Suitable carry for bicycling

any interest/desire to get a camelbak bag w/ water reservoir to wear on your back?

i have this one:
http://www.rei.com/product/733673

and my bersa .380 fits in it just fine.

I'm not sure if the Seecamp LWS32 is Mass. compliant, but back when I was a bicycle commuter (9K miles/year, per my odometer), I carried the Seecamp in a "Amphipod" waistpak (as opposed to a jersey pocket). The nice thing about the Amphipod was that the waiststrap AND pouch itself were a bit stretchy, so when you transitioned between in the saddle/out of saddle pedaling, the gun/pouch went with you, no chafing/rubbing/undue movement.

The stainless construction of the Seecamp helped with the sweat. The Amphipod is also washable, so that helps too.

I also used a scandium J-frame (S&W 340) in this role for a while, but it only weighed 1 oz. less, and was harder to tuck away on my person. The smaller dimensions of the Seecamp gave me more options to conceal.

Based on your requirement #5, I'm not sure if the .32ACP will do the job, perhaps the revolver might be better in regards to this. Per requirement #6, if the Amphipod is out of the question, either gun might work in a wallet holster (like a Palehorse Scorpion or Safepacker), but that's pushing the limits of comfort/concealability in the jersey pocket. In any case, I'd keep a close eye on corrosion of "small parts" on a gun in such close contact to a sweaty, exercising person; in this regard, the Seecamp can be taken completely down/inspected/put back together much more easily (IMHO) than the revolver could.

HTH; since I used the "bike commuting" argument to convince my wife I "needed" a Seecamp, I'm trying to use the "Honda Ridgeline commuting" argument to convince her I need a new 1911.......not working yet.

Hey Guys...

Wow! I feel kinda antiquated here. Not being critical - just trying to understand.

The thought of having to "carry" while cycling is (for me, a non-cyclist) a notable surprise. Am (sincerely) curious about why you have decided to "carry" while cycling. ?????

Thanks!

I used to carry A J Frame S&W Model 38 in my strong side jersey pocket. Had a leather holster, would use a plastic one now.
Thought about some sort of front under the jersey carry that would work like a binocular holder that some hunters use.

Heh. Better to ask here than on Bikeforums.net. Every time the topic of guns comes up over there, people freak!!!
Anyway, I have been thinking the same thing as I ride 75-100 miles per week and would like to carry while on the bike. so far I have been carrying my Ruger SP101 in a fanny pack, but I feel like a total ass-clown doing so, and it is not exactly the quickest way to draw. I've thought about a gun in the jersey pockets, but that too would make for a slower and more awkward draw than I would prefer while pulling 20MPH on my Specialized.
I think I have settled on the thought of a Kel-TecPF-9. it is the perfect size to either fit in the jerey pocket, or fit in the waistband of the lycra shorts. The mere tension of the lycra would hold it in place, and I don't think it would be visible with my jersey draped down over it, especially not while I'm moving quickly.

Shawnee- I live in a beautiful and generally safe area. Nothing happens here. It's right outside New Haven CT. But this summer a doctor's house was broken into, and his family tortured to death about 5 miles form my house. S*it happens, and I'd rather be armed and able to deal with it, than at the mercy of bad guys. Even while on m bike.

Shawnee; Ever ride a $5,000 bike? They are out there, even more than that price is available! Also, some people seem to think bikes have no business on the roads. They are classed as vehicles and entitled to road use in most states. But, some idiots think they can push around bikers, or even run them down. Some thugs are batty enough to think bikers are push-overs to mug. The biker world ain't too much different from the rest of the world.

Bikers are citizens, too. Why should they not be entitled to the same defenses as other folks? They are just trying to get from one place to another. Maybe for kicks, maybe to get to work. Not much different than hopping into your cage, or me hopping onto my Harley. I still bomb the pedals, now and again. It sort of smoothes out the kinks the modern hustle gives you.

Jerry

Why carry on a bike? Because if you ride long enough, eventually you'll get harassed, etc. by someone who believes you 1) should be on the sidewalk, or 2) look goofy/wimpy in your bike clothes. Biking is no different than any other concealed carry situation; since you can never 'schedule' the instance in which you might need your CCW (and heaven forbid you ever need to), it's better to not need it/have it than to need it/not have it. As a dedicated CCW'er, and someone who has taken upon the obligation to myself and family to make it home everynight, I NEVER leave the house without a CCW, running and biking included. Someone else's risk tolerance may differ....doesn't mean either opinion is wrong, as long as each party can live with their decision.

I'm not espousing shooting people who simply harass you on your bike....but as fellow bike commuters will concur, bike riders do tend to draw a certain amount of attention, and hopefully you never come across the carload of morons who want to pull over and go beyond simple words. I do know that, even at 200+pounds and a great deal of ground fighting experience, I'm at a considerable disadvantage after dismounting from my bike (probably after trying to avoid the aggressors), out of breath, and wearing slippery-soled cleated bike shoes. I would have to count on my Seecamp to overcome that disadvantage. This is what Mas Ayoob refers to as "critical error in the victim selection process".

I, too, live right up the road from the unfortunate home invasion/torture/triple homicide referenced by Mr. 19-3. While a bit removed from the biking scenario, his reference to the situation is apt.....this family was chosen at random by the cold-blooded killers who selected them while hunting for victims in a supermarket parking lot, followed them home, and spent the whole night raping, torturing, and killing the mother and two daughters (who were burned to death tied to their beds). Random is random.....whether you're on a bike, in your home, or just picking out ingredients for tonights dinner.

Ride safe.

