OK, so bikes don't exactly have a trunk, a glove box, extra seats, roof rack, or even cupholders to carry all your extra stuff. Fortunately, you can add storage space with some relatively easy upgrades.

1. Add a rear rack

The most effective way to add storage space to a bike is to add a rear rack. In fact, a rear rack is a required add-on for a number of other upgrades that you may choose to do later on. All of Rebel Cycles' bikes come with a rack, but if your bike doesn't have one they are very easy to find. All bike shops and most sports stores and department stores will carry rear racks.

There are two types of racks, those that attach onto the seatpost (diamond frame bikes only), and those that bolt onto the frame itself. Avoid the seatpost racks if you can, as these are not nearly as strong as the ones that attach to the bike's frame. There may be an additional cost, but it's totally worth it.

A rear rack will allow you to attach a trunk bag, panniers, or a host of other oddly-shaped items with the help of a few bungee cords.

2. Add a trunk bag

Once you have a rear rack installed, you can attach a trunk bag to it. Trunk bags are usually about the length and width of the rack itself, and have enough capacity to hold a lunch, some tools and a little more. Usually a trunk bag is all you need for a half day of riding (not including water storage), or for commuting to work, if you don't need to bring a change of clothes. Trunk bags can be found at bike shops, online, and in many department store bike sections.

3. Add a set of panniers

Need more storage than a trunk bag can provide? Get a set of panniers. Panniers are simply bags that hang down either side of your bike. Most will attach to the rear rack, but some specialized models will hang down between the front and rear wheels (recumbents only), and others will attach over the front wheel (usually diamond frame bikes only). There are cheap panniers and there are expensive ones, so how do you choose which one to get?

It comes down to what you will be using the pannier for. If you just need it to carry your lunch and a few tools, then you don't need anything fancy. However, if you are planning to go bike camping, you'll need something sturdy, spacious and probably waterproof, too. If you'd like to do grocery shopping on your bike, get a pannier that is big enough for a week's worth of shopping for two people.

Here are some things to look for when shopping for a pannier:

• Material strength: Better panniers will use heavy duty ripstop nylon or other strong fabrics, similar to what's used on good suitcases. They also use thicker, wider straps. Stronger materials will promote a longer life from the panniers.
• Seams: Stronger panniers have two, three or even four stitched seams in critical areas. When carrying heavy loads, strong seams will prevent the pannier from tearing open.
• Zippers and buckles: Look for big zippers and big buckles. Often the zippers and buckles are supporting some of the weight of the items you're carrying. You don't want the zippers to fail and spill your stuff all over the road!
• Waterproofness: Truly waterproof panniers utilize waterproof fabrics, covered or waterproof zippers, and waterproof seams to keep the elements out. If any of these three are missing, then there is a chance that water may still get in. If you don't ride in the rain, then at least get waterproof material, in case you happen to ride through puddles or sprinklers.
• Compression relief: Larger panniers should have compression relief straps, that take the pressure off the zippers when the pannier is loaded with gear.
• Extra pockets: Many panniers will have extra zippered pockets for storing tools and other small items separately from the main compartment.
• Shape: Several manufacturers make recumbent-specific bags, that take advantage of the recumbent's sloped seat. These bags will be more elongated and attach either partially or completely to the seat itself.
• Size: If you ride a bike with a 20" rear wheel (usually recumbents only), then make sure the pannier you choose will not touch the ground.
• Transportability: Some panniers are designed to be easily removed and carried around like a duffle bag or suitcase. If you anticipate that you will need to remove your panniers often, look out for this feature.

4. Add a bike trailer

Panniers don't provide enough storage space? Need to carry something that's a bit bigger? Add a bike trailer. A trailer will let you carry a lot of groceries, camping equipment, parcels, and just about anything else that will fit. There are a few different models available, in varying sizes and configurations. Some attach to the seatpost, and other attach to the rear axle. Recumbent riders will have to stick to the ones that attach to the rear axle.

Aside from where they attach, you will notice that trailers are usually available with either one or two wheels. Choose a trailer with one wheel if you need something that's a little narrower. Be aware that part of the weight of the load you're carrying will be supported by the rear axle on your bike. Choose a trailer with two wheels if you plan on carrying heavier loads, as the load will ideally be supported mostly by the trailer itself.

