Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - The great messenger bag debate...

Alright guys,

I know a lot of you are sporting various brands of bags, and I need your help.

I have been commuting everyday for the past 6 months now and my Timbuk2 "el ocho" just aint cutting it for capacity anymore. I have used it for 6 years, but the need to carry an entire day's worth of gear necessitates a larger bag. I would like to try a new brand with a few more quality features.

What I am currently looking at are the Chrome Metropolis, BaileyWorks SuperPro, and the RELoad Deluxe.

Anyone using any of these? You want to provide some pics or elaborate on the fit/finish, and their perceived quality? Does anyone know where Chrome bags are made? (USA is important to me.)

I am looking to spend $120-130 dollars, but would appreciate your input as that is no small chunk of change.

Went into the LBS yesterday and took a look at a Chrome and dang. Those suckers are nice. I have a REload frame pad and it seems to be of a kind of "hurried" assembly, so if that is indicative of their bags, I may steer away from them. Mainly just curious about the Bailey and Chrome bags.

Thanks,

Pete

P.S. Size reccommendos would be appreciated as well.

I think MERTON is the resident expert when it comes to bags. You might want to PM him

I have a Metropolis, I love the thing. It's not only beautifully made, but tough as old boots too. It really is lined with truck tarp, that stuff is STRONG (think about all the pallets and boxes and crap that falls about in the back of a truck, and when was the last time you saw one with a ripped tarp?). But just to warn you, the color of the stripe is the color of the liner, so if you want a white stripe you get a white liner too (not ideal for keeping clean, but it looks cool). I also got a radio holster, which let the side down a bit, both on quality and usability (I cut it up and bodged my own cell holder). I think the bags are made in San Fran, wouldn't be surprised if the other stuff is Far Eastern though.

It's pretty comfortable once you get it set up, but the loose end of the main strap could get in the way a bit (I rigged up a little Fastex-clipped tether from the remains of my radio holster). The buckle is not just a gimmick, it makes it so easy to take off when it's too heavy to lift over your head (or even when it's not). I'd say the only problem with it is that my girlfriend doesn't like it.

As for the size, well a few weeks ago I had four days of clothes (including a pair of jeans), a decent-sized wash bag, a pair of stiff leather shoes, and a couple of bike mags, with a bit of room to spare. Weekend away? Pah. Day's worth of kit? Too easy. Airplane carry on? Don't fill it all the way up, they won't let you on :)

Does anyone besides Timbuk2 make a bag that goes over your right shoulder instead of the left? Stupid left handed-ness.

I'm considering trading in my messenger bag and getting a pack..like the ranchero from chrome..anyone using a pack?

I thought Chrome made bags with straps over the right shoulder- I went to a bike store last night and was tempted to purchase a Chrome bag. They are big and roomy bags. I was impressed. They are pricy, though, but I'm getting over the sticker shock of buying a messenger bag, finally.

I also have a few Re Load bags. They are great bags, very tough, and nice designs. They also have a hip holster kind of fanny pack bag where you can affix your u-lock that I think is very cool. I have that bag. I like the ReLoad bags because they tend to be smaller. I have three of those. I have about 3 of the Timbuk2 fanny bags that also double as small messenger bags, and I have 3 or 4 or the Timbuk2 normal sized messenger bags that I really like. The only thing I don't like about the Timbuk2 normal sized bags is that the straps face inward towards the body, and every time I need something, I have to stop and take the shoulder strap off and get the bag off to open it up, or at least get myself in an uncomfortable position so that I can access my stuff. Overall, though, for the cool designs, it's worth the inconvenience.

Koffee

Oh, no. Here we go again. With the stash pockets and the straps and etc etc etc.

Buy an F-ing Chrome or a ReLoad and be done with.

But just to warn you, the color of the stripe is the color of the liner, so if you want a white stripe you get a white liner too (not ideal for keeping clean, but it looks cool).
white liner is good.

looking for something dark coloured in a bag with a dark lining is annoying at best.

fsnl
sparky

I've been with Timbuk2 for 6 years now - I've had three, sold one, still have two. They've lasted but damn do I want a Chrome. I'll probably be picking one up soon - all those features, the padded strap, quick release buckle, styling, etc.

