rduenas

I need some help from everyone here. I need tons and tons of feedback on Chrome messenger bags (Citizen, Metropolis, Kremlin). Not just from people who own one but also from people who don't. Basically the three levels: Heavy users (Bike messengers), Medium users (Any rider who isn't a bike messenger), Light users (People who don't ride, but own a Chrome bag)

To those who do own one:
What made you choose it? What do you like about it? Etc.

To those who don't own one:
Why didn't you choose it? What did you end up choosing? What don't you like about Chrome? Is it a problem with function or aesthics?


And now, more importantly, Chrome is the most popular "bike messenger bag" brand in the market. Do you think this has more to do with it being a great, solid bag or does it have more to do with it (like a lot of things in the fixed gear world) being trendy?

Any and all opinions, rants, comments are welcomed.


p.s. Help me out on this, my grade depends on it!

euphoria

medium user: chrome backbone (backpack)

gobs of space, more comfortable on and off the bike than the standard design, definitely some style points but I'd attribute their success more to the top-notch construction

cons: flap tends to create a blind-spot, makes you get into the habit of jamming it with your elbows before checking your shoulder

FERAL

Has a messenger on/off for the past 17 years I have a Chrome Metropolis which I use for work, A Chrome citizen that is my around town bag, and my Timbuk2 that I got in 1991 size lg.
I love the strap design on my Chrome(s). The padded upper part is great. I have made some mods to it by adding. a small d-ring sewn to the top part of the strap to hold keys and added a metal 2 inch D ring to the end of the strap to help pulling the strap tighter. Over all it's a good bag but I think it's trendy only because of the fixed gear/messenger thing.
My Timbuk 2 I love. Its more comfortable than my Chromes but its 16 years old so its VERY BROKEN IN. It's on the 4 strap that I've replaced. Has a few holes, the front outside pocket is long gone, but its a faithful friend that has been with me for years so I can't find myself throwing it out.

el twe

Medium user, non-Chrome owner.

I have a R.E.Load Courier mess bag, Ortlieb Messenger back pack, and a T.V. Bags hip bag. A few friends of mine have Chrome bags, and I always found it difficult to fill the comfortably because of their shallow design. The R.E.Load is much deeper, and I've been very happy with it. I got the Ortlieb backpack because of the price and size. The hip bag is made by a friend of mine, Retem here on the forums.

blickblocks

Medium user, no Chrome to my name.

I have one bag that is a prototype that I designed, and Dan at Seagull Bags made. I have another that was a high tech looking sailors sack which I converted into a bag in place of a messenger (it's gigantic and was on clearance for $25, altering the strap took less than an hour). My latest bag, my daily rider, is actually a Chrome Metropolis clone that I bought off Kemmer. I only bought it because it was $50, and I've fixed my issues with the strap.

Basically, I'm pretty picky and I don't like how Chromes are basically "one size fits all" (in terms of features, not capactity). I'm looking forward to get a full custom from Seagull some time in the future. I think, because we're spoiled by the ease of obtaining a custom bag for a similar or even lower price, that Chromes are more relegated to those who aren't as demanding on their gear (like noncyclists).

indidude89

Daily User, Have a Green citizen

Like it: comfortable, lot of space, easy to get stuff out quickly, love the buckle but can be a pain when someone walks up and press the button (but i usually have the armpit strap hooked so its safe).

Only bad thing about it for me is: No water bottle holster thingie on the outside (but im planning to mod one on, but will try to make it discrete)

IMO, the Chrome is popular cause its trendy. In SF, they are everywhere, and they look "cool". But on the other hand, I love mine to death. I've had a timbuk 2 and i prefer my Chrome over it.

ahand

Medium user, no chrome

when i went looking for a bag it came to chrome, baileyworks, and reload. the chrome to me was too flashy and had kinda a bulky, shallow design. i didn't like the reload fit, and to me the bailey works was perfect. so i use a medium bailey instead.

dijos

I'll always help out a business student.

