hams

Tell me how you feel about them, I'm looking at both, but can't decide.

mathletics

What do you like/dislike about each one? Give us something to work with. We're better with specific concerns.

hams

my two main concerns are size and the strap. im looking at the r.e.load courier and for chrome im looking at the metropolis. for size wise the metro is looking the way to go. the straps on the r.e.load bag doesn't look as comfy as the chrome bags do. im also looking at the citizen.

nobrainer440

I like my metropolis. My one issue with it (which I don't know if any other bags do better or not) is that I wish there were pockets or straps or something inside the big main area of the bag so that I could hold stuff in a comfortable position. Sometimes I'll put books in there and they'll shift around when I put the bag on and stab me in the back.

Other than that, I love my metro.

hams

how is the size with the metro, im gonna be riding in to school and then work, so im thinking books, clothes, and maybe shoes.

andre nickatina

I don't like the Envelope design of the Chrome bag.

RELoads are cool bags but seem a little overpriced (I guess all bags are nowadays).

Personally I prefer Baileyworks.

Miiike

metro should be fine for that, as long as you pack it right.

nobrainer440

That should be just about right. I've done weekend trips taking nothing but my chrome metro.

dijos

Black Bag. I always wonder about the slant of the chrome bags, and how you could load them effectively.

Jordanski

I have a black chrome metro, and the thing is perfect. the buckle allows for easy adjustment, and the cross strap secures the bag firmly. The metro is big enough to fit plenty of items. and it has plenty of pockets for small items. it hasn't given me any problems yet. such a great step up from my old timbuk2.

there actually are pockets inside the big bag area. 2 of them, one on either side of the main space in front of the well that goes under the main bag to catch water. the thing is perfect.

crbrown

I can't speak for R.E. loads, but coming from a large Timbuk2, the Chrome metro is beyond comparison. The strap is nice and comfy. Like all bags, you're going to have to put some consideration into how you load it, but you'll get pretty good at it with time. I prefer the diagonal weight distribution to the horizontal weight distribution of most other bags; I find that the weight is distributed more evenly across my back, and makes heavy loads easier on the shoulder.

Both companies are well-established bag makers with good reputations. You'll probably be happy either way, though as others have noted, you'll be paying a premium for a R.E.load (small outfit, no batches, low-tech assembly process).

str8flexed

if i were to get one i'd get the seagull black bag or kemmer's the backside one. both look like they have nice straps.

hairlessbill

I have the Chrome Metro, Reload Deluxe,and a Baileyworks Courier 253 (it was my birthday...really). The Deluxe is truly massive though not as big as a Chrome Kremlin (had that too). My quick opinions:

Metro is the best fitting for on the bike comfort - don't need the stabilizer strap really, that's how well it fits one me. Can adjust with one hand and the split-strap buckle design is good for getting it off in a hurry. The organizer pockets started to annoy me cuz they are 'flat' so it's kind of hard to get your hand in there. Can't wear it off one shoulder for off bike walking so I switched to the Reload. Kind of gets uncomfortable when it is stuffed. Good size for everyday stuff like clothes, books. Waterproof.

Reload is heavy even when empty. Will fit a ton of crap. So much that I end up throwing everything and then some in. Strap is very stiff so adjusting it on the bike requires riding no-hands. The Deluxe has compression straps which is a godsend when the bag is not full. I bought this bag with the intention of using it as an everyday commuting, air travel carry-on, diaper/kid bag and while it works for those purposes I am finding that I want a slightly smaller bag for most days. I like that it hangs off one shoulder comfortably for when I walk around town. Fairly stable on the bike without the stabilizer strap (I rarely use that strap) but still slowly migrates around sometimes.

The Baileyworks medium 253 Courier is currently the most used bag right now. I can't believe how well it works given the smaller size and the simple strap system. Carries a lot more stuff than it looks like it would. Stable on the bike without the stabilizer strap (have not used this strap yet). Even stuffed, it carries just fine. Can carry off one shoulder comfortably so it is great for just walking around too.

The Reload was pricey. The Chrome was the cheapest (got it used). The Baileyworks was reasonably priced. The Metro is smaller than the Courier. If you do go with the Courier, you might want to consider getting pockets to organize things. I find things get lost inside that cavernous cargo area. If you are not worried about wearing it off the bike go with the Metro. I might be selling mine soon.

hams

i wasn't sure how the r.e.load bags work, do they not have any additional pockets other than the the main pocket? does it cost extra for more pockets?

jemather

my reload deluxe had the two large outside pockets (outside easily fits my onguard ulock), and also has a pocket sewn to the inside, along the outer facing wall, that is about 15" wide. I think you need to pay extra to get the inside pocket sewn in in the smaller bags, and you can definitely get custom stuff like organizers, etc. sewn in too

Retem

reload or freight they are both nicer than chrome because they are more box shaped or you could go old school and just get a Manhattan portage or a DeMartini

Idioteque

chrome just gave a cycling team im a member of a 50% discount on all of their products. I'm so tempted to "renew" my metropolis

lamalex

Being from Philly area, I will always support local economies first if it's legit. REload are great bags, hand made, support (my) local economy! go reload

sprintcarblue

Not that this should be a deciding factor, but there are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many people with chrome bags. Reload bags always look nice. I kind of wish I had gotten one of those. I sold my chrome metroplis for a timbuk2 backpack. The chrome bag is nice if you carry a lot of stuff all the time. I just like carrying a book, a sketchbook and some other misc stuff. Chrome bags always felt funny with that little stuff in there.

hams

i wish i could try bags on, i tried a timbuk2 bag on and a chrome and i like the chrome bag more, but i wanna try a reload bag to see how that feels.

JellyMeetsJam

Can you buy freight bags online?

dddave

you should get me a hipbone, i'll pay you back.

dubstylee

My Metropolis fits a couple binders, textbooks, rain jacket, water bottle, some tools, and street shoes quite effectively.

It takes a bit of experimenting to figure out how to load it for maximum comfort.

And yes, Chromes look and feel goofy when empty. Mine tends to slide around a lot, then again I am the typical roadie with no fat or muscle on my upper body.

hams

does anyone hear have a seagull bag? i was looking into them and they look pretty nice. i need feedback on these bags.

bikeage

probably from King Kog, but if you're gonna try ordering stuff from him directly, good luck!
I'm still waiting for a piece of my bag for almost 3 months...doesn't respond to emails or calls very well.
good products, but the customer service leaves something to be desired.