Ideas for Packing Groceries ... ???

[vja4Him]

I need some ideas for packing groceries on my Electra Townie. I want to take advantage of every possible space on the bike to put stuff (middle frame, rear, front, sides).

I would really like to add some kind of rear rack that would allow me to carry about four bags of groceries (or more?), then carry another one or two bags in the front and/or middle (?). I would like to try and figure out someway to stop carrying a backpack.

Yesterday, carrying the groceries in my backpack really hurt my back!!! I have a bad back, and so I need some ideas here on what to do ... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[srdavo]

Have a look at this

[MotorMac]

Would a regular bike trailer be a good idea? something like this maybe?unless you want to look like a homeless guy with Daves trailer! LOL!http://cgi.ebay.com/INSTEP-BICYCLE-T...1%7C240%3A1318

[SimpleSimon]

Trailers work pretty well, but if you don't want to go that route buy or fab up a sturdy rear rack, then hang a milk crate off each side, one or two on top. Same up front - a good deep basket. In the frame would be easiest by going to the fabric store and buying some lightweight waxed canvas. make a bag to fit the frame shape, with a stiffener strip down the seat tube side and along the top tube on each side of the opening. Put velcro strip attachment straps on the seat tube side, and a couple of adjustable straps on the front edge. Hanging it from the bar I'd do by using a pair of D rings and a friction strap with a velcro end at each end of the top side - less likely to slip loose.

I don't sew, but I do assemble things with fabric infrequently. I just apply a bead of hot melt glue to one side of a seam, then put the other side down and iron them together. For stiffener bars I'd suggest some 1/16 x 1/2 inch aluminum stripping. Copper weather stripping also works well, but it will eventually stain the fabric.

[Saddletramp]

I have had a bike trailer that I have used for four years now. Food and beer.
When their empty they tend to bounce and flip on their side! A ten pound bar bell weight cured that. I hauled a new 20" TV home with it once. If you don't have a car, you need a little trailer. Target has them.

[vja4Him]

I have had a bike trailer that I have used for four years now. Food and beer.
When their empty they tend to bounce and flip on their side! A ten pound bar bell weight cured that. I hauled a new 20" TV home with it once. If you don't have a car, you need a little trailer. Target has them.

Yeah, I know that I will definitely need a trailer sooner or later. I like to stock up on certain items when there is a good sale ....

[wheelbender6]

I'd go with a trailer. Get one at a yard sale. Panniers give trouble with heavy groceries in them.

[bluegoatwoods]

Yeah, the real trouble with saddlebags is that if you load them heavy, then the whole assembly starts wobbling around and rubbing against your tire, etc. So you spend time and money stiffening it up, only to find that you can't really carry all that much, anyway.
(though they are just perfect for your toolkit, hats and gloves, sunglasses and other miscellaneous stuff.

And in Modesto a trailer would be usable year-round.

side note: my trailer has passed it's tenth birthday now. In that time I've hauled children, my sister-in-law (she was only about 95 lbs, wasting away with cancer. But while she was dying, we managed to keep her bicycling.) and all sorts of cargo.
I can't even begin to estimate the miles.

It is still on it's original tires. They are a bit cracked, but there's still life in them.
I wonder if I've set a record. And I wonder what those tires are made of.