Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Bags

Posted this in commuter area too, but I think the ssfg crowd has their finger more on the messenger bag pulse. I've been looking at decent sized messenger bags to fit my 17" laptop plus other bits. I narrowed it down to the Chrome Metropolis bag and Crank Brothers Messenger Fully Monty bag. It is about 70 bucks cheaper but I can't find any reliable sources for more pictures or reviews. I am leaning toward the Chrome because of their reputation for making bomb-proof bags but for a price. Can anyone give me insight to the Crank Brothers bag? If not I'm just gonna get weird and get the Chrome bag.

Search function.

Choice C. Backpack.

just posted a fairly detailed bunch of images and what my bag carries for some members last week, if you can find it.

hint: its one of the options youre considering and it holds what you want to hold

Knog bags from jenson, tough to beat the price. While they last.

Chrome. Although if I was in the market for a new bag, I'd get a RELoad

Choice C. Backpack.

x2

Tried messenger bag for a while and ended up going back to backpacks. Distributes weight much better.

Knog bags from jenson, tough to beat the price. While they last.

I don't think any of those knogs do it for the OP's question, but damn son that's some mad deals.

x2

Tried messenger bag for a while and ended up going back to backpacks. Distributes weight much better.

x3

im looking into a good waterproof backpack that will hold all my **** now, messenger is good for light loads but when i got 30 pounds in there its annoying

x3

im looking into a good waterproof backpack that will hold all my **** now, messenger is good for light loads but when i got 30 pounds in there its annoying

x4

I tried using a Timbuk2 messenger for a while. It sucked. Then a Timbuk2 backpack. Much better. But I needed something waterproof. Rolled in to SF, picked myself up a Mission Workshop. Haven't looked back.

Timbuk2 Tres Especial is highly water resistant. A little expensive but cheaper than MW.

I've had the largest sized Chrome bag for 3 years now. Works great if you pack it right, but it only really has one internal pocket. Probably not great for a laptop.

I find a messenger and a separate sleeve is much more functional on a bike than any of the laptop specific messengers's or backpacks plus it tends to be more waterproof. My Waxed Canvas Timbuk2 Bolo gets a coat of wax every 6-8 months and has been keeping my stuff dry for a decade now....That said its reaching the end of its life and I am thinking Seagul Blackbag or Seagul Retrogression bag when it's time

I've had the largest sized Chrome bag for 3 years now. Works great if you pack it right, but it only really has one internal pocket. Probably not great for a laptop.

i found the best way (for me) to combat that is with the snoop camera insert from timbuk, fits perfectly in the metropolis, would leave extra room in the bigger size

I find a messenger and a separate sleeve is much more functional on a bike than any of the laptop specific messengers's or backpacks plus it tends to be more waterproof. My Waxed Canvas Timbuk2 Bolo gets a coat of wax every 6-8 months and has been keeping my stuff dry for a decade now....That said its reaching the end of its life and I am thinking Seagul Blackbag or Seagul Retrogression bag when it's time

Really, cuz I'd take an average backpack over a good messenger bag any day. And good thing there are better than average backpacks out there.

I have an osprey statos 24 backpack, and its pretty nice on your back, and doesnt give you too much of a sweaty back, but sucks to pack because of the arc of the frame.

Mission Workshop everything.

I like my Chrome Yalta a lot...it would be nice if the roll top opening was bigger but the side compartment fits my 16.4" in pretty nicely.

x4

I tried using a Timbuk2 messenger for a while. It sucked. Then a Timbuk2 backpack. Much better. But I needed something waterproof. Rolled in to SF, picked myself up a Mission Workshop. Haven't looked back.

X5

I have a MW Vandal. ****ing huge, and ****ing amazing. I have been caught in absolutely horrendous downpours and had everything in it stay completely dry. My wife and I went on a four day vacation and it was our only piece of luggage. We even managed to bring back a couple items.

Messenger bags are wonderful if you aren't carrying much and need to get in and out of them all day. Otherwise, get a backpack.

X5

I have a MW Vandal. ****ing huge, and ****ing amazing. I have been caught in absolutely horrendous downpours and had everything in it stay completely dry. My wife and I went on a four day vacation and it was our only piece of luggage. We even managed to bring back a couple items.

Messenger bags are wonderful if you aren't carrying much and need to get in and out of them all day. Otherwise, get a backpack.

