Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - one more bag thread

ive got a bad back. my spines a little bent to one side, and i have a bulging disk.
the upshot of this is that im thinking about getting rid of my shoulder bag and buying a backpack. i was thinking about getting another reload bag, but i saw that the chrome backpacks are $100 less. does anyone here have any experience with either of these bags?

I have experience with both now (thanks Jim-Bob).
The Chrome backpack never fit me that well. It is okay but the straps are somehow not working for me. Too wide up top. I like the simple design though.
The Reload is wonderful for me and fits great. Nicer quality than the Chrome and some extra bells and whistles. It is a great bag if it fits.
However, I feel like bags are almost like saddles and much of it depends on the rider. You should be able to get a Chrome bag from some online retailer. Buy one, try it out if it sucks you should be able to return it and get a reload.

ah, I need some sleep.
I just read "and I have a bulging dick."

I had a Chrome Ivan. I found it comfortable and very well put together. It just felt like a quality bag. Only problem though is that it's a bit heavy and it's essentially a sack with only a top opening to the main compartment. If you need something on the bottom, you pretty much need to unload the bag to get to it.

If you want to drop some loot and comfort is what you are really after it might be worth looking into getting an arcteryx or something similiar from a company that focuses on backpacks not messenger bags. The mess ones are going to be better if you need to fill and unload them with packages all day long, but some of the backpacking/mountain climbing packs might be better suited for commuting or whatever.

I've used the Ivan on and off. It's a good switch, you feel the load evenly. it's comfortable. good for mostly flat stuff - it doesn't expand that well. a little wide.

I just bought a columbia big butt fanny pack. It's pretty big and im digging it.
Was 20 bucks at campmor.com

take a look at black diamond packs.

okay. so, i decided to get rid of my bag. its on the seattle craigslist (reload messenger bag), but ill ship it if you really want it. tell me if you think the price is too high, too.

**** big biker edit your link out... ill post it in the ebay/craigslist thread so you dont get banned.

dang man. sorry. all better.

i gots yo back yo!!!!

If i was in the justice league I would be FLASH... cause i cover you fast

tru. tru.
are you old flash or new flash?

what about this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/Boblbee-Peoples-Delite-Hardshell-Backpack-w-cargo-net_W0QQitemZ6841058774QQcategoryZ31520QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) ? Designed in Sweden and all :p

im a huge sweden fan (.5 swedish, and proud of it). but having a cargo net would make me feel like a fishing boat.
i went to the reload store today, and those backpacks sure are pretty. all their bags are pretty. man. pretty bags. talk about a leisure expense.

but having a cargo net would make me feel like a fishing boat.
Those Boblbee backpacks are SciFi my friend! Appear in almost all SciFi movies and tv-series there is. In Star Trek Enterprise the crew use them all the time. In the movie Solaris with George Clooney you see one of those in the background. Enterprise NX-01, not a fishing boat :D

I have to confess I went to try Boblbees out once as I was paranoid about crashing my fixie (was riding brakeless at the time) while carrying a laptop.

The main problem with the Boblbee is that they really can't carry too much gear. They only expand a little so you can carry a laptop and your lunch, or a change of clothes but they don't have the carrying capacity that most of us need. The big ones always feel huge and the little ones feel stupid.

You also feel like a dork riding with them, you have to really really really need to like the design.

They look very flash and 'cutting edge' to folks, so its like riding with a giant 'please mug me as I have a very expensive bag with probably very expensive stuff in it'.

In other words, I don't think they're all that.

you have to really really really need to like the design.You're right that they're all about design but very useful as a carryon when on a plane for example and you have delicate stuff that you don't want to get smashed. The design is good for your back also but in general they're not very useful and quite bulky.

I did not want to start a new thread about bags so this might be a little off topic but what do you guys with cameras use to take your kit with you when you are riding. Right now I have a crumpler 6 million dollar home (great camera bag btw) and I throw that into my reload but it is so bulky and takes up a ton of space. I was using a lowepro slingshot for a while but it sucked for riding.


Thanks

Matt

Just to get back on topic. I think the trick with a chrome bag is to try one out. They either fit you great or are just too bulky.

As their bags get larger they get more and more awkward if you have narrow shoulders IMHO.

I am a relatively big guy (you know, for a cyclist, lolamIright?), so maybe they will fit me well. I haven't found one to try on yet, but soon. Soon. I liked that reload bag, but the price might keep me away from it.

