Our tips for shopping by bike

Thankfully for us everyday cyclists, there are many solutions out there! From baskets to towable trolleys to convertible carrier bags and panniers, there are plenty of tools and accessories for shopping by bike, and the practice becomes easy.

We tell you all about which equipment fits best depending on your needs. And the good news is that we offer all the gear you need.

Running big errands with carrier bags and panniers

The hardest part of shopping is carrying the goods from the supermarket to home. Without the right accessory, you quickly run into a headache. But then how can you improve your cycling when you're shopping?

If you decide to do substantial shopping, we recommend opting for carrier bags and panniers.

Opt for tote bags

With a bike tote bag, you can do your shopping by bike by going to your usual supermarket and filling the bags as you see fit and as you are used to doing. When you get to your bike: just clip them on and you're done! The bag attachments are very easy to use. They are specially designed not to tip over and an elastic band closes them for a better hold. This little elastic band is the accessory that makes the tote bag a must-have!

Our tip: choose two bags rather than one and distribute the weight equally on both sides of the bike. This way your bike will be more stable and your bike shopping bags won't interfere with your ride, ensuring better safety. Even better: if the weight is well distributed you will have better stability than usual and your wheels will be perfectly balanced! What more could you want?

Waterproof panniers

Weren't you convinced by the bike tote bags? And we agree, if it rains your groceries can get wet ... To alleviate this problem there are waterproof convertible bike carrier bags ideal for carrying a lot of stuff while ensuring their protection from the rain. And if you're ever unconvinced that you can bike in the rain, let us reassure you: you can bike whether it's raining, windy or snowing (but again, you need the right accessories and gear).

More aesthetically pleasing, too, the panniers allow you to move around in style and carry a large amount of gear. Everything is securely attached with strong, durable fasteners. Shopping by bike becomes child's play, in town or in the country. With panniers you ride safely as they can usually be attached via a small padlock.

Note also that panniers have many uses that go far beyond their role as a bike race bag! They can also be worn as a shoulder bag and can therefore replace your backpack and make it easier to carry your work tools. They also allow you to always have your cycling essentials with you: anti-theft device, rain cape, reflective waistcoat ... All without weighing down your back. Ideal.

Doing your extra shopping with a basket

Various basket sizes

Do you live two pedal strokes away from a city mini-mart and are used to doing extra shopping rather than big ones? And you think a pannier is too big for your needs? We suggest you opt for a bike basket to improve your commute.

Bike baskets come in all sizes and you'll be able to fit more or less inside depending on the model you choose, but it's the ideal solution for running small errands on your bike.

A basket can be fitted to the front or back of the bike and is usually made of metal, iron or sometimes woven wood. If you leave your bike outside at night, we recommend a metal or iron basket as these materials are more resistant to the vagaries of the weather. Wooden or rattan baskets will keep better if they stay dry.

Note, however, that if you opt for a conventional (and non-detachable) basket, you will need to use bags to carry your groceries once you arrive home (or even in the shop). If you want your basket to replace any other bags, you can use a detachable basket.

And beware! A basket does not allow you to carry heavy loads. It should be used sparingly for occasional shopping. On average, a basket can carry up to 8 kilos. Beyond that, you should opt for convertible panniers. Each need has its own equipment.

A detachable basket

The detachable basket can replace bicycle race bags, as you can attach and detach your basket as you wish and take it with you everywhere. Ideal for carrying small amounts and not getting cluttered with other bags. It's good for you and the planet: say goodbye to plastic bags!

How does a removable bike basket work? You attach a holder to your handlebars, which will not move once installed. When you need your basket you can attach it with a click and it also detaches easily with the appropriate fixings. No worries about the security of your basket, some mounts allow it to be locked with a small padlocked key.

So you carry it everywhere and you can keep it inside. So even if your bike sleeps outside and sometimes gets rained on, you can still opt for a woven wood or rattan basket and not worry about the longevity of your new best friend for bike shopping.

Refilling your shopping stock with a towable trolley

If baskets and panniers still aren't enough and you fancy shopping for several weeks, we advise you to opt for a towable trolley. Significantly larger than a pair of panniers, think of it as a bit of a bike trailer for errands, or as a replacement for a car trunk when you're on the move.

The good news is that with a bike shopping cart your stability won't be impacted. You can ride serenely without the risk of being destabilised because the trolleys have stable and wide wheels. In addition, it is impossible to detach it inappropriately thanks to its solid fixings.

Note, however, that the more you load your bike, the more you will have to force it forward. This is a detail not to be overlooked when travelling long distances.

We recommend the bike shopping trolley for those who like to do their shopping in one go, but think it's better to opt for lighter solutions if you only plan to use it to get to the supermarket. The more weight you tow, the more contact there is between you and the ground (with the trailer wheels) and the more difficult and tiring it will be to pedal, even in town.

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That's it! Now you know that shopping by bike is possible and you just need the right baskets, bags or trolleys to do it. Hopefully our tips will help you see things more clearly and make your next trip the best it can be. Depending on your needs and habits, you now know which solution to opt for to make your shopping more fluid and enjoyable and above all to leave the car in the cupboard.