What can you transport by bike, without a cargo or trailer?
Professional life, school, shopping, children's activities, leisure...: daily activities can generate a lot of loads and volumes to transport by bike, just like bike touring. It is not always easy to optimize bike trips with a load! While cargo bikes and trailers are solutions, it is not always possible or desirable to use them. However, it is possible to transport a multitude of equipment on a regular bike, thanks to a few tips and accessories. From strollers to musical instruments, including parcels and school bags, find out what you can take on your bike, depending on how you use it!
Family use: from childcare equipment to school bags
The stroller and childcare equipment
Is it possible to transport a stroller by bike? The answer is yes!
An umbrella stroller can be placed upright on a specific luggage rack support such as the Steco Buggy Mee, or in an open bike bag like the Bakkie Light, which can also accommodate a compact foldable stroller. This makes it easy to transfer a baby from their bike seat.
It is even possible to attach a car seat or a travel cot!
Balance bikes and small bicycles
While a balance bike or a child's bike may bring joy to little ones at the park or on rides, their small vehicle can become quite cumbersome once their energy is spent… However, transporting a balance bike by bike is possible, especially with the open support of the Bakkie Light bag, attached to the luggage rack or its extension.
Similarly, towing a child’s bike becomes feasible by securing the wheel in the adjustable support of the bag! Perfect for when kids get a little tired at the end of a bike ride…
🚲 Want to know more? Watch this video to see how to tow a 16-inch child’s bike!
Schoolbags
If you take your children to school by bike, you know that the space needed for bags and schoolbags becomes crucial, especially when there are several, and the cargo bike box is not always enough...
Placed on a luggage rack at the front or rear of the bike, vertically in the storage bag of a bike bag, or horizontally in an open support, transporting a fully loaded primary school bag will become child’s play!
Photo credit: Crealens
Grocery shopping
A trip to the supermarket, grocery store, or market? Groceries can be easily stored on board! Clip-on shopping bags, a removable basket, a wooden crate, or generous bike bags with a handle to carry them, and that’s it. Eggs and strawberries had better watch out…
Professional use and bike commuting
When commuting by bike, the first things we need are often the equipment required to ride comfortably in all conditions: rain gear for unexpected showers, a bike repair kit, a coat or warm clothing, spare clothes, and a helmet once we arrive at our destination.
Additionally, professional equipment, whether lightweight or substantial, also regularly needs to be transported by bike.
Office essentials
A bike bag remains the most practical luggage item for keeping belongings accessible, storing them, and carrying them, especially for valuables that cannot be left in a basket.
Thus, office files or a large laptop can be transported safely thanks to the padding of some bike bags designed to carry fragile loads. Not to mention a backpack containing everything needed for the day.
Photo credit: Weelz
A lockable top case, attached to the bike's luggage rack, can also be very practical for keeping personal belongings secure.
Boxes, crates, and parcels
Some professions require transporting larger volumes or loads: crates for a market gardener, a rack of glass bottles for a restaurateur, or beehives for a beekeeper, for example. Using an open support, fixed to the luggage rack or handlebars, with or without a bike bag, makes all of this easy to manage!
For other uses, this type of open support, rigid or flexible, can be used to carry a backpack or even transport a folding bike.
Furthermore, it is not uncommon to have a package to deliver or pick up from a collection point: secured in less than two minutes in a dedicated bag or using adjustable straps, even the most varied sizes and volumes will find a place.
Sports, leisure, and hobbies
During the week, on Wednesdays, or over the weekend, sports, leisure, and extracurricular activities take center stage for both kids and adults. While biking often saves time getting there, carrying equipment can sometimes be tricky.
Sports bags and activity equipment
To avoid being hindered while pedaling with a load, having a practical solution to store a sports bag during transport is essential. A front or rear basket, an open bike bag, or an attachment on the luggage rack will make trips easier.
Do you practice a sport that requires a lot of gear and still want to transport it by bike? No problem! Tennis rackets, golf or climbing bags, inflatable paddleboards, kite surfboards, and other equipment can all be carried on a regular bike.
Musical instruments
Whether as a hobby or a professional activity, one might think that transporting a fragile and bulky musical instrument by bike is a challenge… but it is absolutely possible!
Special order with the addition of an eyelet to pass the endpin of a double bass through.
For example, to transport a guitar in a bike bag, it should be placed vertically in the support of the Bakkie Light, protected by its cover or case. A strap secures the case against the bike at the bottom, while another stabilizes the neck at the top. Thanks to its padding, the bag support prevents bolts or protruding parts of the luggage rack from damaging the instrument’s body.
🎸 Click here if you need a video tutorial on how to transport a guitar by bike!
Hiking and bike touring equipment
Bike touring is a full-fledged leisure activity that requires the ability to securely and efficiently attach accessories and equipment. A lightweight tent can be placed in an open rack, items can be stored in waterproof or water-resistant panniers on the front wheel, while the rear luggage rack can accommodate larger loads or unconventional volumes. Are you cycling to a destination to go hiking? Your pair of hiking shoes and backpack will easily find a place while you pedal!
💡 Tip: FixPlus straps allow you to quickly and efficiently secure various accessories to your bike!
So, whether for regular commuting, routine tasks, or leisure and bike touring, it is possible to carry a multitude of equipment and essential items on your bike. With just a few good accessories, your bike can transform into a mobile trunk—without needing a cargo bike box or a trailer!