Sunlite QRS Commuter XP Trunk Bag + Panniers

Sunlite QRS Commuter XP Trunk Bag on a Green Zone Folding Bike

National Bike to Work Month is in May but for some of us, it is a year round celebration... well sort of.  When our bicycle is set up properly and we have everything we need on board, it can be wonderful.  In other words when you have a plan, you can relax and know that your commute is pretty much covered from minor equipment repairs and rainy weather to medical emergencies.

So to make sure you can stick with the program for a week or even a month trial of bicycle commuting, consider upgrading your bike bags now.  There will be quite a few warm days that you can try out your new setup before hitting the road in earnest.  I was looking for a more structured rear trunk to replace the old Trek Bag I currently use.  I saw Sunlite Bags at a local bike shop and was really impressed with the aerodynamic lines and compact design.  I like neat bike bags with a bit of shape, not the "sausages" you see on the touring bikes headed for the Appalachians.  We plan on doing that later just not with a folding bike!

Sunlite Commuter Bag with Panniers down

Sunlite QRS Commuter XP Trunk Bag


This trunk offers the sleekness of a hardshelled case with the option of expanding the side pouches by lowering them down into panniers.  These side panniers are large enough for an extra change of clothes, food. drinks, etc.  There is even a plastic hook at the bottom of the bag to anchor it to your rack for extra stability.

As these panniers are smaller than the yellow AngleTech TechWind Panniers (photographed for size comparison), you don't have the problem with kicking during your pedal strokes.  The main compartment of the trunk itself is also expandable with a Bungee cord tie down strap on top.  An easy to access zip pouch in the rear gives you a place for money, keys, tissues or anything else you want to have handy.  This rear accessory pocket also has a light strap so you can clip on a blinky (pictured is our cool Portland Design Works Danger Zone Tail Light).
  
The bag itself is made of water resistant 660 denier polyester with large, highly reflective 3-H trim all around. The zippers are self sealing so if you get caught in the rain as I have with this bag, the contents will stay dry.  Some of my other trunks, (Detours D2R Trunk Bag) and panniers come with rain covers which would most likely fit this rear trunk but I think you would be fine without one.  Best of all is when the Panniers are not needed, they stow away but if you need extra space, you have it.  So many times I've said, "I just need a few things from Target" only to roll out with a shopping cart full of stuff.  Having expandable cargo space like this increases the usability of your bike, making you more likely to take it for short errands and shopping trips.

This particular Sunlite Commuter Bag model (#97087) has the QRS or Quick Release System which is a clip on bicycle luggage set up.  The QRS spring elements in the bottom of the bag allow you to clip it on and off the rack and carry it with the strap which is included.  So you will need to purchase a QRS carrier compatible with this system to utilize it fully.  The bottom of the trunk itself is hard-cased which is good to protect your belongings, but personally would have liked a slightly softer, more rubbery material so the bag would be more secure and quieter on the rack BUT this might not be the case if I used the matching QRS carrier. To remedy this, I placed a chamois mitt between the carrier and the bag so now it rides snug and quietly.   (Note: I don't have the QRS Carrier/Rack System for this bag.  I added elastic straps to the bag and am using the original rear rack that came with the Green Zone Folding Bike).


Pack Your Bags!  I've dumped out my rear trunk so you can see what's in mine.

Commuting or just tooling around?  I take along:

Montane Lite-Speed Jacket breathable, water and wind resistant, (packs neatly into a hacky-sack like ball with carabiner).  A change of clothes, top & pants is a good idea too.

Adventure SOL Medical / Survival Kit has everything for medical emergencies, gear repair and being comfortable until help arrives.  Cable ties, duct tape, aspirin, bandages, a fire starter.  The works!

Extra tissues and handkerchiefs.  I store and separate them in zip lock bags.

Mission Skincare SPF 15 Lip Balmer.

Insulated Klean Kanteen in a PDW Bar-ista holder.

