How to Carry Cargo on a Bike

Whether you want to carry a change of clothes for bicycle commuting, camping gear for touring, or a whole load of groceries from the warehouse store, you can do it on a bike. There are a whole range of options to choose from to carry cargo on a bike. From cargo racks with panniers to baskets and different types of bags, you’re sure to find a method that works for you. There are also a variety of specially-built cargo bikes you can purchase to suit your cargo-carrying needs.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Installing a Cargo Rack

  1. A rear-mounted cargo rack is a rack that you install on your bike above the back wheel. You will be able to strap cargo directly to it, attach panniers (bags specifically made for bike cargo racks), or put a crate on the rack to hold cargo. [1]
    • If you are just going to mount one rack, then a rear-mounted rack is the most versatile option with the most cargo capacity.
  2. Front-mounted racks go above your front wheel and are smaller than rear-mounted racks. Strap items to them directly, put smaller panniers on them, or use them as supports for baskets or handlebar bags. [2]
    • If you don’t need a lot of cargo capacity, you can also use a front-mounted rack on its own, instead of in addition to a rear-mounted rack.
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  3. A cargo net is a stretchy net with hooks on the corners designed to hold items in place on a bike cargo rack. Rack straps are similar, but are just individual straps instead of a net. Bungee cords also work when you wrap them around items tightly and hook the ends to the rack. [3]
    • This is the most inexpensive way to carry cargo on a cargo rack. A cargo net or rack strap will cost you about $5 USD, and bungee cords can be even cheaper.
  4. Panniers are bags designed specifically to mount to the sides of a bike cargo rack. They are easy to attach and detach from the rack with clips, straps, or hooks so you can bring them anywhere with you. [4]
    • Panniers are usually sold in pairs (one for each side of the rack) and can range in price from about $50-$300+ USD.

    Tip : Panniers come in a variety of sizes and styles. You can get stylish panniers that enhance the look of your bike for commuting with some daily cargo, or panniers that are waterproof and highly functional to go bike touring with.

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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Bags, Baskets, Straps, or a Trailer

  1. A basic backpack is sufficient to carry light loads of items on your bike. A messenger bag hangs to one side and leaves your back uncovered, which may help you stay cooler if you're riding on a hot day. [5]
    • Bike and outdoor supply stores often sell backpacks and messenger bags that are designed with bikers in mind for a more comfortable ride.
  2. There are a variety of baskets available that attach to the front of your handlebars or the sides of a cargo rack for when you just want to throw a couple things in. Another option is screwing or otherwise securing a box or crate to a cargo rack for larger loads. [6]
    • Baskets are easy to remove when you don’t need them, whereas a crate or box that is secured to your cargo rack will be a little more difficult.
    • Keep in mind that carrying items in an open container will mean they are not protected from the rain. A waterproof bag or cover will solve this problem.

    Tip : You can use any kind of box or crate to create the aesthetic and functionality you want. For example, you can get a wooden crate from a home improvement center, or even repurpose an old plastic milk crate to create a functional DIY look.

  3. There are a wide variety of smaller bags designed to attach to your bike in front of the handlebars, onto the frame, or under the seat. These bags are good for holding stuff you want to carry with you while biking, such as repair kits, tools, or personal items like your phone and wallet. [7]
    • You can find all kinds of smaller accessory bags at a bike shop or outdoor supply store to customize your bike for carrying different cargo.
  4. Use frame straps, rubber straps, or bungee cords to secure cargo to the frame of your bike. Make sure that the straps don’t wrap around and interfere with any of the mechanics of your bike, such as brake lines. [8]
    • Frame straps are hook-and-loop fastener straps specifically made for securing things to your bike frame. Rubber straps, like the kind used for binding skis, as well as rubber or regular bungee cords also work.
    • The spot where the seat tube meets the down tube and the spot between the down tube and the top tube (near the head tube) work well for securing items to your bike with this method.
  5. There are trailers of all shapes and sizes that are designed to attach to the back of bikes to carry bigger loads. Get a trailer that either clips to your seat post or to the rear dropout. [9]
    • Trailers are a good option if you want to keep your bike light and free of cargo most of the time, but want to be able to carry heavy loads once in a while.
    • Bike trailers can often carry 100 lb (45 kg) or more and come in waterproof models or even models designed to carry specific cargo.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Getting a Special Cargo Bike