If the trailer will be used heavily, get one that is very sturdy, with spoked wheels and a welded frame, instead of one that is bolted together. The point where the trailer attraches to your bike should also be very sturdy, with a safety mechanism that prevents accidental detachment.

5. Extra frame mounted bags

Manufacturers have found lots of places to attach extra bags to a bicycle frame.

• There are dozens of different seat bags for diamond frame bikes. These little bags attach underneath the seat, and have enough space for a few choice tools and maybe a snack or some energy gels.
• Recumbents with hardshell seats can also use seat bags, that slide over the top of the seat. These often have enough space for a full lunch.
• Frame-mounted bags, designed to strap onto a bicycle frame in a number of diferent places, can also hold a few odds and ends within easy reach of the rider.

6. Water storage

Most bikes will have one or more threaded holes, to which you can attach a water bottle holder. For any rides longer than half an hour, you may start feeling parched and will need to drink something! It's important to stay hydrated while riding, so bring enough water. Your body will require about one litre (about 32 ounces) of water for every hour of sustained effort. Bring more than that if it's hot out, bring less if you're riding at an easier pace. A typical water bottle holds between 500mL and 750mL, so one bottle is good for 30 to 45 minutes of riding.

If you need to carry more water, you can either carry more water bottles in a trunk bag or pannier, or you can invest in a hydration pack. A hydration pack is usually worn as a backpack, or is attached to the bike's frame. Recumbent riders will have to use the frame-mounted option. One of these packs will hold two or three litres of water, enough for three hours of riding.

7. Backpacks

For diamond frame riders only, a backpack is a cheap and easy way to transport a lunch, some books, or some tools wherever you're going. They're great for short rides, but not recommended for long rides. Eventually, a backpack will start to hurt your shoulders, and your back will probably get pretty sweaty. A trunk bag or small pannier may be a better alternative in this case.

Recommendations....

When choosing the ideal amount of storage space for your bike, it's always best to decide exactly how much you need to carry, and attach enough storage for that amount. If you're riding to the coffee shop for breakfast, you don't need 70L of panniers. Conversely, if you're planning to ride 200km and then camp out for the night, you'll need more than a trunk bag and a backpack. Here are some suggestions for a few common activities:

Commuting to work: A trunk bag for lunch and tools. If you need to ride far or are expected to wear a shirt and tie, use a pannier to transport a change of clothes. For more info on commuting by bike, click here.

Short rides: For distances between 1 and 25km, all you need is a seat bag or trunk bag. Basically, enough space to transport a basic set of tools and maybe a snack. You may or may not need a bottle of water, depending on how far your're going, and how hot it is.

Medium rides: For distances between 25 and 75km, you'll need to transport a larger set of tools, a bit more food, and more water. You'll probably be able to fit everything in a single trunk bag, with water carried separately in bottles or a hydration pack.

Long rides: For day-long rides, you'll need enough space to carry all the food you will need, extra water, and tools. You may need a pannier by this point.

Bike camping: Planning to stay overnight somewhere? You'll need a lot more gear! Panniers are a must by this point, and you may even need a trailer. Definitely check out some websites on bike camping for great advice on what to bring, and the best way to transport it.

Shopping: A trunk bag will be enough if you're just going out for a CD or other small item. However, if you plan to carry a week's worth of groceries, you'll need a big set of panniers or even a trailer. You probably won't be able to bring home that 36-pack of toilet paper, but food for two or three people won't be a problem. Make sure you pack fragile items, such as eggs and soft fruits and veggies at the top, so they aren't crushed.

A bike ride with the kids: Your kids may be able to carry their own water bottle, but not much else. For one thing, their bikes aren't big enough for most racks or panniers! So, you'll have to carry their gear and food for them. Know beforehand how far you plan to ride, and how much food they will need to keep them going.

Pets: Many bike trailers are big enough to hold a pet carrier. You can safely transport anything up to a small dog in a pet carrier if you need to.

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This article is copyright Rebel Cycles, 2006.