Originally Posted by
kyselad
In that case, I agree. I practically never use the stabilizer on the Chrome, but I always figured the bag was just well enough designed that the stabilizer was superfluous. I see how redesigning it might actually make it useful. Then again, if I were primarily after stability, I'd go for a backpack. Or an Xtracycle.
what do you carry in your bag? I don't ever not use the stabilizer strap unless i'm just going a few blocks and the bag is empty.
I always have a change of cloths, swim trunks, athletic shoes, and a full tool set in my bag. With the daily randoms it's at a consistent 20lbs. Usually once a weak I end up with 40-50lbs in it. The stabilizer strap works amazingly. I tighten down both the main strap and the stabilizer and the bag has no rock or sway or swing in it no matter what I'm doing on the bike.
I'm 150lbs, 5'9, I have a 31" waste and a 36" chest. The strap runs across my lat, just below my nipple and ends 1-2 inches above my xiphoid process (the little poke at the center of your chest where the bottom of your ribs meet). I'm using chromes largest bag.