Riding With Your Laptop

[Gord]

I recall a thread on that other board that talked about different luggage options for carrying a laptop on a bike. I've been unable to locate the thread either in the current version of that board, or the old version.

I can't fit my briefcase / laptop case into my system case and I hate having my laptop in there unprotected. So what do the rest of you use to carry your laptop in when on your bike?

And feel free to spank me if I am boring you with this question!

[TorqueMonsterMT-01]

Gord;
I don't even use luggage on my bike. I use a backpack similar to this one that carries my laptop, paperwork, raingear, different gloves, etc. There are several backpakcs available specifically for carrying computers. This one is from http://www.spireusa.com/products/ZM6.htm

Some people don't care much for backpacks, but I find that they help keep your posture straight while riding and relieve some back tension.

It is also nice that you don't have to unpack your luggage every time youi get off the bke. Just take it with you.

Cheers,
Jeff

http://www.spireusa.com/images/ZM5GRY_250.jpg

[taosports]

Gord,

I travel with my laptop many times - no problem with it fitting in my right BMW system case. It lays flat on the bottom leaving plenty of room for other items on top.

21

It really depends on the size of your laptop and it's case. Mine is a 14 inch laptop (screen size) and a minimalist case holding just the essentials.

[Big Papa]

I'm fat and fat people don't do backpacks. I have bungie-netted my laptop backpack w/ laptop inside to the passenger portion of seat. If I buy a KR, I will pop for the hardbags just for the laptop.

[marko]

I find my typing suffers when i ride.....:icon_twisted:

Saw this in the local apple shop and if i had not already had a wunderlich
soft case, i would have seriously considered it.
A nice black one to sit on the Black R...


http://www.laptopshop.co.uk/axio-swift_hardpack_blue-laptop_case-3-cc2.htm

[DJ Down Under]

Marko those axio backpacks look great..we can get them here now..in med and Lg sizes..hard and soft shell..I like this carbon one.

Check out this info... http://www.atpm.com/11.04/axio.shtml

DJ

http://www.atpm.com/11.04/images/axio-swift-closed.jpghttp://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/azmotorsports_1878_93714396

http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/azmotorsports_1878_93854896

http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/azmotorsports_1878_142463622

[fnfalman]

BMW makes a messenger bag that has a slot for laptop. So's Aerostich.

[dano]

I've used an Axios backpack. works well and pretty cool looking (i think), too. someone posted about them on the 'other' site in the summer.
dan

[Dallara]

Hey, Gord...

Are you simply looking for a padded laptop sleeve, like this?


http://www.truewindusa.com/products_lg/H_BKSLV.jpg

Available at http://www.truewindusa.com/browseproducts/Hooley-Laptop-Sleeve.html

Or this?

http://www.bagsforme.com/images/Crumpler/sch-003-M.jpg


Available at http://www.bagsforme.com/bags/CR-SCH17


Or this?

http://www.proporta.com/F03/i/RoadWiredLrgLaptopSleeve_bl.jpg


Available at http://www.proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=351&t_mode=des

I have some more examples of this type of padded, protective "sleeve" if this helps, and you can look at a number of different options at:

http://www.roadwired.com/


But may be you are looking for something more like this"

http://www.luggagelocker.com/media/access-laptop-locker.jpg

You can find this one at http://www.luggagelocker.com/accessory-laptop-locker.htm


Or this?

http://www.motopakluggage.com/pics/gtpro1.jpg
http://www.motopakluggage.com/pics/gtpro-a2.jpg
http://www.motopakluggage.com/pics/gtpro-b2.jpg


You can find this one here http://www.motopakluggage.com/gtpro.html and this one can be used strapped to the passenger seat, too...

Here's another spot with some interesting possibilities - http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/CTGY/300

Again, I have some more possibilities, but if you could let me know a bit more about your laptop (size, weight, etc.) and where you would prefer to carry it...

Hope this helps!

Allan (Dallara)

[Deano]

I struggled with this as well, and since I do not have system cases, I was at a loss (I did not want to wear a back pack).

First, I tried one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magnetic-Laptop-Tank-Bag-NEW-MotoPak-GT-Pro_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34284QQitemZ4608144 814QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Inexpensive and fairly well made, but I did not think it fit well on the R1150R tank. Worked in a pinch, though, and could be easily bungeed to the pillion seat. You need to provide a padded case as this one has none!

Just picked up on of these, the Lap locker II:
http://www.luggagelocker.com/luggage-laptop-locker.htm

http://www.luggagelocker.com/accessory-laptop-locker-ii.htm

Seems to be working out just fine. I will give it some miles and if everything remains OK, I will pick up one of their tank bag attachments for non-work rides.

I recall seeing a laptop option for City Bag (?) that requires a tank cover thingy.

Marsee has a bag that can be strapped on a luggage rack or seat:

http://www.marseeproducts.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.100.exe/online-store/scstore/p-RM-3111.html?L+scstore+jcjx7375ff74bb74+1142662891

Anyone else run across other options?

DOH! Too slow. Sorry about the duplication.

[fganger]

To those who understand computers more than I,*

I thought one wants to keep magnets away from your computer, especially the hard drive. The magnets, which hold on a tank bag, are pretty strong, is there a danger of erasing some information?

Inquiring minds want to know,

Frank



* That would be almost everyone.:icon_redface:

[denverchuck]

[PHP]It's not practical for everyday use and won't fit in the BMW side cases but I've bought this hard sided case for traveling when I must be in touch with the outside world

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TED001

I place the case, along with bunches of other items, inside Helen 2 Wheels XL clothes sack and strap her on back of my RR. :109:

[Gord]

Thanks for all the feedback - some sweet looking stuff here.

I had started simply wanting a protective sleeve to put my laptop in while it was in my system case. I LOVE the hard sleeves on the Axio website but looks like they are designed for Apple Powermacs only? They won't hold my IBM Stinkpad?

Some of the hard backpacks caught my eye. The Axio ones in carbon (or silver to go with my fastest coloured bike!) sure looked sweet. But I've always wondered how comfortable it is to ride with a pack on your back. Seems to me it might be okay for short jaunts, but does it not get tiring after an hour or two? I would love to hear from those of you who use a pack regularly.

I just got myself a Joe Rocket magnetic tank bag so won't be going that route.

So lots to think about. The good news is I now have some information to work with, and time to do more research. I figure I am 59-66 days away from my first ride of this year anyway!

Speaking of which, these were a few pics from my first ride of 2005 - April 10, 2005 to be exact:

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/19457516-M.jpg
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/19457514-M.jpg

[TorqueMonsterMT-01]

Gord;
The bike looks great! The weather doesn't look too good though.

As for backpacks, I use one all the time. Everyone has different tastes, but I like the back support I get from the backpack. It really helps to keep my spine straight as I ride.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Gord]

Well after considerable research and much hemming and hawing, I took the plunge and bought a new lap top friendly case. It came down to these two:

https://www.mezzi.com/product.php?id=1&prodid=19

OR

http://www.axio-usa.com/html/p1.html

And I opted for....
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The Axio Swift Hardpack in Carbon Finish.

I am paranoid about things strapped to my bike falling off and with the Mez case, that is what I would have (even though it is a sexy and sleek design). The Axio looks like it was made for a bike ('cause it was!), so I think would end up being friendlier in the end.

The downside was the price trade off with the Mez at C$89 (not including shipping + taxes) versus the Axio at $233 (including the shipping + taxes). Perhaps I have more money than brains...or more credit than brains...

[supermotoC]

The best cases? Pelican (also kick-ass flashlights)

http://www.pelican.com/cases/cases.html