This^

So that's X21 total at the moment for MW

Mission Workshop everything.
^this

I have a Chrome Civilian and it fits a lot of stuff, I really like it. I have a few backpacks and one that is bicycle specific I was using before getting the Chrome bag and I don't use them anymore. At first the Chrome bag felt kinda weird but once I got used to it it feels really nice when riding.

Choice C. Backpack.



Mission Workshop everything.


I'm with these guys. Backpack by Mission Worksop. :thumb:

The Vandal and the Fitzeroy will fit a 17" laptop.

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/raleigh-7374_4.jpg mine is the blur on the top

I'm with these guys. Backpack by Mission Worksop. :thumb:

The Vandal and the Fitzeroy will fit a 17" laptop.

Heh... The Vandal will probably fit a desktop with a CRT monitor if you try hard enough.

I picked up the All City Captain Phil about a month ago, it's fantastic for the price. I haven't found anything it can't hold. You can price match for the large at Tree Fort for 94 dollars.

Heh... The Vandal will probably fit a desktop with a CRT monitor if you try hard enough.

ha, true true. :p

I've had my chrome Metropolis for 2 years, carried lots of different things in it. Large dog food bags, grocerys, a full sized bicycle, a longboard and many other odd items. I use it in my commute everyday and its a great reliable bag. With that said, I do wish for another shoulder strap to divide the weight better as it can get uncomfortable on longer rides with heavy loads. Right now I'd rather have a bike with a rack and pannier, but if I were to go for a new bag I'd go for the Mission Workshop Vandal or the Chrome Berlin.

Really, cuz I'd take an average backpack over a good messenger bag any day. And good thing there are better than average backpacks out there.

I find messenger bags more comfortable on the bike, true they suck walking but but I have a nice MountainSmith bag for that, if I'm gonna be on two wheels I much prefer my Bolo and at this point where I pretty much do all my grocery shopping on my bike its better suited.

Really, cuz I'd take an average backpack over a good messenger bag any day. And good thing there are better than average backpacks out there.

Backpack problems:
1) I sweat way too much with them
2) tend to sit too high up on the back

Messenger bag problems:
1) Not very stable

Solution:
Messenger bag with a front cross strap (e.g. Timbuk2). This keeps the bag stable and has the following advantages:

More aero (which is important to me)
Carries the load lower on my body - i.e. on my pelvis, not my shoulders
my back doesn't get all sweaty.


With loads over 20lbs, a backpack may be better, but at that point I am using panniers.

I used to use backpacks in cooler weather, but haven't done that in a while with the messangerbag cross strap combo.

Backpack problems:
1) I sweat way too much with them
2) tend to sit too high up on the back

Messenger bag problems:
1) Not very stable

You forgot

2) ALL the weight is on ONE shoulder, this is problem if you have very much weight or very far to go. I have a Metropolis mess bag and an Ivan roll-top pack, and for weight the backpack is always more comfortable. I've ridden with both bags (loaded with weight) for distances of 50+ miles, and the backpack was far more comfortable.


Solution:
Messenger bag with a front cross strap (e.g. Timbuk2). This keeps the bag stable and has the following advantages:

More aero (which is important to me)

This is debatable, but I find my backpack to be more aero than my mess bag.


Carries the load lower on my body - i.e. on my pelvis, not my shoulders

With only one strap over only one shoulder how are you carrying the weight on your pelvis?


my back doesn't get all sweaty.


I'll agree with this point.


With loads over 20lbs, a backpack may be better, but at that point I am using panniers.

I used to use backpacks in cooler weather, but haven't done that in a while with the messangerbag cross strap combo.

I find my backpack has the added advantage of insulating my back in cooler weather, actually. :D

With only one strap over only one shoulder how are you carrying the weight on your pelvis?

He means that if you are leaned forward on a bike the weight is pushing down at your hips. If anything the shoulder straps will be pulling you up as opposed to a backpack where the weight would be supported by the shoulders and arms on the bars.

I find messenger bags to be a lot better in situations where I am taking stuff out and putting it in frequently and backpacks better in other situations.

With only one strap over only one shoulder how are you carrying the weight on your pelvis?
I read it as where the load rests while in a bent-forward position while riding, at which point the direction of the weight in relation to the body is different then when in an upright position. However, your points about the weight being only on one shoulder are spot on.

I have no experience carrying loads on a bike, so I can't have any real feedback on this topic.

He means that if you are leaned forward on a bike the weight is pushing down at your hips. If anything the shoulder straps will be pulling you up as opposed to a backpack where the weight would be supported by the shoulders and arms on the bars.

I find messenger bags to be a lot better in situations where I am taking stuff out and putting it in frequently and backpacks better in other situations.

