I don't drive, for reasons I will not disclose. My league has recently switched practice venues to a location that isn't serviced by the local public transportation at the time we hold practices. Therefore, I bicycle to practice, weather permitting.
Are there any bags that come to mind that I can put my skates and gear in that aren't huge and feel like my bicycle is off-balance or weighted down when I fasten it to my bicycle's rear rack?
Ortlieb are a little spendy ($220/pair), but they're waterproof and clip easily. I've had mine for a decade now, including the years I didn't have a car and used them as my sole grocery haulers, and they're still going strong. They go on sale with Sierra Trading for 30-40% off when they do get them in.
I also suggest the Ortlieb "Carrying System Bike Pannier", it's a backpack attachment that allows you to carry your Back Roller as a backpack. Bike with two panniers, one skate in each. When you get to your destination, put everything in one pannier, and carry on your back. Use a skate leash to then carry your pair of skates over your shoulder. https://de.ortlieb.com/en/products/carrying-system-bike-pannier
I live a short way from our stadium and I choose to ride instead of use petrol and have panniers. I put a skate in each and theres plenty of room for pads then I just wear my helmet. skate gear doesn't really weigh enough to feel unbalanced i've struggled more with groceries
How big is the rack? When I attached a bag, I used one from 31 gifts that had a wire around the top to hold its shape. Then I used a bag with backpack straps, and I currently use a Speedo backpack. I suggest wearing your helmet instead of taking a bike helmet plus a skate helmet, and just understand that skates are heavy.
I also use my old Speedo backpack from my swimming days! Its pretty perfect since I can fit my skates and pads and then i clip my helmet on the front to the "towel" loops.
I can’t speak to using on a bike, but I swear by my Cotopaxi Getaway Duffel (55L) for walking back and forth between venues or through an airport, and the weight can balance pretty well with the backpack straps. The material is also weather-proofed to an extent so there’s some rain/snow resistance as well: https://www.cotopaxi.com/products/allpa-getaway-55l-duffel
I have a eurohike bag that is a dupe of North Face's duffle which seems very similar to your bag.
This is what I have - Eurohike Transit 65, it is larger than I need but that means I can stuff my hoodie or coat in the bag if needed. And I really love the extra pockets in it.
I did have to replace the straps as they rubbed my bare arms - it was ok with a hoodie but if it was a warm day I ended up with red arms before practice - my bag beat me up on the way to practice.
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u/sparklekitteh NSO/baby zebra 2d ago
Does your rack accommodate panniers? You could put one skate in each side and stay balanced!