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Folding bikes are great for travel, but are often a bit less capable of carrying loads than a dedicated touring bike. This resource will help you find out the different ways you can carry luggage on your folding bike… there are actually more options than you think.
Front Rack and Panniers
Most 20-24” folding bikes can cater for a front rack. These mount at two points on the fork, typically at the end of the fork legs and at the crown. This setup will allow you to use two panniers with a total weight of between 10kg (Tern, Dahon) and 22kg (Bike Friday).
Rear Rack and Panniers
Again, most 20-24” folding bikes can cater for a rear rack. These mount from near the rear dropout and up to the top of the seat stay. Rear racks can carry two panniers and a rack-pack bag to a maximum capacity of 25kg. When you carry weight on the rear of the bike it has less of an effect on the bike’s steering, than on the fork. You can also mount racks/panniers to 16″ folders, but the bags tend to drag when cornering given the lack of clearance – it’s simply not recommended.
Luggage Truss (Tern, Dahon)
Tern and Dahon Bikes come with a ‘luggage socket’ on the front on their frames. This low-capacity luggage solution (7kg max) is excellent because when you load it up, it doesn’t affect the bikes steering at all; you can even ride your bike around corners without your hands on the bars!
My favourite setup has been using the Kanga Rack and an Ortlieb pannier on its side. This 100% waterproof setup is easy to take on/off the luggage truss, and while you’re riding along bumpy roads it’s super secure.
There are a number of different ways to utilise the socket:
– Klickfix handlebar bag
– Klickfix basket
– Tern Kanga Rack and any bag you like
– Tern Kanga Rack and a 31L drybag
– Tern Kanga Rack and a pannier
Postrack + Bag
Some people with light loads will prefer the PostRack system with a Biologic Commute bag. Clamp the rack onto the seatpost, connect your bags and go.
CrossRack / Extenders
Another light load mounting option is the Xootr CrossRack which can take one pannier and will mount from either your handlepost or seatpost. This is especially good for folding bikes that lack luggage sockets or any rack mounts. It will also allow you to use a pannier that you may already own.
Klickfix makes a similar product called the Extender with Handlebar Adapter. You can use this adapter with any of the Klickfix accessories, such as the Vario rack or handlebar bag.
Carrier Block (Brompton)
The carrier block by Brompton is annoyingly a different size to what is offered by Tern/Dahon, although people have modified these blocks to fit all styles of folding bike. Like the socket, luggage weight is carried by the frame itself, which doesn’t affect the steering of the bike. The Brompton block has an exceptional carrying capacity (10-15kg), as well as lots of luggage options available too.
Note: Brompton’s 16″ wheels are too small for traditional racks and panniers
Here are some carrier block luggage options:
– Brompton bags (up to 31L capacity)
– Brompton folding basket
– Brompton Carrying Frame + any bag you like
– Kinetics front rack for two panniers
– Twin pannier mount (custom)
– Brompton Carrying Frame + front pannier (there’s an upright pannier hack too)
Brompton Rear Rack and Hiking Pack
Many people have made custom kits to attach their hiking packs to the back of their Bromptons. This allows you to have everything all in one bag that is easy to carry.
Brompton Rear Rack with Pannier
A Brompton can carry a pannier on the top of its rack. You’ll need to move the pannier clips inwards and use a strap to keep it down, but it seems to work surprisingly well. Have a closer look at ShaneCycles for mounting instructions.
Bikepacking Bags
The lightest weight option available is using bikepacking bags.
These bags strap onto your seatpost and handlebars, providing a small amount of space for an overnight trip. Check out the following bikepacking bag brands for more: Revelate, Adipura, AlpKit, Bike Bag Dude, Oveja Negra, Blackburn.
Trailers
Trailers can be a great solution for folding bikes.
They take the weight off the bike and allow you to move your luggage around when you get to your destination. There are even folding trailers available from companies like Burley. If you’re carrying more than 10-15kg and you have a budget-folding bike, I recommend using a trailer, as it will put less strain on your bike. Look for trailers that are 16-20″ compatible.