I've never considered a 5K dollar bike that didn't have a motor in it. Last bicycle I bought was about a hundred bucks at Walmart. I figure the heavier and harder to pedal the bike is, the less you'll have to ride it for an equal workout, if that's what you're after. Frankly, I don't expect a 5K bicycle would impress most people other than other bicycle types, if you're out to impress anyone. I guess if you have a 20 mile commute to work every morning, an expensive bicycle would be better, but I'd rather just thumb the starter button, LOL!

You can run into the same hassles on a motorcycle that you describe on a bicycle and ever since it first happened to me at age 16 (guys in a pickup tried to run me down) I have been armed on the motorcycle, well before anyone ever suggested a CCW law and when it was illegal in Texas to transport a handgun unless it was locked in a trunk.

Not such a big problem anymore, motorcycles are everywhere and doctors and lawyers are faux hell's angles on the weekends. The movie "Wild Hogs" wasn't far off base. But, in the late 60s, you were a target to every redneck in Texas if you rode a motorcycle. So, I know the problem even though I'm too old and lazy to pedal anymore. LOL

I vote for mounting a semi-auto shotgun to the frame.


But in all seriousness, one of those pocket autos in .32 or .22lr would be a good choice. I wouldn't be all over either of them for windshield shots or car doors, but side windows shouldn't be a problem.

Several years ago someone wrote that after they started carrying their slung AR-15 while biking motorists gave them a wide berth.

Bruce

Here's another reason...

My son is also a long-distance cyclist who does a 60 mile round-trip commute to his office 2-3 times a week here in south metro Atlanta. His problem is not so much the 2 footed variety of predator but the FOUR-legged variety.

He rides through some tough-looking neighborhoods and a favorite pet is all manner of pit bulls, staffordshire terriers, rotweilers, junkyard dogs, etc.

I told him to get an NAA mini revolver in 22 mag and stoke it with shot shells. A good load of shot in and around the snout of one of these dogs should slow it down or stop it enough to ride away safely.

I have been carrying on my road and mountain bike for years. I ride competitively on very nice bikes and have seen lots of situations on the road and mountain that remind me why I carry.

After much trial and error, I have ended up carrying either a Kel-tec p11 or a Makarov in a Camelbak rogue hydration pack. I carry the gun in the slot designated for the short bike pump. It permits quick access. I won't carry in my jersey because of sweat and the problems of crashes, and the fanny pack does not balance the weight well.

For this situation, I actually prefer the Makarov in 9x18 because I can get ballistics from it that are fairly close to what I can get from the shorter barrel Kel-tec 9mm, but I can shoot the makarov much much better, and it has been much more reliable for me. The mak is quite flat too.

I have been in the past what bicyclists call a "weight weenie," someone so concerned about weight that I get anxious about every ounce. At one time, I carried the Kel Tec .380 but was concerned about its accuracy and power. I am less concerned now about weight. However, I am thinking about a Kahr P40 or CW40 instead of the p11 or makarov because they are a bit lighter.

The thought of having to "carry" while cycling is (for me, a non-cyclist) a notable surprise. Am (sincerely) curious about why you have decided to "carry" while cycling. ?????

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I have had more trouble when riding a bicycle than at any other time that I am out in public. Many people feel that it is their right and obligation to mess with you while you ride. There have been cyclists in my area that have had tools thrown at them and even hit with a baseball bat while riding.

When I ride, I carry a S&W 642 in a Smartcarry holster. I wear sweats when I ride, so, that holster works well for me. It may not work as well for someone that wears lycra.

_________________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"

One of the small framed .357 magnums by S&W, Ruger or Taurus and Rossi. Using any of the name brand 125 grain SJHPs or JHPs. If recoil ends up to being just too much you can go to .38 Special ammunition for the same gun...It's very hard to set a modern revolver of even if it gets dropped from a bicycle on to asphault...

Just one option:


and another option:


Nobody will even suspect:

S&W J frame. I would choose a 642 or 442 or 640

2) Must be available in Massachusetts

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Mass has a list, don't they, of acceptable handguns? Got a link to that?

Micro Glock or Springfield XD subcompact. Smith snubbie or equivalent from Ruger or Taurus.

The thought of having to "carry" while cycling is (for me, a non-cyclist) a notable surprise. Am (sincerely) curious about why you have decided to "carry" while cycling. ?????

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Dogs, for one.

Back in the day, back when I road a lot more than I do now, there were a few situations involving either dogs or, more likely, fools in cars, where it would have been nice to have that option if it came to that.

Dear Bill [ the doctor ]

I carry my Kel-tec P3-AT when I ride my bike on the road or trails.
When I ride I have cargo shorts with the pocket on the side of the leg to keep my gun in. I would not tkink of riding with out my 380 on the road and Im glad your going to.
Bill if you are like me I sweet alot when I ride and my gun gets all wet.I all so ride in the rain and my gun gets all wet.But I never get any rust on my gun becouse I put Johnson Paste Wax { floor wax } on the inside and outside of my P3-AT. I put the wax on the Inside and it will protect the meltal parts from rusting.
Hope I help you out.
Rob

Yet another situation where the tiny Kel-Tec P3AT is a great option. However if your pocket is pig enough step up to the PF9 or PF-11. Not sure about the Mass. Question.

Somebody needs to let Cosmoline know about this thread. He is very familiar with biking and carrying firearms. Very, very familiar.

I carry my 340pd

In Minnesota we had a bicycleist killed while on a evening ride this summer. Jumbed a few miles from his home. Carry is a good idea.
The S&W 340 series has .357 power if needed with very light weight. It is a handfull with .357 but 38 sp. +P loads are no problem. Great firearm. I would forget the rear pocket carry. My jerseys will not let me get anything out of them without a struggle. Get some sort of frame mounted pack. Good luck.