Not to mention the STASH POCKET.

Be sure that there is a strap to hold your yoga mat!

i recomend the kremlin if you must have a messenger bag. personally i would presently prefer a backbone (chromes backpack) if it's big enough. it's 600 cubic inches smaller than the kremlin but one strap sucks with heavy stuff. plus the backbone has padding in the back. i've also found it time consuming to arrange books in my kremlin so that they don't stab me in the back with an edges.

hey. how do those tumbuk2 and baily and other bags perform in the rain? my kremlin really does keep rain out... except the 2 side pockets sometimes.

Timbuk2 does just fine. It's waterproof, and so are the Timbuk2 fanny packs. As long as you securely close the flap, it's a good scene...

Koffee

I have a Chrome backpack. Second largest size. I love it! Nothing unneccessary on this thing. It is big enough for most days. Could handle a size larger too though. Allhtough the bigger the bag the more I pack. I generally prefer the back pack style for large loads. the only drawback on the backpacks is that they are almost unaccesible when still on your back and they are a little sweatier. The messenger bag however can be easily swung around to the front and accessesed - even while riding with no problem. If I had to purchase a new bag - I would get the biggest chrome backpack with a bright inside color. It is true that it is very annoying to search for something in a dark bag.

man.. why did they make the backbone smaller than the kremlin? it makes no sense

I'm considering trading in my messenger bag and getting a pack..like the ranchero from chrome..anyone using a pack?

I have used a surplus swiss army pack for >6 years, both on & off the bike. It represents the finest swiss technology in personal luggage, circa 1940. The genius of this bag is in the lightweight integral frame and suspension. The pack is suspended off your back by a canvas webbing strap held under tension at the bottom of the pack. As a result, no sweaty patch on your back after a day of riding (in a semi-upright position, that is). What I am waiting for is Chrome, RE-load, any of those masters of vinyl-poly, to recognize the swiss contribution and incorporate the suspension into a modern, waterproof design. In the meantime, anybody can pick up one of these gems for $45 at a military surplus store.

True,
BK

FYI, I have a brand new metropolis that only got use the last few weeks of commuting to school last semester. It is pretty much spotless. If you or anyone else wants to make me an offer for it I'd appreciate it- its an awesome bag but probably more than I need (I need money more for a trip to germany right now).

Neale


Alright guys,

I know a lot of you are sporting various brands of bags, and I need your help.

I have been commuting everyday for the past 6 months now and my Timbuk2 "el ocho" just aint cutting it for capacity anymore. I have used it for 6 years, but the need to carry an entire day's worth of gear necessitates a larger bag. I would like to try a new brand with a few more quality features.

What I am currently looking at are the Chrome Metropolis, BaileyWorks SuperPro, and the RELoad Deluxe.

Anyone using any of these? You want to provide some pics or elaborate on the fit/finish, and their perceived quality? Does anyone know where Chrome bags are made? (USA is important to me.)

I am looking to spend $120-130 dollars, but would appreciate your input as that is no small chunk of change.

Went into the LBS yesterday and took a look at a Chrome and dang. Those suckers are nice. I have a REload frame pad and it seems to be of a kind of "hurried" assembly, so if that is indicative of their bags, I may steer away from them. Mainly just curious about the Bailey and Chrome bags.

Thanks,

Pete

P.S. Size reccommendos would be appreciated as well.

Does anyone besides Timbuk2 make a bag that goes over your right shoulder instead of the left? Stupid left handed-ness.

The BaileyWorks SuperPro can be switched from right to left shoulder if you choose.

Size large is huge so if you are looking for capacity you need not go larger. If memory serves there are two sizes above that and I couldn't imagine how big they are. It is a very sturdy bag and it will last you forever. I don't have any experience with any other bags since i've always had a Bailey but I don't see how a bag can get much better than mine. Flame away!

