Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Bag Help, Please.

So, until about a month ago my only bike was a road bike with a rack attached. This made it easy to strap my back pack onto it without any problems. However, I recently acquired a fixed gear without a rack, and I'd prefer not to put one on it.

My problem is, when I attempted riding yesterday with an extremely light load (a change of clothes, ulock, and water bottle) in my generic backpack my shoulders were killing me. It's just an average backpack, nothing special, and I had it snug so that it was not sagging.

The SSFG forum seems to be full of people who know about bags and such, so has any one else on here had this problem? or have a way to fix it? Any bag recommendations would be great if you think it would help (backpacks, messenger bags, whatever). Or if you think I may just be doing something wrong, let me know. I appreciate any advice.

Thanks!
J.D.

i had the same problem. you could try just wearing one strap over the shoulder like a messenger bag. thats what i did for a while. helps a little bit. but then i took a trip to SF and ended up buying a chrome mini metro. no more straps digging and no more slipping. plus all the cool kids have them.

i had the same problem. you could try just wearing one strap over the shoulder like a messenger bag. thats what i did for a while. helps a little bit. but then i took a trip to SF and ended up buying a chrome mini metro. no more straps digging and no more slipping. plus all the cool kids have them.

So, you think a messenger bag would help? I've never tried one, but I thought less straps would = more pain. I might have to give that a shot.

So, you think a messenger bag would help? I've never tried one, but I thought less straps would = more pain. I might have to give that a shot.

if you can try one on in a store you should. this (http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/messenger-bags/mini-metro-buckle-bag---small.html) is the one i have. check out the strap on it. the part that goes over the shoulder is massive and has plenty padding. i'll admit tho, the chromes are pretty mainstream if that's something that's gonna affect your decision. there's tons of other messenger bags out there, but this is the only one i've owned and i love it. my friend rides around with a timbuk which doesnt have as much padding in the shoulder, but he said it's not a problem.

if you can try one on in a store you should. this (http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/messenger-bags/mini-metro-buckle-bag---small.html) is the one i have. check out the strap on it. the part that goes over the shoulder is massive and has plenty padding. i'll admit tho, the chromes are pretty mainstream if that's something that's gonna affect your decision. there's tons of other messenger bags out there, but this is the only one i've owned and i love it. my friend rides around with a timbuk which doesnt have as much padding in the shoulder, but he said it's not a problem.

Thanks alot! I'll look and see if I can find one to try out. Hopefully that'll solve my problem.

It's your backpack.There is no way a backpack with such a small load should be hurting.I've used both,bags and packs and two straps are better for load distribution than one.Ortlieb messenger pro and freight baggage FTW.

Yeah, it sounds like it may just be the bag itself, and it sounds like you are not accustomed to riding with things on your back. Have you had any other problems regarding the bag and extended use?

I wear a normal backpack from REI, same one I have had for 6 years, have no idea on the model as I swiped it from my mother while I was still in high school. I have seen one other person with it, and that was when I was living in Astoria, OR, years ago.

I am fond of: http://www.rei.com/product/768101?preferredSku=7681010034&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7681010034&mr:trackingCode=D88C4FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

It is simple, does the job, unless you like tons of pockets like I do. My friend had one, except hers was blue.

I also own the Timbuk2 Lex backpack, but I was not fond of it. I had the XXL version, and I had too many problems with everything sinking to the bottom of the bag, putting too much pressure on my lower back while riding. :(

I am sure some other people can provide input on actual mess bags if that is what you are interested in.

Some people just prefer to the way a load is carried with a messenger bag while bike riding, maybe try a messenger bag made for bicycling? With the hunched over, shoulder pinched forward position most people riding fixed are doing, a mess bag will be more comfortable. I have several messenger bag models I make if you want to check them out.