Medium user, no chrome bag. I have a few backpacks, and some non-descript mess bags. I think that chrome's success is two-fold: They took the market from Timbuk2, in terms of being a "real" messenger bag, with more features, and at a competitive price point. The appealing thing to me is that they have a pretty wide range of products, with a large number of pockets and other features, at a price point between T2 (not many pockets) and full custom (not cheap). plus, they're pretty easy to get. One of the reasons that I don't own one is that their website sucks. If you're going to put a bunch of features on a bag, a potential customer should be able to see just what and where those pockets are. Not everyone has a bag available for viewing.. I have heard some complaints about the envelope-ness of the chromes, and I need something more square. I also cannot get my head around the angle at which the bag sits on one's back.

I can't say that it's a good or bad product, but I guess that the actual function and quality must be pretty good, as a bunch of folks (non-riders, riders, messengers) use them, and they seem to last. They appear to have more included options than other bags, but I just don't see that they would really work for my needs. Maybe I'm wrong, and should give one a shot, but the cost makes me hesitate.

edited to add: to clarify my opinion about trendiness; they're just easy enough to get that they can be trendy, and recoginzeable (the buckle) almost instantly. If you;re sporting a PAC, or Seagull, only dorks on internet forums will know what they're looking at. Not to say that they're bad, but I had never heard of UTW, Zugster, REload, etc, until I joined here.

TrackGuy

Daily user, Chrome Mini Metro.

I chose Chrome for the buckle, which makes putting on and off over a helmet possible. Crumpler does not have a buckle and other brands with buckles are plastic which are prone to breaking. Also, unlike my backpacks and spike bags, the Chrome is waterproof.

Cons:
1) Not machine washable due to the buckle.
2) Metro is too small, not for the cargo but for my torso. See sizing info:
https://www.fixedgeargallery.com/reviews/messengerbags/
I'll be upgrading to a Metropolis in the new year.

[edit]
Medium user, Daily Commuter in Manhattan.

Gyeswho

I bought a Kremlin before I sold it. I'm not a messenger, but I utilize my bike as a car. I liked the idea of having the option to carrying a lot on bike since my bike is my main source of transportation. I called it the "trunk" to my "car." I bought because that was the main name I heard all over the place. Did extensive review research and finally decided on it. It was my 1st mess bag so I pretty much like everything about it but then I bought a PAC (btw I bought that for more space) and that all changed. Overall, its a nice bag but I desired more pocket options, versatility, and comfort.

I think its popularity is due to it being a solid bag and is the most thrown out name out there. I will say it is a good bag, but once you try PAC you don't go back.

sug

Medium user, Own right shouldered Citizen.

What made you choose it?

• Great fit at store
• More vertical fitting than other msgr bags
• Right shouldered model available
• Could try all colors, sizes in person
• Wanted to support SF local business


When I step out from my apartment, I have Citizen with me 95% of times, and 90% of times, I'll be riding bicycle or motorcycle. I also commute to sf financial district with my MacBook inside. This bag is just great. It won't shift, wont come around my side by accident. And the vertical, secure fitting helps comfortable riding form. Buckle works great. I think this bag is really really well thought out and just works for bike riding. big flap with velcro keeps the bag closed securely w/o closure thingy, little nylon piece that holds blinky light nicely, and of course the bag is well constructed overall.


Cons: Because it sticks to your back closely, you don't feel comfortable if you have anything odd shaped stuff (glossaries, small notebooks, CD cases, etc) inside directly to your back. Adjusting side strap thingy while you have the bag on you is kinda pain. You'll need to adjust the length of this strap based on your outfit, amount of load for a secure fit.

jimisnowhere

Metro, Medium user, but its a work bag, I haul gardening tools and watering cans with it 18-40 hours a week by bike. I also use it for school books. I've always been a backpack snob. I spent about a year looking into messenger bags. I bought my last bag 8 years ago and I spent the same time choosing that one. I like its total water-proofness, stability under load. I added a bit of rug to the inside under the liner to pad against books and twelve packs. It just doesn't seem to accept a large square item well, I need to pack a shirt against the bottom of said large square thing in order for it to not dig into me. On the other hand the lack of pockets keeps it free of hundreds of unused doodads, crap and reciepts. The straps on the flap allow me to move two school books, two notebooks, miscellaneous stuff, small gardening gear, a watering can and a trombone quite easily. The two bigger pockets also hold a nalgene perfectly. I think if the strap connected at the on-the-back panel of the bag rather than the pocket panel of the bag it would hold more without diggin into you. But I also suspect stability would be reduced.

