If you want to bring a change of clothes while cycling, bring camping equipment for touring, or bring a lot of groceries from the convenience store, you can use a bicycle for this purpose. There are many options to choose from for carrying cargo on a bicycle. You're sure to find a method that works best, either by using a cargo rack with a bicycle bag or using a front basket and various types of bags. There are various types of specialized bikes to accommodate cargo that can be purchased to suit your needs.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Installing Cargo Racks
Step 1. Choose a rack mounted on the back of the bike to get a large cargo capacity
The rack is a rack mounted on the top of the rear wheel of the bicycle. You can tie cargo on top of it directly, attach a pennier (a bag specially designed for bicycle cargo racks), or place an empty crate on top of the rack as a cargo hold.
If you only install one rack, the rear rack type is the best option while providing the most cargo capacity
Step 2. Add a front cargo rack on the bike to increase the load capacity
The rack at the front of the bicycle is mounted directly above the front tires and is smaller than the rear rack. Tie a load on it, attach a small bicycle bag, or use it as a holder to attach a basket or handlebar bag.
If you don't need a large cargo capacity, you can install only the front rack without installing the rear rack
Step 3. Use cargo nets, rack ties, or bungee cords to secure the load on the racks
Cargo nets are flexible nets that have hooks at the corners to hold items on the bike's cargo rack. Shelf ties work the same way, but are made of rope instead of a net. A bungee cord can also be used if it is securely fastened to the load and attached to the end of the rack.
This is the cheapest way to carry cargo with cargo racks. Karo nets or rack ties are sold at around IDR 50,000 and bungee cords are even cheaper
Step 4. Attach the bike bag to the side of the bike as a modern multipurpose option
The Pennier is a bag specifically designed to be attached to the side of a cargo rack. It is easy to attach and remove from the rack with clips, straps or hooks so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Panniers are generally sold in pairs (one bag for one side of the shelf) and the price ranges from IDR 500,000 to IDR 3,000,000
Tip: Panniers are sold in various models and sizes. You can buy pretty panniers to spice up the look of your everyday bike or super functional waterproof panniers to go on a bike tour.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Bag, Basket, Strap, or Caravan
Step 1. Wear a backpack or postal bag to carry small loads
A regular backpack is enough to carry a small load on the bike. Postage bags are usually worn by hanging them on the sides of the body so that your back stays "clean" and feels cooler when cycling in hot weather.
Bicycle and outdoor equipment stores usually sell backpacks and postal bags specially designed for cyclists to make the riding experience more comfortable
Step 2. Install a basket, box, or crate to give it a functional antique look
There are various types of baskets that can be attached to the front of the handlebars or to the side of the cargo rack to store cargo. Another option is to attach the basket with screws or install a large crate to accommodate more loads.
- Baskets are very easy to remove when not needed, while crates or boxes attached to cargo racks are a bit more difficult to remove.
- Remember, carrying items with open containers keeps them from being protected from the rain. A waterproof bag or cargo cover will solve this problem.
Tip: You can use any box or chest to give it the function and look you want. For example, you can buy a wooden crate from a material store or even reuse a plastic milk crate for a functional DIY look.
Step 3. Use a handlebar bag or saddlebag bag to carry small, important items
There are various types of small bags that are designed to be placed in the front of the bicycle handlebars, bicycle frame, or under the seat. This bag is great for storing things you take on a bike ride, such as repair kits, small tools, or personal items, from cell phones to wallets.
You can find a wide variety of small accessory bags at a bike shop or outdoor supply store to modify your bike and carry different types of cargo
Step 4. Secure the load to the bicycle frame with straps or bungee cord
Use frame ties, rubber straps, or cable ties to secure cargo to the bike frame. Make sure the straps do not fray and interfere with bicycle mechanisms, such as brakes.
- The frame straps are specially made Velcro to secure the load to the bike frame. Rubber cords, such as those used to tie skis together, as well as large rubber bands and regular bungee cords can also be used.
