Originally Posted by bike42
Does anyone out there use the messenger bag for commuting? How does it work versus a pannier. I would just be carrying a change of clothes and some lunch. I don't like to use a backpack. I commute 40 miles round trip and sometimes I want to use my road bike for which I don't have a rack.
Thanks!
If you're riding 40 miles round trip I would personally use a rack/panniers. A messenger bag is uncomfortable (IMHO). I personally prefer a backpack, you can get the Deuter pack that has ventilation for your back.
They do make really nice and expensive messenger bags (like Chrome and Bailey, i think) that have buckles to keep the messenger bag from sliding around back and forth, but if you don't like backpacks I doubt if you'll like messenger bags.
Go for a rack, but remember that panniers cost more than a good messenger bag or backpack.