I have both those bags, the Chrome Metro and the Reload Deluxe. They are both significantly different bags in terms of load capacity and design.

I started with a Timbuk2 and got to disliking it enough to switch to a backpack for a long time - the Timbuk2 has a tendency to swing forward if you don't the stabilizer strap. I switched back to a messenger bag when I found a the Metro for cheap. The Chrome bag is way comfortable on the bike. It stays put even without the stabilizer strap on. You can adjust the shoulder strap with one hand so you can make the adjustment 'on the fly'. On the Reload this is a two handed operation so you have to either stop to readjust the strap or do it riding no-hands. I like the seat-belt buckle for when I use it on the motorcycle as it allows for getting the bag on and off without having to lift it over a bulky helmet. The buckle (it's freaking metal) does tend to do some damage if you are not careful when you throw your bag around.

I got the Reload to replace a Chrome Kremlin which while being a fine bag was way too big for my purposes and certainly felt way too big when wearing it. It carried a scary amount of stuff though - I once carried a rear 700c wheel in it. The Deluxe has compression straps which help get it down in size but generally it is a massive bag which will feel like a big cordura blanket on your back unless you are an XXL sized guy/girl. It covers my whole back and then some. I am a size 44 (medium-large t-shirt). I use this bag on my grocery days and my winter commutes. Sometimes I travel with the bag as my 'one bag' carryall' and it works well though with the bag completely full it is a bear to lift and a pain to walk around with. The RELoad is a heavy bag even when empty. It is built with some burly materials. The shoulder strap on the Deluxe is very stiff and is reinforced against fraying which the Chrome strap is suffering from.

Between the two bags, I am finding that I use the Chrome Metro much more frequently then the Reload. For daily use the Metro is just right. I carry a change of clothes, some books, bike tools, minipump, lock, and it still has room to pick up some small groceries with ease. You can use the outside straps to either tie down the flap or to hold additional stuff (I use it to hold a document tube sometimes). I think the only downside to the Chrome bags is that you have to wear them diagonally across your back all the time as it is designed for on-the-bike comfort. One of the reasons I got the Reload was to have a bag that would be comfortable for both riding and walking (I like to wear the bag on one shoulder when walking).

I don't think you will be unhappy with either bag as they are both overbuilt, waterproof, well-designed. I would heed the warning/advice on the RELoad site concerning getting a too-big bag. The Deluxe is really big and really wide. It is much bigger than the Metro which is probably closer to the RELoad Citizen model in size. As much as I want to love the RELoad, for the money and functionality of a dedicated bike bag,I have to give the nod to the Metro for daily use. The Deluxe is too big for regular commuter use unless you are a messenger.