A guide to carrying stuff by bike

You don’t need a cargo bike to carry a surprising amount of stuff on two wheels.

Cargo bikes have been around since the 1870s, and if you want to move bulky loads regularly they’re hard to beat. But people have been carrying things on standard bikes for just as long. By the turn of the 20th century, there was a growing market for all manner of bike-mounted bags; you could even buy a cigarette pouch to sit alongside your handlebar ash tray.

Small saddlebags were once so common that most bikes had seats designed to accomodate them; a feature that remained until the 1970s, when practicality began to lose out to changing tastes. If you fancy a saddlebag today but lack a vintage saddle, you can still fit one using a Klickfix seatpost adapter or a Carradice SQR.

If there was a golden age of carrying stuff by bike in Britain, it was the 1950s. This was the era of waxed cotton duck canvas panniers with chromed leather straps, when the bicycle was still widely regarded as a do-it-all vehicle. People used bike luggage for daily errands as well as weekend touring. Cycling day trips were so popular that the Cyclists’ Touring Club chartered trains so riders could reach distant parts of the country.

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It’s easy to forget all this was happening before specialist designs like mountain and gravel bikes arrived. Apart from the luggage, these were otherwise standard steel-framed bicycles.

A decade later during the Vietnam war, similarly humble bikes were used on the Ho Chi Minh trail to haul loads of 200kg and more over long distances and difficult terrain. It's an extreme example, but it illustrates how even a bog standard bicycle can be a packhorse.

As car ownership in Britain rose through the late 1960s and the decades that followed, everyday cycling declined, and with it the popularity of carrying things by bike. Racks, panniers and saddlebags went out of fashion. Gradually, the backpack became the fallback option.

Rucksacks work, up to a point. The problem is that however breathable the mesh panel or clever the venting, your back will get sweaty. A hip pack, which is like a glorified bum bag, is a compromise. You won't get the space offered by panniers, but it frees up your back and the load is carried a bit lower which is better for the bike's handling.

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Today, pannier sets might be a relatively unusual sight on British roads, but there's still a big range available to buy – from traditional canvas touring bags and technical bikepacking setups, to panniers aimed at commuting or the daily shop.

There have even been attempts to introduce temporary-use panniers as an alternative to the traditional carrier bag. The Packtasche is a reusable cardboard pannier designed for supermarket customers. It can carry up to 12kg of shopping numerous times before being recycled.

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Frame bags offer another option, ranging from small half-litre pouches to designs that fill most of the frame triangle. They keep the weight central, which is useful, but the straps can rub your paintwork, so remember to protect the frame with tape.

FAQ

How can I carry shopping on a bike? The simplest answer is a rear rack and panniers; a set-up that will feel stable because the weight is lower on the bike. Avoid hanging carrier bags from the handlebars as they can swing into the front wheel and will have a horrible effect on the steering.

What’s the best way to carry things by bike? There are many variables, but it boils down to how much stuff you need to move. Panniers are usually the most practical solution, but a new generation of bikepacking bags lots of options if your bike doesn't have a rack.

Is a pannier better than a rucksack for cycling? Often, yes. A pannier removes weight from your back, which means more comfort, better bike handling and less sweating. Quick-release panniers can double up as a shopping bag or rucksack when you get where you're going.

Are bicycle panniers expensive? They don't need to be. Decathlon has these colourful 2 x 23-litre bags for £35.

What are frame bags best for? Frame bags keep weight centralised, which is one reason they’re good for bikepacking. Smaller versions are perfect for carrying sundries.

Can I carry heavy loads by bicycle? It's not unsusual for cargo bikes to have a maximum payload of 200kg, but even a standard bike can carry far more than you might think. Always check the weight limits specified by the manufacturer before loading up. Likewise, racks as well as the luggage itself will have recommendations on how much they can safely carry.

Can I use a bike to carry shopping? Absolutely. Bikes are perfect for local shopping trips. You won’t have any problem finding a parking spot and it’s exactly the sort of trip panniers were made for.

What should I carry in a hip pack instead of a pannier? The biggest designs have a volume of 7 litres, but think of hip packs as more of a halfway house than a true luggage system. More comfortable than a backpack, they are ideal for carrying the essentials.

What happens if my bicycle breaks down while carrying a heavy load? If you have Cycle Rescue it's not a problem. If you suffer a breakdown on your bicycle, e-bike, trike or cargo bike (including punctures or flat e-bike battery), our 24-hour recovery team will arrange transport for you and your cycle to a safe location.

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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 35 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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