My only complaint is everyone I know has one so when I'm with 'em I feel like I'm in uniform. I would also make the pockets with expanding flaps to them so they aren't so uselessly flat. And Chrome should make a leather outer version, that would be bad*****.

I have the bag because my research found it to be the best, but I'm sure a fair portion of owners have it for the wide variety of colors that will match velocity rims/anodized japanese bearings and what not.


jim

jeffremer

Metropolis, medium user. Got it as a birthday present, but I picked it out. I needed something rainproof and big for bike-commuting to school and work - racks/panniers weren't an option. I was replacing a Northface backpack. Holds everything I need. I like the middle separator which is good for keeping things like wet clothes or shoes away from books while I'm indoors. I routinely use it to ride 30-50 pounds in groceries from the store without much trouble (short trip though). It's good for short vacations as well, holds enough and is still small enough to pass for carry-on.

I'm about 95% satisfied. It's a great bag. Solid, and from what I hear their customer service and reputation for honoring the lifetime warranty is fantastic. It does what it's designed to do and it does it well. It's comfortable.

I've been hit by a car with it and bailed on wet train tracks once as well. Both times I skidded out on my side and back with a Powerbook inside. The back held up extremely well, no damage to anything inside and probably saved me some skin as well.

I got it before they came out with their backpacks. I've got a shoulder problem that acts up sometimes. The bag didn't cause the problem but I might have gone with a Chrome backpack otherwise. I'm considering getting the Timbuk2 pro backpack because our team is gets a 50% off pro-deal, it seems like everyone has a Chrome bag, and I think the backpack might not stress my shoulder as much when it does hurt. Another (minor) complaint is backsweat and shoulderstrap sweat. Of course a backpack wouldn't solve this but I've since built a commuter bike that I'm considering adding a front basket to for the days where my bag is overkill.

I'm no messenger but I ride my bike everywhere. When I'm on campus it's many short trips where having a messenger bag over a backpack is actually convenient but I definitely went with the messenger bag initially because I didn't consider backpacks an option at the time. If I was buying a new bag now it'd probably be a backpack (either Chrome or Timbuk2).

option.iv

Don't own one.

I am not a messenger, so a Jansport backpack is more than enough for me. Chrome can get expensive. Plus I believe backpacks are more comfortable since the weight is more evenly distributed on your shoulders/back. My personal opinion on messenger bags is that they really are useful only for actual messengers. I personally think they look like giant man purses and scream metrosexuality, especially on hipsters and non-messengers. I don't mind the back/strap sweat from backpacks (truthfully, mine is minimal after getting accustomed to daily riding).

And I thought Timbuk2 was much more popular. They certainly at least have better advertising than Chrome. Of the few bags I see in my area, it's mostly Timbuk2.

In the end, if I were to invest in either, it would probably be a Timbuk2 backpack.

x136 

Medium user, daily commuter, Mini Metro.

I used to use cheap backpacks, and was considering a Timbuk2 (easy availability at REI) when I got a chance to check out a friend's Chrome bag. It seemed to be more well thought out and well built. Price wasn't too bad. The buckle was the last straw.

Even though it's the smallest model, it still seems to hold quite a bit. I kind of wish I had gone for the Citizen, but the Mini Metro is working well. To be honest, I use it like a purse as much as I use it as a hauler.

Only downsides I can think of at the moment are that when I'm carrying hard, flat things, I have to wear it really high on my back, which can present visibility issues to the left rear (where the cars are), and it would be nice if the liner could be removed. It kind of has that "hipster" vibe going on, but I really don't care.

jeffremer

Nothing screams metrosexual like someone who actually uses the buckle.

