I like where dedicated messenger bags sit, and I'm a little vain, so I also like how they look. I'm very fond of my Chrome bag.

I am all for using a messenger bag if it is the most comfortable bag for you... I dont agree with using them just to pose as a messenger.

Thanks for all the options. I don't need to carry alot, just my lunch an a few odds and ends. My hybrid has a rear rack, which I love, but for commuting to work I will need to use my road bike(36 miles roundtrip) and my road bike doesn't have the stays on the frame. I'll check with my LBS or maybe get some of the p-clips.

Something to check out are the Hi-Tails from Detours. Basically rack trunks with integrated seatpost rack that mounts using KlickFix.

I would say for a really light load, messenger would be best. If you get a decent one, it will have a sternum strap to prevent it from swinging round into your lap throwing you off balance, and will also lay high enough up on your back to take what little weight there is off your shoulder. It can be a little bit scary carrying like a soup or other liquid meal in a messenger bag as it may not sit horizontal to the ground and be susceptible to spillage (though I haven't experienced this.

Also, no one has mentioned this, but with a messenger bag, you can wear it over your right shoulder (or have it made for wearing this way) and will have no blind spot when looking over your left shoulder in traffic (if you live in a right hand drive country); with a back pack you will have a blind spot if you are riding on the hoods or especially if you are in the drops.

Finally, some messenger bags come it with a removable 2nd strap that can go over your other shoulder when carrying extra heavy loads. Check out Bagaboo in Hungary. Incredible indestructible bags. Have the 2nd strap. Usually I carry a light load, but carried a 30 pack of beer with the 2nd strap and it felt fine. Also it has a U-lock holster on the outside which is really convenient. Keeps the dirty lock out of the bag, and is easy to access for quick locking. I got the large, but wish I had the medium.

Anyhow, I would try to borrow both a backpack and a mess bag to try out. I'm very particular about my bag and how it rides, and after lots of attempts I think I've found the right one. Good luck.

I use a messenger bag, I will say get a good one. The cheap ones put the weight on your shoulder when you ride.

Backpacks can be ok, but I have not found one that fit just right, but if you buy one made for cycleing you will get one that fits right.

Sounds like you need a handle bar bag to me. Maybe a seat bag as well. The two should be able to hold your lunch, and tools for flats and such, a lock and probably even a change of cloths if the handle bar bag is big enough.

I use a backpack and like it a lot. Haven't used a messenger bag but I really like the even weight distribution of the backpack. Good luck with your search!

I used a backpack for a while, but airflow on my back was pretty bad. In the hot Florida sun, my back got pretty hot and there was no place for all the perspiration to go. So, I got a rear rack and put my stuff in a waterproof dry bag that I found in the kayak/canoe section of an outdoor store. I never tried a messenger bag, but I suspect that it would have the same problem.

If you sit upright on your bike, a messenger bag is fine if it can hold everything you want. When I switched from my cruiser to a road bike, the messenger bag kept shifting while riding, and it only took a minute or too before the bag slid from my back and was hovering on my side near the handlebars (in a horrible position). I've since switched to a backpack and couldn't be happier. Of course, I haven't tried strapping a bag to a back rack, as I don't have a rack.

camel back mule or any other large hydra backpack, carry bunch of stuff, comfy, and water on the fly!

If you own a "messenger bag" that swings forward or moves in any way, while you are riding your bicycle, then it is not a true bicycle messenger bag. Transporting items from one point to another securely, while riding a bicycle, was their primary intent when they came to be.

Modern quality messenger bags as we know them today, (Timbuk2, Chrome, Manhattan Portage, Bailey, R.E. Load, Seagull, Outlaw Earth, Zo, Pac, and others), were specifically designed and built by young men and women who had to depend on them to transport all sorts of items from one point to another, securely, while riding a bicycle for 8 or more hours during the course of a day. These bags should have, not only a main shoulder strap, but also a cross strap that secures the bag comfortably on your back and prevents it from moving. They should be sturdy, water proof, and a well built bag is definitely not cheap. If worn properly, and with a reasonable load, they should be very comfortable to wear.