This bag (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442503315&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693337&bmUID=1137781306234) from MEC (http://www.mec.ca) looks really nice:

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Packs/5002863_v1_m56577569830536676.jpg

I believe that turd has one. Sweet biz. Go Canada.

EDIT: You might also want to try giving Trackstar (http://www.trackstarnyc.com) a ring... as of a few weeks ago they had a big-ass Freight backpack that they were clearing out for a good price. It looked really nice, and really big.

anyone have some pics of a freight bag?

I have a Frieght mess bag, but I don't think that'll do you much good. If you call Trackstar, and they still have the pack, I'm sure they'd be willing to email you a photo. Just make sure you call as they are really bad at returning email.

Freight doesn't have a website. You might also try Freewheel Hayes in SF - I think they sell Freight bags. They might have some pictures handy.

This bag (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442503315&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693337&bmUID=1137781306234) from MEC (http://www.mec.ca) looks really nice:

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Packs/5002863_v1_m56577569830536676.jpg

I believe that turd has one. Sweet biz. Go Canada.

indeedy i do! expandable space, external net for helmet, waterproof rain cover, and other bells & whistles, including a.. WHISTLE! it's on the sternum strap buckle :D

i have this one and think it's extremely well designed. its way more comfortable than any messenger bag i have worn. i also think ortlieb makes great backpacks. their "velocity" model is happy medium between too big or too small. the reload is just so expensive.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47893838&parent_category_rn=4500844

the only problem i have with ortlieb is the lack of extra pockets. i had one for a while, and loved it, but got tired of the no pocket thing. i didnt mind the sack-style set up, i just wanted something to keep my tools and tubes in.

I have to confess I went to try Boblbees out once as I was paranoid about crashing my fixie (was riding brakeless at the time) while carrying a laptop.

The main problem with the Boblbee is that they really can't carry too much gear. They only expand a little so you can carry a laptop and your lunch, or a change of clothes but they don't have the carrying capacity that most of us need. The big ones always feel huge and the little ones feel stupid.
You also feel like a dork riding with them, you have to really really really need to like the design.

They look very flash and 'cutting edge' to folks, so its like riding with a giant 'please mug me as I have a very expensive bag with probably very expensive stuff in it'.

In other words, I don't think they're all that.

I spent 3 years where everything I owned except the bike fit into a Boblbee, never got mugged with it on. Did fall on my back once and the laptop was all good. I know a dude who weighs about 250 and he used to stand and jump on his to show how freaking tough the shell is. As for the look, yeah I don't love it, but in the matte black it's relatively discrete and it's the only bag around that completely eliminates that nagging "watch out for the laptop" stress...

That said I've been tossing the laptop into the Bailey Works lately.

I spent 3 years where everything I owned except the bike fit into a Boblbee, never got mugged with it on. Did fall on my back once and the laptop was all good. I know a dude who weighs about 250 and he used to stand and jump on his to show how freaking tough the shell is. As for the look, yeah I don't love it, but in the matte black it's relatively discrete and it's the only bag around that completely eliminates that nagging "watch out for the laptop" stress...

That said I've been tossing the laptop into the Bailey Works lately.

I slipped down an ice covered concrete staircase walking last winter. I would have broken my back or even my skull for sure if it weren't for my Boblbee. It's like a helmet for your back. I feel much safer strapped into it than without, and I've got the gashes in the hardshell to prove it too.

http://www.kelty.com/kelty/index.cfm

great back packs, they make one with a helmet net and pockets on the belt strap (kinda wish I had that). I go between a kelty pack and a chrome metropolis depending on what I'm carrying. The only problem with the kelty packs for riding is that the decent sized ones (meant for day hikes) come with a stiffener in the back that conforms to your spine. Sounds great until you try to ride in drops or out on horns and it keeps you from being able to bring your head up far enough to see comfortably. Fortunately you can pull them out. Mine also has a pocket and hangar for a water resevoir.

anyone with a reload backpack have pictures?

If you are not a fashionista (ie; you want function over BS style) check out the Deuter line of packs. They are very well designed, with the needs of the cyclists in mind. Very comfortable too. I use the Trans Alpine and love it.

http://www.deuterusa.com/fut28img/transalpine30.gif

http://www.deuterusa.com/transalpine30.html

If you want ultra mega 1 big pocket basics, old school Courierware will make that stuff.

