this post was submitted on 01 Oct 2025
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Whether it's a journey for work, shopping or leisure, maybe even tweaks and hacks to make your commute easier, feel free to share.
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So many times have I heard "but how are you going to get groceries?!?" My man, there's this thing called a rack.
By the way, congratulations on the new family member. Is a cargo long tail or box bike in your future?
Panniers and backpacks help too. I can get about the same amount on me and my bike as I can in the trunk of a car. I just have to keep in mind how the load is organized so it can stay balanced.
Also, things like this exist.
Yes, but also that particular one costs about $500 more than it needs to.
(Personally, I recommend finding a used InStep child trailer ranging from $free discarded on the curb to $50 from Craigslist, and then modifying it for cargo yourself.)
I use something like that except mine was maybe 200 euros, folds and you can add a wheel and handle at the front to use it by hand.
Boston is in process of putting cargo bikes at the train stations, with the rest of the rent-a-bikes.
what is it with the racks? i barely ever see anyone here in sweden use those, we all just have baskets in the front and rear and that gives enough capacity to rival bakfietsen, put the baskets on a cheapo e-bike and you effectively have a DIY cargo bike that looks normal.
That rear thing you're hanging your grocery panniers on is called a rack. At least that's what it's called here in the states.
Nice bike setup. It's similar to what I use.
right but literally everyone has a rear rack, is that not true in america? and it's not particularly helpful for transporting anything other than mail packages.
Indeed racks are not common here in America. Racks are easy to find in bike shops and some bikes are sold with them, but they are not on every bike. I'd guess about 5% of bikes have a rack installed. Even fewer have a front rack or basket.
Knowing how to use a bike rack, like attaching panniers, crates, or simply strapping on a bulky item, is bike enthusiast knowledge. eBikes are starting to change that (bikes being viewed as utility tools and not just for leisure). I'm hopeful we'll get to a point where bikes like yours are not an oddity.
Thanks! But I was actually heading to a baby shower at work, so it's for a friend 😂
I would love a cargo bike, but I'm officially out of garage space right now... Pretty sure my wife doesn't want bikes in our guest room either 😅