Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Need economical bag recommendation

I'm finally upgrading from my high school back pack after having used it daily for a good 6 or 7 years. It's gotten on my nerves. It's not waterproof, doesn't hold all my groceries, creates a crapload of backsweat, and is starting to look funny by sagging.

I need something economical, not cheap but not super professional either. I'm looking to spend under a hundred so I won't feel so guilty about it (I've recently finished a spending spree on my bike).

I've seen kemmer's bags and they look great but I read somewhere in his last post that he received his last shipment earlier in december so I'm pretty sure he's out.

You'll still have plenty of back sweat. If you truly need waterproof go for Ortleib as they are the only bag I know that really won't let any water in.

Well that's not the real kicker. I live in Southern California and I only ride in the rain 2 or 3 times a month. I basically just need a new bag that I can afford.

I have had good luck with WXtex bags keeping the stuff dry. http://www.usoutdoorstore.com/outlet/wxtex-seattle.html

Most "real" messenger bags are completely waterproof.

Seagull Black Bag.

http://seagullbags.com/home.html

Most "real" messenger bags are completely waterproof.

ive used plenty of "real" messenger bags and none of them are completely waterproof. in torrential down pours or being in the rain for 9 hours you tend to get packages wet.

Most "real" messenger bags are completely waterproof.



I have a Baileyworks Superpro that I love. I ordered it custom and added the interior divider option. Turns out they sew THROUGH the vinyl inner bag when they attach it. Lame. Especially since the waterproofness of the Superpro's liner is one of the selling points over their other model.

I wrote them and expressed my concerns and they said no one has had a problem with it leaking (it'd be through the part of the bag that is against your back, so I imagine it'd be pretty tough. But still....). They also said they'd repair/re-novate it if it ever did leak.....so yeah, okay, big digression.

But watch out!

[Since personally I try not to ride on crazy downpour days, Tokyo has wonderful public transportation and the divider pocket option *IS* really nice for bag/load organization I'd probably do it again]

Seagull Black Bag.

http://seagullbags.com/home.html Seconded.

Seagull Black Bag.

http://seagullbags.com/home.html

Just checked this one out. Can't think of any reason to buy a Chrome now.

What about Kemmer's fake Chrome bags? Those things are like $35, and everyone loved them. Does he still have some?

it's not messenger gear, but my girl rides with the Snafu Alpha:

http://www.fatbmx.com/uploads2/user_Bart/2006_08/wk31/thumbs/thumb_snafupack.jpg

It's not messenger at all, but it is bike specific. Rides close and balanced (the middle of the bag is right below the center of your shoulderblades), is very snug, has compression straps for times you're not carrying alot, and opens up to be massive when you are. It also has really awesome things like a tool pouch with elastic straps, pockets everywhere, a back lined with this meshy padding (keeps you from sweating in the summer), a waterproof compartment for shoes (with vents) which is awesome when you wanna switch between clipless and sneakers, an ipod case, envelope compartment lined with soft felt (for carrying diamonds? idunno), etc. it's really awesome. she uses it for school, grocery shopping (see pics below), cases (yes, cases) of beer, etc. the moment you see it, you realize it'll last forever... really good construction.
best of all, it's $80. That's the difference between small-run fabrications and larger companies (like snafu). You tend to get more bag for less money, as they make lots more at a time-- though don't expect the quality to be lower. this bag is diesel.
Here's an old pic following a short grocery run:

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2092/closedol3.jpg http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/7461/openlw9.jpg http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/9457/foodeu4.jpg

This is with a full toolpouch, school stuff and a laptop. Not bad, imo...

If that's too much bag, i ride the Odyssey B.E.T.A. bag (http://www.odysseybmx.com/dailyword/archives/web-atbBETAad.jpg). Another bmx bag, it has even more bike type stuff than the above bag-- a toolpouch which is internal, and rides high against your back, right between the shoulderblades, and has even more elastic straps for tools. The handle of the bag is a handle for tire levers; the zippers are spoke wrenches, etc. More big puffy venting padding on the back, hecka pouches, a waterproof rubber bottom for wet clothes or shoes, etc.

If you're not a messenger and are looking to buy a high quality bag at sub $200, bmx bags seem to be where it's at. I don't deliver packages, so i don't see the point in buying a messenger bag. I do ride a bicycle in the city, so a cycling specific bag is desireable. Until the messenger fanboi craze dies off, it's unlikely i'm going to be able to get anything like that from anywhere other than the bmx community, so i've embraaced it.

Seagull Black Bag.

http://seagullbags.com/home.html

+1 -- I just received mine and its already proved itself in the rain.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/9457/foodeu4.jpg



You have excellent taste in groceries.

