The Bicycle Muse’s Top Tips: How to carry your stuff in style

Like many of us, I came back to cycling as an adult. I had cycled as a child but somewhere into my teenage years it was no longer relevant or cool. However living in London aged 26, it suddenly seemed like a really good idea again. My reasons for cycling were very different though. As a child I’d race around through muddy fields not caring what I looked like but as an adult it was a means of transport. I not only wanted to look elegant and ladylike but I needed to get my day to day belongings from A to B with me. Whether it was my laptop and work files, a change of clothes or groceries, I always seemed to have some stuff to carry.

Despite my best efforts to find bike panniers and bags that fitted in with my wardrobe, I found there were very few stylish options. My frustration and disappointment with the lack of choice lead me to launch my online business cyclechic.co.uk, selling stylish cycling accessories for modern women. Two years later we are delighted to have launched our sister site for the USA and Canada The Bicycle Muse. Our mission is to promote cycling a desirable mode of transport and encourage more women to take to two wheels.

Here’s our Top Tips for carrying your stuff on your bike in style…

1. Panniers -These are bags made specifically to fit on the back of your bike. All you need is a rack on the back of your bike. You can buy and get these fitted at most good bike shops.  (Not all racks fit all bikes so I would advise taking your bike into a shop if you are not 100% sure which fitting you need) A double pannier will lay across the rack and a single pannier will have hooks that clip on to the side of the rack.

Panniers are great because your bike takes the weight not you!   Single panniers are super practical for commuting as they simply unclip off your bike’s rack and double up as a bag for the day.

My favorite for work or a weekend trip to the farmers market are the Deluxe shopper panniers. These come in Lemon and Cherry pine, are wonderfully spacious, have a great vintage look, an inside pocket for your valuables and are waterproofed in case of a shower.

2. Purses and shoulder bags - A lot of regular bags will work well for cycling. The key features to look out for is an adjustable shoulder strap so you can put the bag across your shoulders freeing your hands. I also find that soft leather or canvas bags work well as they sit comfortably on your back and don’t swing forward as you cycle. We like Fjallraven’s vintage shoulder bag, pictured and Kate Sheridan Barrel bag.

Another brand to look out for who specialize in fashionable Purses and bags  you can attach to the your bike are Chicago based Po Campo. They have a Rack bag, a Handlebar bag and Bungee bag all come in wonderful colors and patterns and are made of waterproof canvas.

If you don’t want a bike specific bag, another great option is a Purse rack. This is a metal bracket that easily attached to the front of your bike. You simply pop your purse in and go and its a great low cost solution at only $30.

3. Basket -If you want to add some vintage charm to your bike a wicker basket it the answer. My favorites are the Nantucket baskets.  They are beautifully made and are easy to attach with 2 leather straps that buckle to your handle bags. The perfect size for your purse or a spot of shopping. Metal baskets can also look cute especially if you customize it with a pretty liner from couture cruiser.  And if you are worried about your belonging getting damaged in the rain we rather like the Dorothy cover from Irish designer Georgia in Dublin which doubles up as a visibility aid for night cycling.