abstractform20

i dont need all the space in a messenger bag and find a lot of them too bulky.

so i picked up a laptop messenger bag the other day for 20 bucks. more of a man purse really

but still looks "business".

anyway its for 11" laptops or less and its perfect.

i can put 2 tubes, levers, food, drink, my shoes (sz11.5) and change of clothes and its fine.

it also is much neater and stays better with less work, on my rear rack.

bhop

That's cool.. I guess. A messenger bag isn't meant to be put on a rear rack though (not that you can't), so someone that wants to actually wear their bag probably wouldn't be able to use a bag like that because of the lack of a stabilizer strap.

hairnet

if you have a rack then why not get a pannier?

Ken Wind

A pannier wouldn't be as comfortable to carry, and I doubt it would look as good.

trekdude

I use a pair of panniers in rear and if I have a full load, I use the front ones as well. A messenger bag is good but it can be heavy on your back if you carry a full load. I do most of my commuting with a pair of rear panniers. It's just a personal choice when it comes to carry your load.

lil brown bat

You mean while you're carrying it around? Whatever. I'd call that dead last as a priority.

I concur with others, you don't have a mess bag there, you have an all-purpose bag that you're strapping to your rack. As long as it works for you...

Ken Wind

I used panniers for all my stuff, but when I got somewhere I had these two awkward, difficult to carry, bags with all my stuff in them. I couldn't leave them on the bike because somebody might take them, but they were a pain to carry around in the store, at school, into work, and everywhere else.

Not all of us ride 10, 15, 25, or more miles to work or school. I prefer the convenience of a backpack because I have all my stuff on me when I get off my bike. I do 50 mile rides with a backpack on, and it doesn't bother me. Everybody is different.

I'm glad you found something that works for you, abstractform20. Nothing works for everybody.

MNBikeguy

If that were true, why should anyone bother?

sorry.. I'm playing your words. Couldn't resist.

abstractform20

the bag i bought does have the strap. there are certain times i dont want the bag on my back.

its been about 98-105 degrees here in sacramento all week, and when i ride to the gym i definitely dont want it on me.

Ken Wind

THE Nothing works for everybody. Why bother indeed.

bugly64

Panniers front and rear, plenty of bungie cords and a bungie net works for me.

lil brown bat

And a kitchen sink on top? What exactly do you have to carry every day?

MMACH 5

I modified a small messenger bag (too small for a laptop) with hooks and straps. I attach it to my rack, but I can just throw it over my shoulder if I have to go into a store. I've ridden with a messenger bag and I hate the "sweaty back" syndrome.

abstractform20

most of my commute are 15-30 miles roundtrip. and the weather is 95+ right now.

do yeah, i want nothing on my back. i figure when the semester starts i can fit a few books in it.

bhop

Sounds good then. I have a small army medic bag that I use as a walkaround camera bag. It's also got a second stabilizer strap. (I assume so the medics can run in combat without their stuff flopping around?) I also use it on my bike if i'm just riding to the store to get a small item or two and don't need my big Bailey Works bag..