Originally Posted by
Cookiemonsta
Thanks for the fast responses. I googled the recommendations. The Swiss gear backpacks do seem supersturdy and very decent. But I think they appeal more to people who want something indestructible rather than something light. The Osprey packs are close to what I am looking for. Another one I saw in a shop that had my interest was the Deuter Race EXP Air, which is a lot like the Osprey Synchro (backpack is held off your back with a mesh panel). I did not buy it because I figured I would do some research first before buying the wrong pack, as I am not familiar with the use of backpacks on roadbikes.
I have a previous version of the Dueter bag. The back is excellent for keeping your back from getting sweaty, for that it's the best bag I've found.
Unfortunately, I mostly use the bag for hiking. Because on a road bike, it (and many bags, but because of the stiff shell on the bag it's particularly bad), having something on your back while leaned over the handlebars was not very comfortable for me.
So I'm not sure what to recommend - the Dueter bag is much better for not sweating through on your back than any other system, but my older model wasn't very comfortable when bent over the bike with a ride bike.
My dad (I'm 34) uses this rear bag on his road bike (note that it says the mounting hardware is even compatible with carbon seat posts) -
http://www.detours.us/media/catalog/...ke-800x602.jpg
The drawback to those is that if you knock against them they'll rotate around and not be pointing straight back.
The best solution is simply a regular rack on the back of the bike with a trunk bag. That's why every bike store you go to always has them - because they just work. They even have models that fit most road bikes with no rack mounts, like the Bontrager Backpack Lightweight -
Bontrager: BackRack Lightweight (Model #08214)
The bottom attaches at the wheel skewer, the top attaches under the rear brake mount, and it's really lightweight.
I own a high end Specialized full carbon road bike, and I won't buy another bike that won't take a rack in some way. You need to put something in there - food for a long ride, an extra shirt if the temp is going to change on your ride, raincoat, etc - you just put it in the bag and forget about it. It's not making your back sweat, making your back uncomfortable, or rotating around and being annoying.