TheScientist

I bought a Chrome Metropolis. I liked the bag because of it's sleek look as well as the PVC liner, that's what really turned me on to it. I would say I'm a medium user, but I do pack my engineering books around in it which are rather heavy. I also like the fact that I can put two twelvers of pabst in there...

JohnnyDoyle

Medium user, but with Timbuk2 large size. My bag is almost always on/with me, anywhere from 2-8 hours each day, but not usually stuffed or super-heavy. My next bag will be a chrome metropolis, the Timbuk2 is beginning to give up the ghost after ca. 8 years. I have used a really old chrome bag (before the seatbelt buckle or the padded strap, one of those old metal-fleck shiny Schwinn branded ones), and even it is a much better shape for carrying large, squarish loads (i.e. textbooks or boxes). Next bag will be chrome primarily for comfort, though I like the way they look too. One big thing that I like is the ability to customize the color and components of the Timbuk2 without extra cost, it would be nice to see that from chrome--though they do have a pretty wide range available.

NewYorkMantle

heavy user, i like the chrome kremlin a ton better than my old timbuk2. more sturdy, comfortable and practical. the seatbelt makes it trendy, in my opinion, but it helps a lot when my bag's too heavy to lift over my head.

grafix

Medium User (Daily Commute). Own Chrome Metropolis (4 years).

Good: The best feature of the bag has to be the construction. Good quality materials and great construction and workmanship holding them together. The seams are strong and rugged. Mine's taken some abuse and crashes and is still in great condition. Never have to worry if it's overloaded. If I can handle the weight, the bag can.
Shoulder pad is great, especially with a heavy load. Means the bag can't be used left-handed, but I don't know anyone who's ever switched.
Waterproof. The outer on mine soaks up some water—due to age—but the inner keeps the contents dry.
The thing that really sold me on it was the strap adjustability. It can be loosened/tightened one-handed which is great on the bike. Never really use the buckle because it's so easy to loosen the strap to get it over a helmet or swing it round to the front.

Bad: Shape of bag (flat 'envelope'). I can always get everything I need in there, but it takes a bit of planning and positioning (keeping things vertical so they 'fold' around my back), especially for groceries. I always end up carrying a towel to pad the back, but think I would prefer this to having padding built-in.
Sometimes lose things between the liner and outer by missing when I try to put something in the inner side pockets. Lost the spare lenses for my glasses for 3 weeks. Would be good to have the velcro to secure the inner at this part too (like by the front pockets).

I'm in the UK, and right-handed, so do not share the visibility issues (strap is on 'sidewalk' side).
Worth noting that there wasn't (and really still aren't) many other quality messenger bags easily available in the UK when I bought mine. So, in terms of the effects of style; I think that the bag looks professionally made and is well styled, and is fairly available in this market (less so that Crumpler who probably hold the largest UK market share). They're not too common over here, so I doubt many people don't buy them due to them being overly popular.

Hope this has been helpful. Good luck with your study.

schnee

Hey, always glad to help a student. Here you go.

Medium user, Chrome Metropolis - 1-1/2 years.

> What made you choose it? What do you like about it?

Ergonomics: the Chrome is extremely comfortable. The shoulder strap is contoured to fit the body, the bag itself naturally molds to your back, on the bike it feels like it's barely there. It was way more comfortable than the Timbuk2 it replaced.

Attention to detail: Everything is well-thought out, from the size of the various pockets (ideal for different types of usage from wallets to lock pocket to water bottles) to the buckle (low profile, smooth edges, easy to adjust strap on the bike with one hand) to the stitching (all perfect).

Aesthetics: Most bags look bulky and cubic with lots of dangly bits. The Chrome looks sleek and minimal, and the attachments/buckles are either very streamlined (i.e. the stabilizer strap holder) or obscured (extra buckles for tubes). It feels like the form was given a lot of thought, without compromising function.

Features: The car seat belt buckle lets me put on the bag without pulling it over my head. The reflective straps and blinky loop make me feel better about riding at night. The zipper pocket feels secure for keys and other small, easily-lost items. The water-proof liner it great for carrying sweaty clothes after a long ride.