I have two Timbuk2 bags and I just got a Chrome Metropolis. The Timbuk2 bags are very nice and great bags for the price but the Chrome really steps it up IMO. The Timbuk2 bag flap often leaves open corners of the main compartment exposed when filled and that means your stuff gets wet. The Chrome bag uses a fold over design there that prevents this. I also really like the immobile strap pad on the Chrome, the ones that just velcro around the strap always slide around on me and end up in the wrong spot. I've also really grown to like the seatbuckle clasp and the one handed strap adjustment on the Chrome, both big improvements over the Timbuk2.

Overall quality of construction is pretty similar IMO. I was always impressed with my Timbuk2 and I'm just as impressed with my Chrome. The Chrome bags only beats it in design, not general quality.

Oh, and Chrome bags arn't made in San Fran, they are made in some small town in Colorado (can't remember the name right now) I had emailed them to ask that because it didn't say on the website and I wanted to make sure they wern't made overseas before I bought one.

I got a Chrome and it's really nice and it holds out water and it is really really big and it's green, and black, and has straps and fits nice and it's made in San Francisco and I am going there soon, and the price of eggs is through the roof! along with the price of milk... do you know how much a gallon costs now? Golly gee, Gomer, it's like 3 whole dollars and fifty cents!

man.. why did they make the backbone smaller than the kremlin? it makes no sense

I have both a Kremlin and a Backbone, as well as a PAC designs bag, and I do like all three, but I must say that the Backbone is by far the most comfortable, the only drawbacks being that I get much sweatier wearing it, and I can't get into it on the bike. A hip pouch helps solve this problem by keeping the essentials in there. The bag is really freakin huge, and I think it it had the same capacity as the Kremlin it would be overkill. The Kremlin is really only used as a laundry bag, and as a bag for extended trips, and grocery runs (read cases of beer!). Otherwise the PAC is a supreme bag, although expensive. I've owned a couple of Timbuk2 bags in the past, and the new ones are very inferior to the chrome and pac bags. Especially if you are using them for messenger duty, I can't tell you how many people I have seen with liners that have just flaked away, or even with the bag ripping apart at the seams. I would never buy another one.

Alright guys,

I know a lot of you are sporting various brands of bags, and I need your help.

I have been commuting everyday for the past 6 months now and my Timbuk2 "el ocho" just aint cutting it for capacity anymore. I have used it for 6 years, but the need to carry an entire day's worth of gear necessitates a larger bag. I would like to try a new brand with a few more quality features.

What I am currently looking at are the Chrome Metropolis, BaileyWorks SuperPro, and the RELoad Deluxe.

Anyone using any of these? You want to provide some pics or elaborate on the fit/finish, and their perceived quality? Does anyone know where Chrome bags are made? (USA is important to me.)

I am looking to spend $120-130 dollars, but would appreciate your input as that is no small chunk of change.

Went into the LBS yesterday and took a look at a Chrome and dang. Those suckers are nice. I have a REload frame pad and it seems to be of a kind of "hurried" assembly, so if that is indicative of their bags, I may steer away from them. Mainly just curious about the Bailey and Chrome bags.

Thanks,

Pete

P.S. Size reccommendos would be appreciated as well.


I've been commuting for years and maybe it is just me but I think they call them messenger bags for a reason. If your on and off the bike a lot their great but,,,I much prefer a backack,,,,not hipped or trendy but sure get the job done ----
JJ

I've been commuting for years and maybe it is just me but I think they call them messenger bags for a reason. If your on and off the bike a lot their great but,,,I much prefer a backack,,,,not hipped or trendy but sure get the job done ----
JJ

I commute everywhere too, and IMO the messenger bags are the way to go. I just got a Kremlin and it's great. It's a lot easier to carry all of my tools in - I could never really fit what I carry in my Timbukto, and I had the largest size they made. The Kremlin fits more beer, too. I'm looking forward to trtying it out as a cooler sometime this summer... What I like about the bag vs a back pack, too is the sweat factor - my clothes always got a lot sweatier when I was using the backpacks because they pull your shirt right up into your pits.

I'v said it before but I say it again. I'v been messin with Chrome Kremlin for almost two years now. Great bag. I'v wrecked one Timbuk2 (buckle) and been miserable with Ortlieb backpack (slow to drop and put on, straps padded with cheap foam and twist)

Would any of you say the bag you have is TOO big? The Kremlin seems like a good idea, but its possible that bag is larger than I am. I think I'd be inclined to carry more than my chiropractor would recommend (which I already do, anyhow).