If I had my mess bag on loose enough to sit that low when I'm bent over it would flop all over the place :/ If I were taller my Metropolis would be less hassle than my Ivan, but since I'm so short I pretty much have to take it off to open or close it :( (when it's not completely full the bag itself wraps around my torso when I cinch up the strap)

for moderate loads (lunch/jacket/tool roll) i've got a medium Timbuk2.

anything larger i have an Osprey Flapjack backpack. much more comfy w/ any weight.

some may need it, but i -hate- the addition of laptop sleeves/dividers in bags/packs. should be removable. next piece of luggage will be an open sack inside.

I've just gotten used to biking with a messenger bag (Chrome Citizen). I've never really tried biking with a normal backpack...

Messenger bags really only impinge on your shoulder when you are vertical ie. walking, I have riden thousands of miles on both bicycles and motorcycles with a messenger bag, bent over its fine, sitting up on a 50cc scooter was like walking it sucked so I would say that your position on your bike is as much a factor as anything else

CRT monitor

Will it fit your AARP card too?

Haha, don't actually own one. Just saying that the bag is huge.

Haha, don't actually own one. Just saying that the bag is huge.



I have a MW Vandal.
http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt116/glxicy/tablo-confused.gif

Don't own a CRT monitor, is what I meant.

oh. DUH. :lol:

So that's a yes on the AARP card. Unless its one of the large print jobbies.

lol im 26 and i have an AARP card for roadside service (really my dads card, we have the same exact name)

If you haven't made your purchase yet, get in touch with me. I have two Chromes that have been used only once or twice that I'm willing to make a deal on.

I own a MW Vandal, a MW Fitzroy, a Chrome Ranchero, and a Chrome Metropolis. (I'm a bit of a bag-*****, but when I was working at a shop, I got EP on MW stuff).

My favorite day-to-day bag for commuting and errands is the Fitz. I also take the Fitz with me on business trips (I work in the offshore industry, so it gets thrown off choppers, dragged around the deck of rigs and ships, and generally treated poorly) as my carry-on to hold my laptop, electronics, etc. It's still in amazing shape.

The Vandal comes out when I've got a LOT of crap to carry.

The Chrome Ranchero is old and worn out, but I use it occasionally for carrying random stuff on pub crawls, urban rides, etc. when its small size in convenient.

I don't use the Metro much anymore, but I do find it quite comfortable.

mess bag gives you a sweaty back just like a backpack, just slightly lower and offset.
You're sweaty, period.

I like the messenger bag for smaller stuff, it's just easy.

Backpack for everything else because it's much more efficient, carries much more stuff and is easier on your back.
I think it's more stable for heavy loads

I don't know why aero is important but a backpack could be more aero depending on the design.
I am guessing if you are riding fast, carrying very little than a fanny pack or mini like the Chrome Victor would be good.

In regards to the single shoulder issue, with a messenger bag. No one has mentioned PAC Designs' Pro series messenger bags. Their Pro series bags have a "fourth strap", or a second shoulder strap. It's a huge relief when carrying heavy loads, as it will take some load from the main, shoulder, strap. It won't evenly split the weight 50/50, but enough to make a noticeable, viable, difference.

277931
Another member, gysewho (Am I spelling that correct?) had a very detailed review of his PAC designs bag. That dude carried a lot... and I mean A LOT of things with that bag.

I have a PAC designs pro ultimate bag. It only comes out when I need to carry something hardcore. Its too big for normal commuting. But definitely awesome to have when I need it. Its a pretty serious bag.

Have a small reload flight pack which is good size and what I mostly use.

I really hate wearing a bag at all and try to not wear a bag whenever I can.

Why do you guys wear a messenger bag low? That's what I hated about the timbuk2 stuff, is that is was more a man purse than a bag for your back. I keep my chrome bag up as high as it comfortably goes, and the side strap just loose enough that it doesn't restrict breathing. I can carry 50lbs in it 10 miles across town. With that much weight there is a little pressure on the shoulder, but most of it is still actually on the back if you packed the bag right. My normal every day riding weight is about 24lbs in the bag with change of shoes, any tool I could need, change of cloths, and other random things and I've ridden 60 miles with that and can walk around for hours with no discomfort at all.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/395184_305725049478727_1944795099_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/404755_305725606145338_2064007353_n.jpg
That load was a bit hard to carry because the bag was so heavy it was hard to get it high up on my back by myself, so it hung down a bit and pulled on my shoulder.