- The point where the seat bar meets the underframe and the point between the bike's underframe and top frame (near the main frame) is a good place to secure the load with this method.
Step 5. Purchase a bicycle caravan to carry bulk cargo
Many caravans of various shapes and sizes are designed to be attached to the back of a bicycle for carrying a lot of cargo. Purchase a caravan that can be attached to the trunk under the seat or to the rear frame.
- Caravans are a great option if you want to keep your bike light and cargo-free at all times, but want to be able to carry large loads once in a while.
- Cycling caravans are often capable of carrying loads of up to 45 kg or more, and are sold in waterproof variants or even models designed specifically for specific loads.
Method 3 of 3: Buying a Special Cargo Bike
Step 1. Purchase a longtail cargo bike for many modification options
Longtail bikes have an extendable rear rack and can be modified with large penniers, crates, boxes, or even extra seats. Opt for a longtail cargo bike if you want to adapt to different ways of carrying loads.
- Longtail cargo bikes often feature open penniers, a net to secure the cargo at the top, and optional handles or rear seats.
- Longtail cargo bikes are sold in the range of IDR 10,000,000 to IDR 20,000,000 or even more.
- Keep in mind that these types of cargo bikes are larger and more difficult to maneuver than regular bikes or other cargo bikes.
Step 2. Purchase a utility bike as a cargo carrier that is sturdy and easy to ride
A utility bike is a regular bicycle with a thicker frame so that it can withstand more weight. These bikes are easier to ride and easier to maneuver than bulky cargo bikes, but still capable of carrying heavy loads.
Utility bikes usually also feature metal baskets or racks that attach directly to the frame so they can be used directly for loading
Step 3. Choose a truck bike to carry box cargo in front of the handlebars
A bicycle truck (cycle truck) is similar in size and shape to a regular bicycle, but with a smaller front wheel. This bike has a holder or box on the front of the handlebars for carrying cargo.
This is a great option if you want to have a cargo bike that isn't too bulky or heavy, but still has room to carry cargo in the front if necessary
Step 4. Buy a box bike to carry large loads in front of the bike
This bike has a longer wheelbase and smaller wheels at the front. There is a square-shaped area or flat cargo area between the handlebars and the front wheel that is close to the ground.
- Box bikes are a great option for transporting cargo around town, for example to deliver grocery orders. This bicycle can also be used as a mobile food cart.
- Box bikes are sometimes sold at quite high prices, in the range of Rp. 25,000,000 to Rp. 60,000,000.
Tip: This type of cargo bike is also known as Long Johns or Bakfiets.
Step 5. Purchase a cargo tricycle or rickshaw bike for a more stable option
This bike is similar to a box bike, but has a third wheel on the front or rear. This bike is more stable and balanced for carrying heavy loads up front, but is more difficult to maneuver during turns.
You can buy a variant of a tricycle cargo bike that is more expensive and can be tilted at turns so that it can maneuver like a regular bicycle
Tips
- Bring an airtight bag or cooler to keep food cool while you shop. The food can be put in a pannier or basket.
- Any cargo can add to the total load. If you are trying to drive fast, cover long distances, or want to go through a lot of incline, try to keep the load light.
- Consult an employee at a bicycle shop to help you choose the right equipment and install it properly if you don't know how to do it yourself.
Warning
- Make sure there are no straps, bag corners, or anything else that could interfere with the rotation of the wheels, pedals, bicycle gear, or brakes.
- Fasten your load to be safe. Use a bungee cord or strap to secure the load in place.
- Make sure you can balance and control the bike while carrying the load before riding on the highway. Swinging or shifting loads can upset the balance of the bike and heavy loads on the rear or ends of the bicycle axle can cause the bicycle to tilt backwards.
- If you are riding at night, make sure that no bicycle lights are obstructed by the cargo. You can purchase a light that can be attached to the cargo rack for a clearer view.
