nmklopper

Has anyone tried the Ergon BC3 Backpack? I would like to know what people's experiences/opinions are of this bag.

I really like the looks of this bag. It seems very functional and practical. I am curious to know how it feels when riding. I have read some reviews and people are saying that there is virtually know movement when riding. I would also like to know if there are any issues with head movements and/or visibility issues when looking over the shoulder.

I am interested in this bag for commuting (both to school and work), and maybe using it for day hikes depending on how it sits/feels when not in a riding position.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

TheRealNicola

Looks like a pretty cool backpack

no1mad 

Can't speak of the Ergon, but a lower cost alternative is the Banjo Brothers 'pack. Waterproof, comes in two sizes. I got the Large and thinking that I could have made do with the smaller one. I use it for school, keeps my books dry.

Ken Wind

It appears to be a very nice waterproof backpack. The capacity is a good size, and it should be fully weatherproof. My only problem with it would be the plastic pieces that come out around the waist belt. I would find those annoying at times.

Competitive Cyclist has a write-up of the BC3. They mention that it comes with a rain cover, which seems odd for a bag that is supposedly waterproof (some external pockets aren't). If you get one, please write up a thorough review on here. I'm very interested in this bag as well.

There are some cycling specific, suspension backpack alternatives out there, such as the Ortlieb Flight (PDF Link!) and Deuter Trans Alpine 30 AC. I have written a review of my Ortlieb Flight 27. The Trans Alpine, at $150 MSRP, is cheaper than the Flight or BC3, and I have even seen it as cheap as $100 on sale. It is not waterproof, but it does come with a rain cover.

Fremdchen

If it's anywhere near as thoughtfully designed as their grips, it will be worth the money.

PaulRivers

From the pics, it looks like your back will still get sweaty.

To be fair, I haven't seen a backpack that would both be big enough and have enough room for school books, and not make your back sweaty in warm weather.

nmklopper

That is my biggest concern as well. I don't think that it would be too big of a problem when you are wearing it, but when you take it off it might be a bit more cumbersome in smaller public spaces (ex. the bus, classes, etc.)

From the few reviews of Ergon bags I have found it seems like the back panel is slightly raised off the back allowing for what the reviewer claims as "a surprising amount of airflow...". Also, after living in Arizona and getting the sweaty back syndrome almost instantaneously without anything touching my back I am not that concerned with getting sweaty. But to each his own.

Here is the first impression and review for the Ergon BD1
https://www.bikecommuters.com/2007/12...st-impression/
https://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/02...ckpack-review/