gotta do our homework--as you're doing, Pooks--and figure out what works best for us.

[Bad JuJu]

I meant to add that I agree that you might not be happy with that large basket on your handlebars. But there are one or two companies that make removable grocery-shopping bags/baskets that attach to a rear rack--you might want to look into that. Regardless of what you end up with, you'll want to limit the weight you carry in any sort of handlebar carrier because, as Denise pointed out, that weight affects the way your bike handles--and that can be dangerous. That's why if you want something on the handlebars, I'd keep it fairly small if I were you--just to be safe. We want to fall in love with cycling and be out there riding your bike for years to come.

[pooks]

Okay, it sounds like the basket, though romantic, is impractical!

I'll check out panniers.