  1. Longtail bikes have an extended rear rack that can be modified with large panniers, crates, boxes, or even extra seats. Choose a longtail cargo bike if you want to be able to adapt it to suit a variety of cargo-carrying needs. [10]
    • Longtail cargo bikes often come with open-topped panniers, nets to secure cargo to the top, and optional handles or backrests.
    • A longtail cargo bike will cost you anywhere from $1000-$2000+ USD.
    • Keep in mind these types of cargo bikes are larger and harder to maneuver than regular bikes or some other types of cargo bikes.
  2. A utility bike is a standard bike but built with a heavier frame so it is able to support more weight. They’re easier to ride and maneuver than larger cargo bikes, while still being able to carry big loads.
    • Utility bikes also commonly have metal baskets or racks built onto their frames for out-of-the-box cargo-carrying capacity.
  3. Cycle trucks are about the same size and shape as a normal bike, but with a smaller front wheel. They have a built-in box or a platform in front of the handlebars for carrying cargo.
    • These are a good option when you want a cargo bike that is not too large or heavy, but still has room to carry cargo in front when you need to.
  4. Box bikes have a long wheel base at the front and a smaller front wheel. There is a boxy or flat cargo area in between the handlebars and the front wheel that sits low to the ground.
    • Box bikes are a good choice to carry deliveries around a city, such as grocery deliveries. They can even be used to create bicycle food carts.
    • Box bikes can get quite expensive, and cost from about $2500-$6000 USD.

    Tip : These types of cargo bikes are also known as Long Johns or Bakfiets.

  5. These are similar to box bikes, but with a third wheel at either the front or the back. They offer more stability and balance for carrying heavy loads at the front of the bike, but are harder to maneuver around corners. [11]
    • You can get fancier cargo tricycles that tilt when you go around corners so that they have closer to the same maneuverability as a normal bike.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there a way for me to carry a something like books and binders without a rack, but also not use a backpack or messenger bag as recommended? I can't afford to buy and wear something custom-made.
    Bruno Salcedo
    Community Answer
    You can use a basket or crate attached to your handlebars with string or zip-ties.
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      Tips

      • Bring an insulated bag or cooler to keep cold foods cold if you’re going grocery shopping. It can go in a pannier or basket.
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      • Any cargo increases your total weight. If you're trying to ride far or fast, or planning to do a lot of climbing, then keep your load as light as possible.
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      • Consult the employees at a bike shop for help selecting the right equipment and installing it correctly if you aren’t sure how to do it yourself.
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      Warnings

      • Make sure no straps, corners of bags, or other loose ends will interfere with your wheel, pedals, gears, or brakes.
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      • Always fasten your load securely. Use bungee cords or straps to secure things in place.
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      • If you are riding at night, make sure none of your lights are obscured by your cargo. You can get lights that attach to your cargo racks to make them more visible.
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      • Verify that you can balance and control your bike with whatever load you carry or attach before riding in traffic. Swinging or shifting loads can unbalance a bike, and heavy loads extending behind the seat or rear axle can cause the bike to fishtail.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://momentummag.com/how-to-carry-stuff-on-a-regular-bicycle/
      2. ↑ https://momentummag.com/how-to-carry-stuff-on-a-regular-bicycle/
      3. ↑ https://momentummag.com/how-to-carry-stuff-on-a-regular-bicycle/
      4. ↑ https://momentummag.com/how-to-carry-stuff-on-a-regular-bicycle/
      5. ↑ https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/250784
      6. ↑ https://momentummag.com/how-to-carry-stuff-on-a-regular-bicycle/
      7. ↑ https://momentummag.com/how-to-carry-stuff-on-a-regular-bicycle/
      8. ↑ https://off.road.cc/content/feature/13-of-the-best-ways-to-attach-gear-to-your-mountain-or-gravel-bike-for-shorter-to
      9. ↑ https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/250784
      1. ↑ https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/tips-resources/bike-friendly-communities/cargo-bike/
      2. ↑ https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/tips-resources/bike-friendly-communities/cargo-bike/

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