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<\/a><\/p>\nAfter a long summer of recovery from strained backs and shoulders, it’s time once again to load up with books, musical instruments, and gym clothes.\u00a0Heavy loads are often unavoidable for students, but\u00a0this doesn’t preclude safe commuting!<\/p>\n
Rules of thumb for carrying heavy or awkward cargo to school (or work).<\/p>\n
1. Lower is better.<\/strong> 2. Spread the weight out evenly.<\/strong> 3. Keep the weight behind you. <\/p>\n There are some students who are unable to fit standard pannier racks to their bikes, however. Whether riding a bike that isn’t pannier compatible, or needing their bike to be unencumbered for school activities like a bike club, storage solutions are needed that don’t require a pannier rack. Topeak’s Bikepacking series of bags is particularly helpful here. The BackLoader<\/a> bag comes in a 10L carrying capacity, and features a pull-out waterproof inner back ideal for clothing, school lunches, and smaller books. With the liner removed, the bag can also carry musical instruments, or up to 17 pounds of additional cargo.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While carrying these bags is a simple process, installation\u00a0on your bike should be conducted by your local LTP Sports dealer<\/a> to ensure that the bike is as safe as possible. It’s also a great opportunity to get an end-of-summer tune-up! From all of us at LTP Sports, we wish you a safe and enjoyable school year.<\/p>\n
\nWhen transporting heavy loads, consider that a lower center of gravity will be easier to control. Instead of using a backpack, a pair of pannier bags, like Axiom’s Seymour Oceanweave 35+<\/a>\u00a0will keep the extra weight from affecting balance or momentum on the bike.<\/p>\n
\nBalance is key here. Especially when carrying large or awkward cargo, ensuring that the bike doesn’t get overloaded on one side will help the rider stay safe and in control. Axiom’s Monsoon Hydracore 45+<\/a> panniers are large enough to fit most musical instruments with room to spare, so that weight can be distributed evenly on both sides of the bike.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong> While front panniers are a great way to carry additional items (and are favourites of long-distance touring riders, who need to carry as much cargo as possible), the additional weight on the front of the bike can affect handling. A set of large panniers behind the rider are the safest way to carry extra weight without it affecting the handling of the bike.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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