Basically, the Chrome has good design. Nothing is arbitrary, everything is there for a reason, and time was spent refining the details.

--

> And now, more importantly, Chrome is the most popular "bike messenger bag" brand in the market. Do you think this has more to do with it being a great, solid bag or does it have more to do with it (like a lot of things in the fixed gear world) being trendy?

It stood out from other bags with it's refinement and design. That design appeals to people beyond messengers, who don't need the tank-like durability of, say, a Pac. (It gets noticed by the other graphic designers I work with - the types that all use Macs and drive Minis.) So, it was able to tap into a market that a more utilitarian bag would be over-serving.

It wouldn't be where it is without both function and form.

apotnolid

heavy user. had a kremlin, really didn't like it. with no load in it it was really "slidey" around my back and just didn't fit well in general when empty. sprinting/a lot of shoulder movement would occasionally cause it to slide around to my hip and i'd have to toss/shrug it back over. not very convenient. of course there was the little waist/chest strap to secure it, but those things suck. they get in the way, and with a properly designed bag you just don't need them. i didn't have a choice on the bag, the company provided them. i have used a bw super pro xl, a really early PAC, both are great!

on why chrome are the most popular, marketing! i work part-time for a major newswire in the evenings. essentially, my job entails the following: somebody has news. this can be a corporation, a private company, a government, whatever. that body sends the company i work for the news, whether it's corporate financials, government policy, evacuations/emergency notice, a new product somebody's trying to hock, whatever. then we format the news to media standards, and code it up, and send it out over the wire to basically anywhere you think of: dow jones, abc, fox, nytimes, radio, ap, retuers, whoever. long story short, i know the news before anybody else does. THE POINT: about once a month, chrome issues a release and a photo. i've seen them on the wire. and the photos are totally "whoa, hip bike sheik!"





it's pretty simply, you send out that **** to major media outlets around the world, of course they're going to be picked up by the general public and become the most popular. marketing 101!

Boss Moniker

I am a medium user with a black/grey citizen.

Love it to death. It's the only messenger bag I've seen that naturally lies diagonally across the back, which negates swinging and helps to distribute weight. The strap design is genius, though if they included a mechanism to disable the buckle I would be a little happier - I had to fashion my own (you try wearing it around teenagers). Another problem is the edges of the flap tend to curl up after a while, and this looks unattractive. I'll probably fit a rigid sheet in there to resist it though.

The front pockets are OK, but I wish the zippered portion was a little bigger; I can hardly fit all my tools in it, and it bulges a lot when I do. Maybe the middle section that's right behind the zippered portion could have velco.. maybe I'll add it.

Overall, it's one of the best products I've ever owned.

dmg

Medium user, Metropolis (purchased) and Kremlin (won in a race). Had a timbuk2 prior.
Like: only 'serious' US-made bag that you can order and have quickly or buy in a shop. Generally like design - velcro setup is durable and works well with a number of loads. Strap is excellent, like the buckle setup, nice reflector setup. Pockets are good. Looks nice and at the time I bought it, was uncommon with the general public. Very comfortable and stable when almost empty or overstuffed.

Dislike: Could be a be a little deeper, and wouldn't mind more sealable pockets.

fixedpip

Heavy-to-Medium user:
Had a Chrome Kremlin but like the others found it would move around far too much when unloaded (often sliding over shoulders). Had an awesome carrying capacity when loaded but the Kremlin is definitely not built with skinny people in mind. Found the strap a bit of a gimmick and prone to some joker stabbing it.

On the whole have found Chrome bags to be well made and solid on the whole. Also important is that they're made in the US (which is important to many of people on these boards - folks paid a living wage is a huge reason to buy any product). However I find their design to be a little dull; its neither purely functional nor very interesting.
+ One plus point is that I like the reflective stitching on the clasp straps.

Not a huge fan of their backpacks (again nothing wrong with them but nothing tremendously exciting) so switched to a Freight bag. Can carry a ton of stuff in style as well as having a bag that works when empty. Plus Freight is messenger owned and operated and focuses solely on building bags to haul stuff around in.