Jerb

I'm looking into a bunch of bags right now for biking, mainly it will be used for my commute to school and back (6mi round trip, but hilly). Right now my primary choice would be a chrome bag (pricy but not as discouraging as some of the other brands), I'm split between the citizen and metropolis messenger style bags. I've looked over all the sizing information but I can’t picture it, saying 2000 Cubic Inches means nothing to me, and I can’t find any pictures of people wearing them to get an idea of how it will fit on my back.

It will be used daily for a magnitude of uses, mainly for carrying books back and fourth. My daily load will be a text or two, a notebook, my laptop, some audio gear and maybe some clothes once in a while. There will also be times (shopping) that it will be used to lug groceries (2 liter bottles) and other misc items.

I’m really leaning toward the metropolis, it seems to be the reigning champ around here, however I think it might be too big and awkward to carry around with me all day but I don’t want to order a bag that’s too small.

So I extend my problem out to you, the gurus and veterans that inhabit these forums. What size would fit my situation, I don’t mind paying the difference between the two bags if the larger one will suite me better. Any pictures of your bags or recommendations would really help

mrbertfixy

check this thread for some pics of peoples loaded baileys
https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/120893-bailey-works-bags.html
see bailey website for sizing info.
https://www.baileyworks.com/products/SPRO.php
you MIGHT be able to fit all that in a citizen, but it might not all be protected from rain. i like my bag about 3/4 full. if you're used to a backpack the metropolis is goin to seem huge for a while. i'd probably go with the metropolis.
i tried on a metropolis the other day, i wouldn't wear it empty. it was so long ( 26") that it was slack even when tightened as far as it would go. besides that, great bag.

d2create

I can fit my jeans, shirt, undies, socks, a gallon of milk and a couple small items in my citizen. I also bought a metropolis and it was just too big for me. Even the citizen looks massive compared to typical messenger bags.

ridealot

My wife got me a Chrome Metropolis for Christmas last year. It is a big bag and will have no problem holding all the stuff you want. I am about average height and size and the bag covers most of my back if not all of it. I have not regretted asking for the bigger size.

CBBaron

For your daily load the Citizen sounds like the right size but the Metropolis is much nicer for shopping. You can fit an amazing amount of stuff in the Metro. I have a Metro I use to commute with. Most days it is lightly loaded and is very comfortable. When I need to I can haul crazy stuff like 2 gallons of paint + painting supplies, or groceries for a week including a gallon and a half of milk. However I'm 6'2" and I've heard some smaller riders complaining that the Metro is too big for thier back.
Craig

algorithm0

I bought my sister the Arc'teryx Blade 13 for her birthday in January. It's a backpack style bag that is designed to hold a laptop, and can also be carried like a briefcase.

I personally use the Crumpler Crippy Duck to hold my 15" Thinkpad, along with a math book, a few notebooks, and my pocket pc.

The Chrome Metropolis looks really awesome. Timbuk2 has some hardcore messenger bags like that, so does Crumpler. It doesn't look like the Metropolis has a padded laptop compartment.

Check out THESE BADBOYS!

ch0mb0

consider first whether or not a slingbag or backpack will suit your needs better.
chrome makes both. the chrome "ivan" model is a damn good pack. it does the job well.

2000 ci is good enough to carry your books, clothes, riding gear, and misc. (provided you pack it right).
shouldn't need more than that...don't get anything smaller though. You'll be happy with 2000.

Jerb

Thanks every one! looks like its there metropolis then, i should have the money to buy it in a month or so. I just need to figure out whether a left or right shoulder bag is preferable, can you think of any chain stores ( I Live on the coast in New england, USA) that may carry messenegr bags so i can try a few?