Can I get some bag recommendations?
 

I'm officially carless as of last month and have been commuting nearly 90 a week on my bike since. I have an over the shoulder bag already, but it is small and ill equipped for what I use it for.

Any recommendations on a nice over the shoulder bag? Keep in mind, I'll be carrying everything from clothing, school books, to groceries in this thing (and who knows what else). I'd like a big bag I suppose, and if it were possible to customize its look myself, that would be a huge plus.

Thanks!
-Salt

Easy.
Chrome Metropolis or Kremlin depending on your body size. I'm biased but have used a Chrome for years on bike and MC's. I would be hard pressed to get anything else. Good balance of Value and Durability.

and easy to customise. Check out the Mess Bags thread in SS/FG...

Chrome is the best deal for a good bag (good as in they have an ergonomic strap and a bag that can hug your body, unlike Timbuk2 and others).

Other companies to look at, although their bags cost more, are Pac Designs, Seagull, Chicago Wig, Courier Wear, Reload, Push the Envelope, Cocotte, Under the Weather, and there are others I'm not thinking of.

Look at a DeMartini messenger bag, the original.
I have an extra large one, used and abused it a lot.
Fits clothes, laptop, stuff, etc. Will hold a case of beer.
Plus it is more reasonable priced than some of the newer models.
It just plain works well.

I have the Vancouver from Pacific Outdoor equipment. The Anchorage might be more what you're looking for. I was really impressed with how well made and durable it is. Great weather resistance as well.
http://www.pacoutdoor.com/2008/index...=29&familyID=2

A bag for groceries!? Why not panniers?

Say what you all will, but after a decade of commuting with first backpacks then messenger bags I realized THEY ALL SUCK. I was in a deep state of denial thinking they were the only way to go.

I realized that that day I put the rack and pannier (arkel) on my bike. I'm now completely liberated.

Once you go rack, you never go back. Yes it is totally Fred. Commuting on your bike is Totally Fred.

I am carless as well and doing just under 200 miles a week between school, work, day-to-day tasks, etc. Unlike what was stated before, I have found the TimBuk2 bag (I use the large size) to be comfortable for 90% of the riding I do. If I am going to be hauling a heavier load than usual then I attach a rack and panniers.