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Durable AND attractive commuter bag

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Durable AND attractive commuter bag

Old 03-01-13, 08:43 AM
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Durable AND attractive commuter bag

I'm having trouble deciding on a backpack that is durable and good looking. Apparently you can only choose one


Otherwise, I'm looking at this roll top road runner bag, couple of people in California making bags for cyclists. Wonder if anyone has experience with them?

Also please post any durable AND attractive backpacks

Also also, I lug around a fahgettaboutit u lock


PS I'm 24, dorky dad bags not welcome here.
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Old 03-01-13, 08:46 AM
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Arc'teryx Spear 20
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Old 03-01-13, 09:21 AM
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What do you consider unattractive?
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Old 03-01-13, 09:23 AM
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Timbuk2 makes some attractive bags that are designed for cyclists. I see a lot of people using them, most of them under 40. Us 40+ geezers tend to like rack trunks and panniers.
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Old 03-01-13, 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Yo Spiff
Us 40+ geezers tend to like rack trunks and panniers.
+1

IMHO, there's no such thing as an attractive back-pack (a backpack residing on a beauty of the fairer gender excepted).
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Old 03-01-13, 12:18 PM
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I just ordered this guy from REI. A bit pricey but seems to carry my 'puter and a change of clothes. I think it will work well as a carry on when I go business trips and a day pack when hiking.

It a lot to ask of a bag, but if it does 2 of the 3 I'll be happy. I betting on the reputation of Osprey as I've fared well with my 42L backpacking bag.

https://www.rei.com/product/813371/os...muter-backpack

Edit: I order the Carbide color in 26 and 34 L. I'll pick a winner at the store. I dont think a 34L pack can function well on a bike. To floppy I think.

I'd like hear comment from the OP what he considers as key features of functionality.

Last edited by Vlaam4ever; 03-01-13 at 12:22 PM. Reason: color
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Old 03-01-13, 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by FenderTL5
+1

IMHO, there's no such thing as an attractive back-pack (a backpack residing on a beauty of the fairer gender excepted).
"fairer gender"?

Here is a North St bag. It also functions as a pannier.

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Old 03-01-13, 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by acidfast7
Arc'teryx Spear 20
I agree this is a sharp bag and is on my list if I feel the 26L Osprey is too big. REI closeout for <$70 https://www.rei.com/product/855089/ar...-2012-closeout
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Old 03-01-13, 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Yo Spiff
Timbuk2 makes some attractive bags that are designed for cyclists.
+1
You can choose fabric and trim combinations for a fully customized bag, so it can be attractive as you are creative. And they are very high quality. I got one for my wife to use on her scooter, and I borrow it sometimes when I need to take a rackless bike to work. Very comfortable and practical.
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Old 03-01-13, 01:01 PM
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Durable IS attractive. Okay, I'm a dorky dad.
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Old 03-01-13, 01:19 PM
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Not bad Portland guy.

Less dad bags please
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Old 03-01-13, 02:15 PM
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What are dad bags?
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Old 03-01-13, 02:21 PM
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Technically I'm not even sure

I'm just really selective
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Old 03-01-13, 02:50 PM
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Hire one sewn Custom, then you dictate all perimeters.


or get a Haute Couture bag * altered to have back pack strap fixtures added |
D rings are good, and unobtrusive so you can pop-off the straps (Snap Hooks)
and put them in the bag when you go into the upper echelon establishments.

*Charity shop Scores?

Big drawstring bag with the top drawstring tied to the bottom corners , are simple..

Last edited by fietsbob; 03-03-13 at 12:20 AM.
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Old 03-01-13, 03:06 PM
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Theres a nice TimBuk2 in the market area with a desperate seller.
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Old 03-01-13, 03:13 PM
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https://www.tombihn.com/backpacks/TB0104.html

Expensive, but will last forever, is extremely comfortable, carries a lifetime warranty and if you're willing to spend for the accessories the bag is very flexible for different uses. I used mine for carrying (2) laptops, as a carry on, camera gear, and grocery shopping.

The only reason I stop using it for biking is because the bag can fit so much that it started to affect my center of gravity too much. I use to load it up with close to 15-20 pounds consistently.
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Old 03-01-13, 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by wobbooze

Less dad bags please
I've got a Dad bag for ya.....
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Old 03-01-13, 10:09 PM
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might go with this

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Old 03-01-13, 10:59 PM
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I was wondering when you'd get around to posting either a pic or a link to what you considered 'attractive'....

Dunno about how much that one you posted is, or your budget, but here's a few to take a gander at.

-Banjo Brothers Commuter- Pick your size, pick your color. I had the large one in the original black. It was bombproof; traded for a rack trunk, which in turn got traded for a jersey and two blinkies. Man, do I regret that initial trade...

-All City Captain Phil- Addresses my main gripe of the Banjo Brothers bag and it should, seeing as how it is a modified BB.

-T6 Back Sack- Another modified BB with an artistic flair.
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Old 03-02-13, 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by modernjess
I've got a Dad bag for ya.....
What does that even mean? Sounds like you need/want a hipster messenger bag instead. I'm looking for one myself.
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Old 03-02-13, 12:13 PM
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I'm a dad and I'd use that bag, so there you go sonny. "dad bag"

Originally Posted by wobbooze
might go with this

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Old 03-02-13, 12:22 PM
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U
Originally Posted by wobbooze
might go with this

That looks pretty dorky to me, completely boring black rectangle with common plastic buckles is interesting/cool? Also pretty invisible, zero reflectivity, so fails the function test too.
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Old 03-02-13, 12:29 PM
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$180ish.

The OP's Bag OP wants to be hip, like the guy in the photo.
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Old 03-02-13, 12:33 PM
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Rivendell probably has something for you. I don't shop there, though.
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Old 03-02-13, 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Miles2go


$180ish.

OP wants to be hip, like the guy in the photo.
A young Dave Grohl?
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