I used dahon racks on my Langtu with custom made front bag truss
I’m a massive fan of the Xootr Cross Rack on my Bike Friday Silk Rohloff. It takes front or rear panniers (or anything you can cam strap to it). They’re designed for the front stem on adult scooter, but play nice with the front and rear stems on folding bikes. Very easy to fit or remove (fully or partially). Excellent for retro fitting if you didn’t buy a rack that fits your folder at purchase time.
The CrossRack looks great – I’ll add it into the list of options!
On the road from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Jan ’15. The rack has two parts (rack, mount) which join via two tubes of slightly different diameters. Secured with a connection pin. Very easy to remove the rack if not needed, but without needing to remove the mounting bracket. Not as nice as a Rixen & Kaul KlikFix, but still elegant.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/a6duitfzy3mb28k/2015-01-12%2012.01.08-1.jpg?dl=0
I mounted a full-size Axiom Journey adjustable rear rack and a cheap calliper-mounted front rack on my Breezer. It carried me through my last vacation with ease. Honestly the best ride I’ve ever had.
https://instagram.com/p/6eK1Lwky-a/
What brand of front rack on this bike?
I would assume it is the Dahon Traveller Front Rack. http://www.usa.dahon.com/mainnav/foldingbikeaccessories1/foldingbikeracks0.html
Dahon one
i used brompton c bag on my dahon vigor
This is how we cycled Cuba with two loaded folding bikes.
More photos at http://www.cyclepeter.com/cycling-cuba-photos/
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This is excellent. I already have ortlieb panniers and was looking for a way to use one on my Brompton rather than buying another waterproof bag. Is it easier enough to fix to the Brompton carry frame? Presumably the carry frame needs to come off when folding the bike up? Many thanks
Hatty
Thanks much for the great list of options.
To the “Carrier Block (Brompton)” section, you might want to add this new solution for Dahon/Tern users that someone came up with on BikeForums. It sits between the lug and the Brompton block:
http://www.bikeforums.net/19286784-post112.html
Alee, I think you have incorrectly captioned the trailer photo above. The one on the left, if i am not mistaken, is the outstanding Dutch made Radical Designs Cyclone trailer with touring bag, not a Burley.
I have been abusing my Cyclone for a number of years and just can’t seem to kill it: 90kg of fruit n veg and a log of teak are two examples. I have a large wicker basket on mine that is big enough to fit females too lazy or to drunk to walk home.
Two wheeled trailers with single hitch to the rear hub work particularly well with folders as the small rear wheel turns inside the hitch without fouling the hitch bar, a definite problem with the Cyclone when used with 700c wheels..
You’re right. All fixed. Great to hear you’re having success with your Cyclone!
Great article. As a student, I’ve been looking everywhere for a way to attach my school backpack to the Brompton front block. Or a rack on the front block. Is there any solution for this anywhere?!? I don’t want to have to buy a new bag! I just want to roll up to my class, pull my backpack off the bike and toss it on my back, then fold up my bike and go. There’s gotta be a way! Please advise.
Brompton Folding Basket with your bag sitting in it?
Yeah looking like thats the solution but only if my usually full school backpack (Osprey Radial 34) fits into the Brompton Folding Basket. Thank you!
Actually I think I found THE solution! Looks like I’ll hafta try it out: https://www.vaude.com/en-GB/Products/Inspirations/Commuting/Cycle-28
Xootr also makes an aluminum variety of the Swift Folder, and the CrossRack was designed for both the scooter and folding bike. That’s why it adapts well to other folding bikes.
super photos on your blog.
Another trailer, if you can find one.. Carry Freedom – City.. cleverly folds flat within it’s frame,
sling bag that goes in the frame, pops out to wear.. over you shoulder
but bag , in the trailer, you can lay the folded Brompton on top of it, and tow the trailer by hand,
maybe running the length of the platform to get to your car on the commuter train.. ?
and once folded trailer has wheels on the back edje to ease its fit between back-to-back seats..
..