CatEye Tora Outdoor Light allows you to see and be seen if you have to do repairs or walk your bike.

Extra food and water.  We like Insulated Klean Kanteens for keeping food and drinks HOT for up to 6 hours.  If you break down or bonk, warm up with that hot coffee you've got in your Portland Design Works Bar-ista cup holder.  (See Hot Food & Drinks to Go)


The main thing is to be prepared for common things like flats but also not so common events like injuries and fatigue.  Always have a charged cell with you and put ID inside your helmet.  You can start bike commuting by doing your local errands in good weather.  This will give you confidence while easing you into the raging bike commuter you want to be by May. 

So what are some bike comfort essentials you can't leave home without?  Coffee, snacks, Jack Daniels (oh wait)?

Bike Lights & Reflective Wear

On the NYC Bike Path: CatEye's latest & brightest tail light, the TL-LD 1100 & Portland Design Work's Danger Zones both clip onto bikes, backpacks, panniers and jackets for optimum day & night visibility.

Danger Zones clip on easily to your gear or bike

Fall outdoor activities mean cooler weather but also less light due to rainy conditions and shorter days.  You really want to make sure to be seen on the roadways when you take your morning jog or bicycle ride/commute.

One of the best ways to do that is to mount very bright lights on yourself if you're walking or your bicycle if you're riding.  The two that I showed in the film were some of the best and brightest I've found.  CatEye's TD-LD 1100 Tail Light and the Danger Zone lights from Portland Design Works.  Each offers a choice of three operating modes which include flashing and steady but the PDW Danger Zone has this crazy "A-Ha!" sequence that is just soooo cool!  Better still they are both rain resistant and these LED's are SUPER bright even during the day.

CatEye's TD-LD 1100 LED Tail Light

PDW's Danger Zones on a Basil Basket

The toe & heel of the Synchro Guide has reflective details.

Needless to say, clothing and bags with built in reflective strips are going to be very important in low light situations. Terry Precision Cycling has a clothing line with pieces that have reflective accents on them.  Terry's new Signal Hoodie has reflective right & left sleeves and is a bright red.


I like to make sure that my performance shoes have light reflectors as well and my Pearl Izumi Synchro Guide and Sperry Topsider SB-1070 running shoes both have large light sensitive panels for high visibility.

NEW!  Terry's Signal Hoodie is bright and easy to spot on the road.  Plus the left and right sleeves are reflective. Reflective Backpacks are available from DontGetHit.com.

Really, there's no excuse to go out without proper lights either on yourself or your bike.  New York City law requires a bike to have both a working head and tail light when riding at night. You'll find most other cities have the same restrictions.

I've found one website operated by Bright Ideas that offers very affordable lights for walking, running and cycling.  Below is their Planet Bike dupe, a really great 3 watt Rechargeable LED Bicycle Headlight.  It has high & low beam plus flashing that can be seen for over a mile away even during the daytime. At night, you will feel safe on even the darkest roads.  You can also add extra visibility by wearing a reflective vest, backpack or shoulder straps found at Don't Get Hit.

We're all trying to stay healthy.  If we use lights and reflective wear, we can extend our cross training time into the night.  That, for many of us is precious since our days are often packed with other responsibilities that eat up our time.  This is one way to be safer out there so you can come home. 

Rechargeable LED Headlight from Bright Ideas

NYC Bike Path Film

This is our completed film project on the New York City Bike Path featuring skater-bike commuter, Moira North of The Ice Theatre of New York and work from fashion designer Carlossee of Lumpkin Cycle Works.  

Take a look at how savvy New Yorkers use their bike lanes & Greenways for exercise, transportation and recreation.  Also included are some great folding bike ideas and accessories for vacation, travel and trips.  The New York City Bike Path offers so much to extreme cross-trainers and you will see a diverse group of athletes and health minded locals using it to the full.  Enjoy!