Hello from new user

[NikHar]

Hi everyone,

I’m the proud new owner of a new(well second hand) Gocycle which my wife got for me for my birthday - it was a spare one her brother had.

I want to go around london and go to work jobs, I take a 10kg rucksack of camera gear with me.

So, my questions are a) how to keep it safe and what’s the best way to get around safely with a heavyish rucksack?!

I’d be really grateful for suggestions!

 

[EzekielKLott]

@tap road: Use a sturdy backpack and always secure your bike in well-lit areas!

 

[Nealh]

Sound like a bot answering .

 

[thelarkbox]

google suggests yours is a novel enough bike to attract unwanted attention so ALL the security Tips apply such as never park/leave the bike in a 'regular' spot ..

Luggage wise see how you get on with the backpack for now, if it becomes a burdon or uncomfortable/restrictive, you can address that then, There is a bike rack/carrier solution to stretch everyone's pockets..

 

[iLovesMyBike]

I have just serviced / overhauled a s/h electric bike which was bought at a low price and my advice would be get your new eBike safety-checked by a qualified (or experienced) Local Bike Shop. I'm in Bristol so I cannot help you there...

 

[matthewslack]

Was the OP a genuine query?

If so, then looks like an easy to steal lightweight folder incapable of taking a rack or having a lock threaded through the frame. So you'll be carrying the bike wherever you can't ride it as well as the rucksack, worrying about the bike to the detriment of your photos.

Get a cheap and cheerful second bike with a rack for work purposes.

 

[guerney]

Assuming 10kg isn't BS, and even if it isn't: carrying expensive camera equipment on your back by bike is asking for damage. Trust me. They don't like the vibes dude.

 

[Peter.Bridge]

I find rucksack better than panniers. Take the (folding ? ) bike in with you wherever you go ?

 

[NikHar]

Thank you for the answers - some good suggestions. Appreciated. Since posting I have used it on a couple of jobs, where I took the bike with me into events. My cameras are pretty heavy on my back and not that comfortable (especially when the temperature rose to 33 degrees C.

I have just serviced / overhauled a s/h electric bike which was bought at a low price and my advice would be get your new eBike safety-checked by a qualified (or experienced) Local Bike Shop. I'm in Bristol so I cannot help you there...

Good suggestion, Ilovesmybike about checking it out. I haven't quite got around to that yet, but had considered it...

 

[NikHar]

Assuming 10kg isn't BS, and even if it isn't: carrying expensive camera equipment on your back by bike is asking for damage. Trust me. They don't like the vibes dude.

If anything, 10kgs is on the light side. 2 pro bodies, 5 lenses, 2 flashes and a few other accessories... I do worry about falling off - tough as Nikons are, I don't think they would like that!

 

[saneagle]

If anything, 10kgs is on the light side. 2 pro bodies, 5 lenses, 2 flashes and a few other accessories... I do worry about falling off - tough as Nikons are, I don't think they would like that!

Put some foam in the bag, then. It doesn't cost much and neither does it weigh much.

Generally, it takes some time for a random thief to spot your bike and figure out what sort of lock is on it. Up to an hour is probably quite safe as long as you have the bike securely locked to an immovable object with a lock that can't be defeated by a hacksaw, side-cutters or bolt croppers. Unfortunately, they messed up the design of the Gocycle when it comes to security, as there is nothing to fit a lock to. I think you need two locks. Put a decent small shackle lock around the frame and use an OnGuard Rottweiler lock or similar through the shackle and round a lamppost or whatever. There are also various movement alarms that ping your phone if anybody messes with your bike, but check out any reviews because there are varying opinions on them, and probably a lot of fake reviews or vested interests.

 

[guerney]

If anything, 10kgs is on the light side. 2 pro bodies, 5 lenses, 2 flashes and a few other accessories... I do worry about falling off - tough as Nikons are, I don't think they would like that!

Even with waterproof rucksack covers, also exposed to sogginess perched up there, as one of my Canons discovered (about four and a half hours of sustained rain: heavy, drizzle, heavier drizzle, blatter, moderate, drizzle, moderate). It's feeling much better now, after being sealed with moisture absorbing beads for ages, then blasted with air for ages more. Lost it's damned mind for a time though, was touch and go. Thought I'd have to buy another.

 

[NikHar]

Put some foam in the bag, then. It doesn't cost much and neither does it weigh much.

Generally, it takes some time for a random thief to spot your bike and figure out what sort of lock is on it. Up to an hour is probably quite safe as long as you have the bike securely locked to an immovable object with a lock that can't be defeated by a hacksaw, side-cutters or bolt croppers. Unfortunately, they messed up the design of the Gocycle when it comes to security, as there is nothing to fit a lock to. I think you need two locks. Put a decent small shackle lock around the frame and use an OnGuard Rottweiler lock or similar through the shackle and round a lamppost or whatever. There are also various movement alarms that ping your phone if anybody messes with your bike, but check out any reviews because there are varying opinions on them, and probably a lot of fake reviews or vested interests.

Thanks for the recommendations. I like the look of the Scout bike alarm/finder, if it can be fitted. Maybe an AirTag would be more discreet.