Would any of you say the bag you have is TOO big? The Kremlin seems like a good idea, but its possible that bag is larger than I am. I think I'd be inclined to carry more than my chiropractor would recommend (which I already do, anyhow).

"It depends". I rarely have heavy loads on for longer than 20 minutes, but the Kremlin is very stable with big cargo. I'd say get the Kremlin, the extra capacity will come handy

Would any of you say the bag you have is TOO big? The Kremlin seems like a good idea, but its possible that bag is larger than I am. I think I'd be inclined to carry more than my chiropractor would recommend (which I already do, anyhow).

I think the straps on mine are a little too big - but I'm pretty skinny. Way too much stuff flapping in the wind. But it is really nice having more options for what you can carry. The Timbuckto used to be pretty tight and painfull with tools, laptop and thermos going to work, now with the Kremlin, it's comfortable, and I can pick up stuff on the way home.

I think if you were going to fit a human in a Kremlin, you'd need to cut them up first :)

Luckily, you wouldn't be leaking any blood!

I would figure out what you want the bag for. If you want to carry a lot of stuff, then a Kremlin would work for you. One of the reasons why I balked at getting a big messenger bag is that I would load it up to capacity and my shoulder would ACHE. The Timbuk2 bags are great because it forces me to carry exactly what I need without overloading myself. I can fit my small trinkets, my CDs, my headphones, my laptop, and a small book. That's all I need, and to get a bigger bag would entice me to carrying more crap I don't need with me.

I basically like the medium sized bags, but I do have one big bag that's waterproof that I got from Schwinn that's as big as a Kremlin or Chrome for when I do grocery shopping or some other big task.

Koffee

actually liquids will leak out of the kremlin... just not into it.

what is the most you've fit in your kremlin? when i shop for groceries it's normally just 14 cans of beans, 5 bags of the ramen noodle 6 packs and a gallon of water in in igloo (i get thirsty).. i could fit a little more.. but not much.

also, i've had very little problem with the kremlin hurting my shoulder.. it's my back that hurts after 40 minutes on the bike. also make shure to have the wieght as close against you as possible. th farther out it sticks the more leverage is created against your spine. this is why i started lifting wieghts again this week.

the only real problem with the chrome kremlin is the lack of pockets... i hate craming my floppies and my calculator and its wires into that tarp pocket... and my stapler gets lost in those side pockets... but the stash pocket is really convenient for change

Does anyone besides Timbuk2 make a bag that goes over your right shoulder instead of the left? Stupid left handed-ness.

All of chrome's bags are available right-shoulder; you'll probably have to order it from their site, though. that's where i got mine (a right-shoulder setup). this bag is SCHWEEET!

oh. also when you slide the bag to the fron you have to be careful of the buckle.. it hurts if yer boney.

You guys and gals are apparently tougher than I am. I have a Satchel Paige outlook on carrying stuff:
Don't carry in your hand what you can hang from your shoulder (messenger bag).
Don't carry on one shoulder what you can hang from two shoulders (backpack).
Don't carry at all what you can hang on your bike or other transportation (panniers).

I have a great Ortlieb waterproof messenger bag when I want to ride one of my bikes without a rack, but for my regular 22 mile round trip commute, especially in 95 degree summer heat, I don't want ANYTHING hangin' on me.

why the hell do all the other brands bags cost more than chromes? they aren't $50 better looking.. at least not online.

I have had a Manhattan Portage for years with no problems. How come nobody had mentioned them?

I have had a Manhattan Portage for years with no problems. How come nobody had mentioned them?

We were saving that honor for you. :D Do tell us about it! :D

Koffee

I have been using a Jannd bag (The bigger one?) for seven months now. Haul all my daily junk in it. No issues at all. Double material, truck tarping on the inside(wish it were white or gray, black makes it hard to find stuff), cordura(bright orange, shop logo) outside, reinforced corners. Average carry around ten pounds. My previous Timbuk2's were fine, but I really like this bag. I have though about a Pacdesign(a Friend has one) but they are really expensive.