You have excellent taste in groceries.

I was going to say exactly the opposite.

Black Beans are legit though.

I got the banjo brothers "commuter backpack" for 80 bucks and I love it, haven't gotten anything wet yet.

I was going to say exactly the opposite.

RACIST!

>8(

ive used plenty of "real" messenger bags and none of them are completely waterproof. in torrential down pours or being in the rain for 9 hours you tend to get packages wet.

Time to buy some "real" good ones then.

I was going to say exactly the opposite.

Black Beans are legit though.

wow.

So sorry if I'm missing something obvious, but I can't find the "Black" bag on the seagull website (at least not in the store). Are you just referring to color or am I not looking in the right spot? 'Cause I'm really curious now.

What about Kemmer's fake Chrome bags? Those things are like $35, and everyone loved them. Does he still have some?

Def worth a look if he still has them. I am really enjoying mine, and my laptops never been wet after riding in the rain...

I've got the Banjo Brothers messenger bag. I've ridden home in some serious downpours with my notes/books/laptop and my stuff has come out bone dry. Unfortunately, with waterproofness comes a lack of breathability. The bag makes my back sweat something fierce when it's warm out. I think I got it for 70ish.

So sorry if I'm missing something obvious, but I can't find the "Black" bag on the seagull website (at least not in the store). Are you just referring to color or am I not looking in the right spot? 'Cause I'm really curious now.

Its on his blog and not on the website for some reason. This site: http://seagullbagsohio.blogspot.com/ has what you're looking for. I'm pretty sure they are closing down in January though to retool, move, etc... but you might still be able to sneak an order in.

if u want to spend under a hundred i would go with crumpler. they have some awesome messenger bags. water resistant/not proof but i've never had a problem. some of them have a strap to prevent the bag from shifting over ur body. bailey's/seagull/ are great but way over a hundred. plus i thought seagull had a huge wait.

bailey's/seagull/ are great but way over a hundred.


that's what I thought, but look at the Seagull Black Bag.

<$100

The Seagull black bag is $95 shipped. That is, unless the price went up. The wait, is typically two and a half to three weeks. It's totally worth it though. I think one would be hard pressed to find a quality made bag, that is huge, for less than 95.

Oh and my black bag has held up well through some weather and decent sized grocery runs. Additionally, there is a warranty

Ah cool, thanks benoisst. Looks sweet.

I've got the Banjo Brothers messenger bag. I've ridden home in some serious downpours with my notes/books/laptop and my stuff has come out bone dry. Unfortunately, with waterproofness comes a lack of breathability. The bag makes my back sweat something fierce when it's warm out. I think I got it for 70ish.

I'm very happy with my Banjo Bros mess bag and it has kept everything dry (except my back like above).

The strap is obscenely long. Fatties fit fine.

The Seagull black bag is $95 shipped. That is, unless the price went up. The wait, is typically two and a half to three weeks. It's totally worth it though. I think one would be hard pressed to find a quality made bag, that is huge, for less than 95.

Oh and my black bag has held up well through some weather and decent sized grocery runs. Additionally, there is a warranty

What he said^

Black bag is a hoss, it fits well, holds the things you want/need in your life, has a beastly strap design, and it even saved my life in a crash! I'm sure though that any other bag would have saved my arse, but that happens to be the one I had on. In short, The black bag is the super gnar!

What about Kemmer's fake Chrome bags? Those things are like $35, and everyone loved them. Does he still have some?

I still have a few. I'm thinking of having more made when I run out. I'll probably upgrade the strap and buckles, but only I can keep the price around $50. Here's the thread if you need more info: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=330022

Yeah it's up between Kemmer's small bag (50 shipped, cant go wrong with that), banjo brothers commuter and some chrome bags that are below retail because they're second hand.

I'd say since I'm switching from a backpack to a messenger-style bag, I'd go with the lowest-cost route in case I don't like the bag too much and decide to run a backpack and keep the bag for light runs.

Def worth a look if he still has them. I am really enjoying mine, and my laptops never been wet after riding in the rain...

I love mine as well.

I ordered a small from him. Hopefully I can do all my grocery runs with it even though I'll mainly use it to carry a dress shirt/tools to work.

Grocery runs are very cramped with the small (depending on how many groceries you buy), but I use it to carry my books and stuff to campus and it works great for that.

say..4-6 microwaveables?

+1 on the black bag.

+1 on the black bag.

I think he already vetoed that option.

I don't know if the Banjo Brothers bag was still out there, but I have one and I think it's great. Simple, cheap, black, and I think made in the USA. Also, 100% waterproof (which means a lot of backsweat), but that's basically true of all messenger bags, and I've used probably a dozen.