Best bag for commuting to work by bike?

[sundreamer]

Longtime lurker here but I am new to TPF, so apologies if this thread is not in the right place.

I recently bought a road bike for commuting to work. I am so excited for this change in lifestyle, but have just realized it will no longer be easy for me to bike with my Faure le Page tote. Do you have any suggestions for a bike-friendly designer bag? I am leaning towards something crossbody with a zipper or a backpack. So far I have been considering the Speedy B 25 in DA, Mansur Gavriel backpack, and Balenciaga velo.

Does anyone else bike to work? Thank you in advance for any other suggestions!

 

[remainsilly]

Occasionally, I carry designer handbag inside bike trunk(ortlieb).
But mostly wear patagonia atom sling on bike.
https://forum.purseblog.com/attachments/patagonia-atom-sling-cycling-bling-jpg.3925680/
Timbuk2 messenger is nice, too.
I like bags which swing to front easily--for stowing stuff on the fly. And hooking keys onto strap with carabiner clip.
Also suggest waterproof/washable bag.

Roads are filthy. After rain, your gear smells like petrol fumes. In heat & cold, you sweat. Insects hit your face. Every pothole is an evil torture. Drivetrain grease & gunk sneaks onto clothes & hands.
And, there is the inevitable crash or 2.
But, wow, what a rush! Love cycling!

Basically, I care more about 1)being seen by cars, 2) having functional clothes/sunglasses, 3) a quality u-lock/helmet.
Designer handbags can be leather slugs in my car.

There are cute trunk bags, which attach to back racks. Then remove as fancy handbag types.
But I have not used.

Congratulations! Pedal power!

 

[sundreamer]

Thank you for your honesty remainsilly! Today I rode to work for the first time. It was wonderful! I am so happy to make this part of my daily routine.

I took a small cuyana cross body with me which kept swinging around as I biked. I don't think I will be able to use it long term without it driving me crazy. I will think about getting one of the cycling bags you recommend, or perhaps a front basket for my handbag. I also found this picture online from Kate Spade. These are very cute but I am not sure how practical.

 

[Sophie-Rose]

I live in Holland and cycle to work everyday... i use a very unglamorous backpack...

 

[remainsilly]

Thank you for your honesty remainsilly! Today I rode to work for the first time. It was wonderful! I am so happy to make this part of my daily routine.

I took a small cuyana cross body with me which kept swinging around as I biked. I don't think I will be able to use it long term without it driving me crazy. I will think about getting one of the cycling bags you recommend, or perhaps a front basket for my handbag. I also found this picture online from Kate Spade. These are very cute but I am not sure how practical. View attachment 4076127

You're very welcome.
Encourage cycling & keep it real.
Glad you are enjoying new ride! Takes time to study how you cycle & fit individual needs. Some equipment fiddling & rearranging. But, worth it.

Any distraction, from bike/gear, draws attention away from road. Which could be deadly.
A swinging handbag would drive me nuts.
My swinging keys drove me nuts initially, then settled into normal rhythm.
Every unfamiliar rattle or squeak is my nemesis.

Kate Spade photo:
a) handlebar bag, with strap slapping against frame/dangling near wheel=
b) rear tote bag=open top? May be tricky. Seems tall=might kick it, dismounting bike.

Here is handbag/trunk I mentioned:
https://www.pocampo.com/products/uptown-bike-trunk-bag?variant=42926518607#
No experience with it. Design seems practical.

Front basket you suggest, or back rack setup, could work. Maybe pannier bags. Any would carry/protect normal handbag.
My bike is German, so fitting US rear rack bags is awkward.
Best to roll bike into shops & try on storage options, if can.

Backpack suggestion is very good.
Many available with reflective hits, rain covers & helmet holders. Patagonia & thule come to mind.

Weight matters. You are hauling every ounce with your muscles & bones. Make sure gear earns its fare with functionality.

A bird pooped on me, after today's ride. Wet wipes. Always carry a couple.
Keep pedaling!

 

[EmilyEllison]

I'm personally fully taking advantage of my bike, at least I was, now it needs some repairing, unfortunately, my old buddy needs its flashlights to be fixed or even changed. I usually don't care what I am wearing when riding my bike, however, you're right, you can't arrive at the office in sporty clothes