Biking to the Gig - Can it be Done?

[unbasslichkeit]

I did a search on this and did not find much. I'm talking the pedal powered kind here as opposed to motorcycles.

Figure a strong gig bag, nicely balanced...a backpack which can accomodate a small head, a decent 1X10 cab on the back, once again nicely balanced..Why not?

Post your experiences, good and bad.

 

[snyderz]

Make it a Neo cab. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Jools4001]

I did a search on this and did not find much. I'm talking the pedal powered kind here as opposed to motorcycles.

Figure a strong gig bag, nicely balanced...a backpack which can accomodate a small head, a decent 1X10 cab on the back, once again nicely balanced..Why not?

Post your experiences, good and bad.

Not quite as 'Rock 'n Roll' as falling out of the limo with half a bottle of JD but hey.....

 

[Jimbow]

I guess, if all you need is a 1x10.

My band plays a lot of outdoor venues and I don't know if I could fit my 810 on my bike.

 

[SteveC]

I think I could. My GB Shuttle is small and light. I fit everything else I need in my gig bag. If I had one of those nerdy racks over the back tire (strap the amp there and gig bag on my back) I think I could do it.

 

[redfish]

Just pray that you don't encounter some fool who doesn't indicate and cuts you up. There's a lot of nutters on the road these days I've found.

Personally if pushed I'd rather take the bus or a cab, but if you're riding on nice safe roads and you think you can manage it then go for it.

 

[hdmoto]

I saw a guy last summer heading west through Utah w/ a what looked like one of those little trailers (customized) that you haul kids with. He had it loaded down with all kinds of stuff.
He had the legs to do it though.....

 

[nastyn8c]

I would, but don't think I could pull it off because I'm too much of a gear nut to be really happy with a tiny rig.

 

[Eilif]

I've ridden bike with a bass before, but never with an amp. Unless it's a really small show, if you're going to bike to a gig, you'd probably better off with a preamp and going through the PA than trying to make do with a 1x10.

I recomend a small portable amp system and public transportation if you have it. The Chicago Transit Authority comfortably transported me and my portabass rig to many a gig durring my college years.

 

[Tslicebass]

My roommate bikes to gigs with his drumset so I know it can be done with a bass. All you need is a small cart for your amp and a good backpack style lightweight gig bag on your back.

 

[Tslicebass]

Just pray that you don't encounter some fool who doesn't indicate and cuts you up. There's a lot of nutters on the road these days I've found.

Personally if pushed I'd rather take the bus or a cab, but if you're riding on nice safe roads and you think you can manage it then go for it.

In addition to that... if you are in an unsafe area you are a much easier target for robbery if you have all that gear and are on a bike.

 

[baba]

Hit up the Craigslist Baby/Kids listings and score a used bike trailer. I have one that holds two kids and it would work great, but none of my typical venues are close enough.

For instance, this is begging for a mini bass rig: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[jsingles]

rofl.... ok im getting some seriously funny visuals in my mind.

riding a 10 speed bike to a gig with a little cart strapped to the back by rope, so you can pull along your 8x10 behind you.

somebody needs to photoshop this or something.

 

[Spinal Tapper]

Throw the bass on your back and ask your band mates to bring the rig for you...or get a basket

 

[makaky]

I did it for years, i had my bass in a gigbag and my RB400 in a backpack over the gigbag.I had 3 cab in 3 different practice spaces, I was howling my bass and amp every practice.

I was in the 20s and in great shape

Note: everything was not more then 60 mins of biking.

 

[Just J]

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[Dogbertday]

could it be done with a trailor of sorts?... I was thinking about getting one and upgrading the brakes on my bike... maybe hook up a brake control for the trailor itself

 

[ErebusBass]

Do you have pa support? If you get a little stompbox di you could eliminate the head and cab and throw everything in a gig bag, it could be done. Just don't tip over and break your neck (either one).

 

[unclekebm]

when i was living in Portland OR. i pulled my rig on a trailer...sorry no pics...
this was before neo speakers and micro amps, but it worked, my load was about 100lbs incl. trailer, secured it under a tarp and rode on...
be very careful going downhill! if you get out of control, it can get ugly...

here's some ideas:
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[millbrook]

Get a Burley cargo trailer.

Burley has two cargo trailer models, either can support up to 100 lbs. The picture below shows the Flatbed. I use the Nomad to carry a week's groceries, it works great. Or convert a used kiddie trailer to save $$.

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