Have you ever considered doing your shopping by bike? At first glance, it might look a bit complicated. What with the heavy loads to carry and sometimes long distances to cover, your mind is soon made up: it’ll be by car, public transport or home delivery!
And yet... for your weekly shop, you’re tempted to take the bike. And with good reason: you have a bike and are perhaps already using it for the daily commute. All it would take is... the right equipment! Are you wondering what gear to pick for doing your shopping by bike? Bag, trailer, trolley or cargo bike: we help you make the best choice!
Why opt to do your shopping by bike?
Don’t worry: there’s nothing complicated about doing your shopping by bike! It all boils down to the equipment you use.
If you’re already a cyclist (whether urban, rural, sporting, occasional, etc.), you don’t need to be told that cycling in the rain can be either fun or an ordeal, depending on the quality of the gear you’re using.
The same goes for shopping by bike! Generally speaking, without the right equipment, cycling is not as much fun. And yet commuting by bike, going on weekend bike rides or even doing your shopping by bike is not only good for your health, it’s good for the environment.
In town especially, going by bike saves you time. You avoid traffic jams, the impossible hunt for a parking space, and the vagaries of public transport!
Today there is such a vast array of cycling equipment that everyone can find what they need or want. So... now’s the time to take the plunge!
The bike basket or bags for small, everyday purchases
Are you a one- or two-person household accustomed to shopping in your neighbourhood shops? If so, you might already be in the habit of “top-up shopping”.
Several times a week, you duck to the shops for whatever you need, no more, no less!
If that’s you, two items of bike equipment are probably all you need:
a basket attached to your handlebars or your rear luggage rack;
one or two bike bags, generally attached to your rear luggage rack.
✅ The advantages of the bike basket and the bike bag
Convenience: the basket and the bags are fastened to the bike. When packed with a reasonable load, they won’t affect your stability. These bags can also be used when you’re not going by bike.
The cost: these solutions are very affordable by comparison with others. For a basket and a set of two basic bags, budget for at least €50.
Storage: Baskets and bags can either stay on the bike or be easily stored at home. Some very handy models are also insulated!
✖️ The disadvantages
The load and volume that can be carried: a front basket cannot hold more than a 5 to 7 kg load without running the risk of throwing the bike off balance when ridden. Rear bags and baskets can carry a slightly heavier load, determined by your luggage rack’s maximum load (from 10 kg to over 25 kg). Even so, both of these items can transport only relatively small volumes (15 to 20 L).
Versatility: bike baskets and bags are purpose-designed for transporting your gear by bike. However they are not very convenient for taking with you into shops or at a market, particularly if you’re carrying heavy items.
The cargo bike for transporting heavy loads
In recent years, the cargo bike has made a splash on entering the bicycle market.
Designed specifically with families and bike-logistics professionals in mind, it falls into two categories: Longtails with a lengthier rear luggage rack, and cargo bikes with a crate at the front.
Cargo bikes, while on-trend and versatile, are not for everyone. On the other hand, if you’re planning to buy one to transport your kids, your pet or your work gear, bear in mind that this type of bike will also be perfect for doing your shopping!
✅ The advantages of a cargo bike for doing your shopping
The volume and load that can be carried: the least we can say is that a cargo bike provides a lot of space. With a longtail, you can add two large-capacity bags (carrying around 30 to 50 L or 15 kg per bag). More than enough to hold your weekly shop.
Versatility: apart from your shopping, you can use your cargo bike to carry your children, your pet, your DIY or gardening tools, etc.
✖️ The disadvantages
The space factor: the space needed to park a cargo bike can be a downside (especially if you don’t have your own garage). Sometimes the hoops and other bike parking fixtures provided near shops can’t accommodate large bikes.
The available space: families often find that, once the children are seated, there’s little or no room left for the shopping.
The size of the bike: while cargo and longtail bikes are handy for transporting heavy loads, they’re less so when it comes to the daily bike commute with no kids or cargo.
The cost: this type of bike, which is mostly an electric bike, is very expensive. The bike’s maintenance costs and the cost of suitable equipment also have to be factored into the final price.
The bike trailer and/or shopping trolley for versatility
If any item of bike equipment looks set to create a buzz in coming years, it’s undoubtedly the trailer.
Cargo trailer or trolley: this accessory is like adding a car boot to your bike! It’s the perfect solution for doing your shopping by bike.
The cargo trailer for maximum load capacity
The bike cargo trailer is generally attached to your rear wheel axle. You can use it to carry your shopping, parcels, small items of furniture or even your pet.
✅ The advantages of the cargo trailer
The payload capacity: Alongside the cargo bike, the trailer lets you carry heavier loads. Depending on the model, the volume can top 100 L. As for the weight, you can easily transport over 40 kg of shopping.
Versatility: a cargo trailer is not confined to doing the shopping. It adapts to the job in hand, be that carrying heavy parcels or touring by bike
Use of the bike on its own: a bike trailer is easy to hook up and detach as required. When you don’t need it, it stays home, giving you greater latitude for route-planning!
✖️ The disadvantages
The space requirement: depending on the model, cargo trailers can be voluminous and take up a lot of space. Manoeuvring with a trailer is not as easy as with bike bags, especially in urban areas.
Using the trailer on foot: some trailers have a trailer coupler that lets you tow it behind you on foot. However, the trailer’s manoeuvrability remains limited and not particularly convenient in crowded spaces (such as your supermarket).
The weight: some trailers are heavy and can be difficult to tow. In any case, if you’re planning to do your weekly shop by bike, you could consider buying an e-bike.
Manoeuvrability: Trailers are rarely capable of going up stairs.
The shopping trolley for convenience
The shopping trolley for bikes, which is often lighter than the trailer, is usually hitched to your bike’s seat post. You can use it to transport your shopping, of course, but also small to medium-sized parcels.
✅ The advantages of the shopping trolley
Manoeuvrability: on roads and tracks, they’re easy to steer and your bike retains its manoeuvrability.
Load capacity: this type of trailer has a very large capacity (around 50 L) and transports up to 25/30 kg of shopping.
Adaptability: unlike a trailer, the trolley can easily be converted into a shopping trolley. At the market or in a supermarket, just pull it along behind you. Steps are no longer a problem.
Versatility: on foot or by bike, and regardless of the distance, take your trolley with you !
✖️ The downside
The load capacity: there is less available space than on a trailer. If you buy multiple packs of bottled water, for example, your trolley will soon be full.
The ODILO shopping trolley makes shopping by bike easier
Are you interested in doing your shopping by bike, but not keen on weighing yourself down with a bulky trailer? The ODILO shopping trolley is light, compact and versatile.
It can be hitched up or unhitched in a matter of seconds and replaces your shopping trolley at a market or supermarket! It climbs stairs and fits into any lift!
🍒 Best of all, our trolley also converts into a cargo bike trailer, making it the perfect solution for transporting the occasional larger parcel. This handy but space-saving solution folds in a jiffy and can be stored anywhere, from the entry cupboard to underneath your sofa!
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