Check out Blicks Bags, She just made my custom bag it is great and a little cheaper than Chrome.. I really like having a messenger style bag it allows easy access to your stuff while when worn with a stabilizer strap keeps the gear stable on your back.

http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/q-s/scrubs2-01.jpg

blicksforums.net is a pretty cool site, it has more members than tarckblicks but the rules are a little more strict and sometimes it isn't as fun

blicksforums.net is a pretty cool site, it has more members than tarckblicks but the rules are a little more strict and sometimes it isn't as fun

Lol.


Try to find a bag with fairly wide straps. They will distribute loads across your shoulders more evenly.

Don't limit yourself to "urban" pack makers, try looking into some of the outdoors community brands as well.

blicksforums.net is a pretty cool site, it has more members than tarckblicks but the rules are a little more strict and sometimes it isn't as fun

Lolz.

But really, ride more. It'll help the zone. The zen. Your'are riding.

If riding more doesn't help. Put rocks in your backpack. A lot of rocks. And then change your name to mongo.

blicksforums.net is a pretty cool site, it has more members than tarckblicks but the rules are a little more strict and sometimes it isn't as fun

*mind implode*

Try using a jacket to conform the arch of the bag so less stress is put on your spine easing up your shoulders, that way the weight is distrubeted down your back and your shoulders and your muscles wont stress as long.

I have to have a wider strap on my messenger bag, Problem is i have thin shoulders so it slips off on light louds,

The Higher the bag sits to your shoulders, The more your lowerback has to push againts to support the weight.

Thats why NADR or Fancy fancy hicking bags have base plates to wrap around your lower back

If your looking for a new bag. and not carrying to big of a loud.

Try looking at banjobrother's cycling bags. They are great.

Also go to your local outdoor's equipment store. They are bound to have some timbuk2 cycling bags for around 90 dollars

If not try out the hiking bags. You'll look goofy with the larger sizes but a 24x12 longated hicking bag is perfect in size imho.

Try using a jacket to conform the arch of the bag so less stress is put on your spine easing up your shoulders, that way the weight is distrubeted down your back and your shoulders and your muscles wont stress as long.

I have to have a wider strap on my messenger bag, Problem is i have thin shoulders so it slips off on light louds,

The Higher the bag sits to your shoulders, The more your lowerback has to push againts to support the weight.

Thats why NADR or Fancy fancy hicking bags have base plates to wrap around your lower back

If your looking for a new bag. and not carrying to big of a loud.

Try looking at banjobrother's cycling bags. They are great.

Also go to your local outdoor's equipment store. They are bound to have some timbuk2 cycling bags for around 90 dollars

If not try out the hiking bags. You'll look goofy with the larger sizes but a 24x12 longated hicking bag is perfect in size imho.

+1. Man of experience probably has known, and then known, and then built the bag you'are looking fer. Rocks.

blicksforums.net is a pretty cool site, it has more members than tarckblicks but the rules are a little more strict and sometimes it isn't as fun

:thumb:

:roflmao:

Try HTFU.

Yeah, it sounds like it may just be the bag itself, and it sounds like you are not accustomed to riding with things on your back. Have you had any other problems regarding the bag and extended use?

I wear a normal backpack from REI, same one I have had for 6 years, have no idea on the model as I swiped it from my mother while I was still in high school. I have seen one other person with it, and that was when I was living in Astoria, OR, years ago.

I am fond of: http://www.rei.com/product/768101?preferredSku=7681010034&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7681010034&mr:trackingCode=D88C4FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

It is simple, does the job, unless you like tons of pockets like I do. My friend had one, except hers was blue.

I also own the Timbuk2 Lex backpack, but I was not fond of it. I had the XXL version, and I had too many problems with everything sinking to the bottom of the bag, putting too much pressure on my lower back while riding. :(

I am sure some other people can provide input on actual mess bags if that is what you are interested in.

2 points for another portland fan of the ortlieb velocity. i use a chrome backbone on heavy days but i use a chrome metropolis for any average day not too mention my super rad hip pouch