So true WolfsBane.The retail stores think that they can put a strap on a bag and call it a "messenger" bag and people will buy them. Unfortunately they've been proven right. The sternum strap is key, as is good padding on the shoulder strap

And I'll agree, once I got my Chrome bag adjusted the way I liked, almost can't tell it's there. Carrying the same load in a backpack there was never any doubt.

The messenger bag I posted about yesterday actually was a Timbuk2 bag, WolfsBane. Don't get me wrong, I love the bag, but it frequently shifted into my bike while I was riding. Of course, I was not riding in an upright position, nor did my bag have an extra strap to keep it specifically from shifting. I do love the bag though... I'm about to pick up one of their backpacks because their products have thus far impressed me a great deal

I've tried both and prefer a backpack for commuting. Even load = more comfy for my shoulders.

For running errands, or on vacation at the beach, I use the messenger. Easier access to stuff. Also, my mid-size messenger holds way more than my lightweight/sleek backpack.

Panniers/front bag > backpack > messenger bag > wallyworld plastic bag > carrying that crap in your hands.

Hmmm... and this was a Tibuk2? I've owned two and both had the sternum straps. When I first started using it the bag would move around a lot especially when I was standing on the bike. I eventually figured out which shoulder to best wear it on (which in my opinion makes a difference) and how to properly use the sternum strap (I wasn't tightening it enough). Ever since, I've had no issues with the bag shifting. Sometimes if I have a very light load and don't secure the strap well, I'll get a little shifting.

I just ordered a bag from Timbuk2. I figured I'd give it a try and compare it to my backpack. It should be here in about a week or so (currently doing inventory).

I have to agree with this advice too. Having used a bunch of different messenger bags (Timbuk2, Crumpler, R.E.load, Baileyworks, Chrome in that order of preference and fit) and backpacks, there is no ideal bag that works for me.

Depending on the weather and type of load I switch between a Chrome Metro (cool/warm weather) and a Banjo Bros backpack (cooler/cold weather).

My favorite carrying method is to put stuff in a small ultralight backpack ( I use an REI Flash 18) which goes into my Carradice saddlebag. Keeps my back bag-free, let's me take my stuff with me when I am off the bike, and gives me extra carrying capacity if I need it.

If you are not carrying that much, then you could try a small backpack (20L or less). Both the Metro and the Banjo Bros bags might be overkill. Deuter and Camelbak offer some nice small cycling specific packs.

https://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/...ke-backpack-v1

best investment ever.

I have panniers, and a trunk even. But that bag goes with me everywhere. I carry my mp3 player, sweater, extra anything in it and have NO issues.

I've used Timbuk2 messenger bags too, and I demoted it after 3 weeks to my 8 year old. He loves it for his second grade stuff.

^ And I thought my Banjo Brothers was skimpy on organizational storage.

I'm not sure if there's a whole lot of difference between them. As long as we're talking about real messenger bags and backpacks. FWIW, I use one of Chrome larger bags (Metropolis?), and love it - but 99% of real messengers I see here in Berlin wear messenger backpacks.

If you're in a very hot climate, messenger bag might be better than the same capacity backpack, but for me the difference was marginal (when I lived and commuted in Tel Aviv).

Others may know more though.

I just recently switched from backpack to a messenger bag (Timbuk2) with a stabilization strap. i will never use a backpack again

I do a pannier or nothing (I keep about 4 clothes changes plus toiletries, towel, etc. at work), but I don't mind using my Camelbak Trailblazer, in fact I used it exclusively for the first 6 months of 2008. Even though it's supposed to be a light hiking pack, not a bike pack, it's quite comfortable and if not stuffed to the gills, holds the weight down low.

Also, the "Air Director" back panel keeps *most* of your back pretty cool.

You're not carrying much, so either kind of bag is good. I guess choose on what you think looks coolest and is most comfy. I've used panniers, but only for things that I can't or shouldn't carry in my bag, such as wet paintings I have to carry around. It's not like I'm touring or anything.

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