I've had mine for ten years and it's still 100% waterproof, although I'm thinking of switching to a BaileyWorks for the reflectors/the fact that the velcro isn't completely falling apart after years of mistreatment. Maybe a reload if I'm feeling spendy. I dunno.

I can't stand timbuk2's. The plastic strap clip always feels like it's going to let go. And that was just walking around with it.

If you are not a fashionista (ie; you want function over BS style) check out the Deuter line of packs. They are very well designed, with the needs of the cyclists in mind. Very comfortable too. I use the Trans Alpine and love it.

I have been using the Futura 42 for a little over a year. I have always been able to carry all that I wanted, but it can be tough at time. I have Lights in one side pocket, toiletries and tools in the other. I sometimes have a water bottle in one or both of the lower mesh pockets. The Top flap has an outside and inside zippered pocket, the upper carries my laptop power adapter, sunglasses, ipod, and misc items, the inside has writing tools, and a calculator. The bottom compartment has a change of clothes for the gym. Inside the main compartment I have a 15" powerbook in a timbuk2 sleeve (big), 1-2 textbooks, 3-6 notebooks, a novel, and an engineering pad.

My back still sweats, but not as bad as it would with all this stuff in a different bag. Sometimes the bag frame feels a bit small for me (6' 2"), but it is always comfy. The adjustment straps make it easy to carry weird loads and there is always room for a jacket on the outside of the bag.

I got the bag from REI, so if it ever really becomes a problem I can return it.

http://www.deuterusa.com/fut28img/fut42small.gif

http://www.deuterusa.com/futura42.html

the only problem i have with ortlieb is the lack of extra pockets. i had one for a while, and loved it, but got tired of the no pocket thing. i didnt mind the sack-style set up, i just wanted something to keep my tools and tubes in.
I bought the inside pocket that clips into the ortlieb bag. it holds some tools and spare tube nicely. it would be pain to find anything in that bag when its full of other stuff.

I have been using the Futura 42 for a little over a year. I have always been able to carry all that I wanted, but it can be tough at time. I have Lights in one side pocket, toiletries and tools in the other. I sometimes have a water bottle in one or both of the lower mesh pockets. The Top flap has an outside and inside zippered pocket, the upper carries my laptop power adapter, sunglasses, ipod, and misc items, the inside has writing tools, and a calculator. The bottom compartment has a change of clothes for the gym. Inside the main compartment I have a 15" powerbook in a timbuk2 sleeve (big), 1-2 textbooks, 3-6 notebooks, a novel, and an engineering pad.

My back still sweats, but not as bad as it would with all this stuff in a different bag. Sometimes the bag frame feels a bit small for me (6' 2"), but it is always comfy. The adjustment straps make it easy to carry weird loads and there is always room for a jacket on the outside of the bag.

I got the bag from REI, so if it ever really becomes a problem I can return it.

http://www.deuterusa.com/fut28img/fut42small.gif

http://www.deuterusa.com/futura42.html
Deuter has two main "systems" as they call them for their cycling packs. One is good for carrying light loads (Aircomfort- the one you have) and the other for heavy loads (Airstripes- the one I have). As for back sweat, I agree, my back still sweats, but less than with other packs.

Here are the differences as was explained by a customer service rep from Deuter:

As for the back systems, the Aircomfort back system provides a maximum
of ventilation, since only the mesh has direct contact with the back
whereas the pack is kept in some distance. However, when the pack is
loaded heavily it is possible that the metal frame may be uncomfortable on
the hips.

The Airstripes back system with it's contoured foam stripes on the back
is more flexible and adapts better to the differnt back positions when
cycling. The pack has closer contact to the back, which may be of
advantage for balance when cycling in difficult terrain or when carrying
heavier load.

buying bags sucks because they always seem awesome right away, but then you have to try them out for the long run to see how they really fit and feel (like a bike/saddle), empty and full of stuff. For a week, I thought my reload bag was awesome. I absolutely hate the bag and want nothing to do with reload. Good luck with finding an appropriate bag.

while perhaps a topic for another thread, why do you hate the reload?

since i started this thread, i bought a chrome. had it for like, eight months? im pretty happy with it. its not as convenient for messenger work as a shoulder bag, but whatevs. its comfy.