Street parking commuter set up

[cwah]

Hello there,

Due to my current job situation, there are many times I can't park my bike inside the office. So I have to leave it outside the whole day and it seriously worry me.

I've been thinking through for a while, and I think I've found the right set up.

1. Get a super cheap commuter bike. This one cost 50£:

Waterproof the bike as it'll be out while raining:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0017RKDF2/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Option 1 - Handlebar mount:
Get a kickflix handlebar mount (max load 7kg):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rixen-Kaul-KLICKFIX-Bracket-for-Handlebars-LOCKABLE-/190498116050?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item2c5a9291d2

Mount it with a professional looking (I can't go to work with a backpack) commuter bag:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Looxs-Messenger-Shoulder-Pannier/dp/B00BQKZ45O/ref=sr_1_37?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1400931538&sr=1-37&keywords=bike laptop bag

Issue is that handling wouldn't be that great with 8kg on the front.


Option 2 - Rack mount:
Get a strong rear rack:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Aluminum-QR-QD-Mountain-Bike-Bicycle-Black-Rear-Carrier-Rack-Seat-Post-/111296481745?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item19e9c989d1

Get a professional type bag:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dussel-Professional-Cabin-Backpack-Bag/dp/B00DP3QK4O/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Same issue as previously with motor and bag weight on the back.

Inside the bag - 8kg charge:
- My laptop, charger, and accessories (2kg)
- 5kg 18650 battery with BMS. Probably 80*NCR18650A cells
- Add a 48V fanless charger in the bag so colleague won't be pissed off by the noise:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-54-6V-2A-charger-for-48V-NCM-Lithium-Li-ion-battery-pack-of-ebike/653267636.html

Then add either Xiondga 2 speed motor or a Cute100H to the bike. Controller would be hidden below the crankset.


I'm hesitating between carrying the bag on the front, or on the rear... Rear seems better for heavy weight although I'd need to find a quick release system.

 

[Geebee]

Topeak do a QR rear bag and rack system.
Why not do a simple low powered small folder and take it in? any other method will be less secure.

 

[cwah]

Topeak do a QR rear bag and rack system.
Why not do a simple low powered small folder and take it in? any other method will be less secure.

If it was possible I would have done that. Every time I have a new contract I go to a different office. Some accept bikes, others do not. One of my previous contract no bikes were allowed and everybody was parking their bikes outside.

It's a bit like in the supermarkets. Some would accept your folded bike. Other would just ask you not to go inside with it..

 

[cwah]

Ok, I've been thinking for a while, I think I'm decided. I'm going to get this box:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ryde-17l-Small-Motorcycle-Top/dp/B00CJC5E8U/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2VS4NLQ29SZMD


Why this box? Because there are LOAD of constraints in my journey and only this one fits all of them:
- It's fully waterproof
- It's thief proof because it's hard case. So I don't have to go everywhere with a bag to feel safe
- There is a quick release to take it with me to charge the battery home. (or at work)
- It's big enough to fit 5kg battery, a charger and my laptop + few other things.
- I can have my laptop bag inside this box and take it out from work


Any other suggestions? Or is it good to go?

 

[flecc]

Does the quick release mean a thief could take the whole box?

 

[cwah]

Quick release is locked by key!

Same as the aluminium battery with quick release.

A lot of scooter top box have this feature. I suppose it should be somewhat safe

 

[flecc]

That's good cwah, probably the best way ahead now.

 

[trex]

can your box be mounted on somthing like this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Cycle-Bike-HEAVY-DUTY-Rear-Pannier-Luggage-Rack-Carrier-25kg-24-26-28-/131182340912

 

[cwah]

It probably need to be adapted somehow. But I don't think it should be too hard to mount it to bike rear rack?

It's 2 steel bar with bolt to mount:

 

[cwah]

Found this for cheap:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/niceEshop-Motorbike-Security-Bicycle-Bike-Black/dp/B00DTMNRRY/ref=pd_cp_sg_0

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Found this for cheap:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/niceEshop-Motorbike-Security-Bicycle-Bike-Black/dp/B00DTMNRRY/ref=pd_cp_sg_0

They're OK, but the battery doesn't last long because it's switched on all the time. You can make it better by putting a small micro switch on the base, so that you only switch it on when needed.. Nobody will know it's there.

 

[cwah]

Then I could maybe get this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-Motorbike-Scooter-Anti-theft-Security/dp/B0098GLU1A/ref=pd_sim_sg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1WYKN07ZXA0NEST8MEJM

And wire it directly to my 12v DC-DC converter so it never gets empty?

 

[cwah]

Ok, I've got the bike now. It's ready to be out ALL NIGHT LONG. All day long. On the cold, under the rain, sun and thieves...

I hope it's going to hold it

 

[NZgeek]

I have one of those boxes to carry all my gear to work (I hate backpacks).

They're not stunningly sturdy, in that a sturdy kick in the right place will pop it open.

I also had the larger size (2 helmet size) with a battery inside, and the first day going to work, I bumped the bike while inflating tyres. It fell over and broke both hinges :-(

 

[jackhandy]

I reckon it's just a matter of time before you get nicked for causing an obstruction to the footpath - Some little old lady's bound to trip over it.

 

[Geebee]

Is there a lock through the front and rear wheel? if not it may end up lighter than it is.
Treehugger had a video assessing bikes locked on the street in NY it would be worth searching for as it had some good tips.
Edit http://www.treehugger.com/bikes/streetfilms-grades-new-yorkers-bike-locking-abilities.html

 

[cwah]

Yes I need to lock it. People around me start to notice my habits to park the bike on the same area every day...

And I wonder how long it's going to hold against rain... like it has been raining non stop since I parked it outside!