Finally decided on a Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag. After a couple of returns (didn't like the colors) I settled on the black one. By a stroke of luck, I managed to fit my Maxpedition PDA Phone Holster in the velcro strap for attachments. It fit perfectly. I'm by no means tall -- 5'6" -- but the Citizen was a good match. Glad I didn't get the Metro.

It was a bit concerning in the beginning that there might be too much weight on one shoulder. However the messenger bag really does lean all the weight on your back. It swallows up all my commuting gear, lunch, tools, thermos, and nalgene. Weight should be less on the way back home since by then I
should have finished all the liquids.

The bag still needs to be put to the test in real life, so for now some images!


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Commuting Setup: Chrome Citizen Black - Outer View by sudoshift, on Flickr

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Commuting Setup: Chrome Citizen Black - Internal Contents by sudoshift, on Flickr

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Chrome Citizen and Maxpedition PDA Phone Holster Front by sudoshift, on Flickr

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Chrome Citizen and Maxpedition PDA Phone Holster Attached by sudoshift, on Flickr

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Commuting Setup: Chrome Citizen Black - Wearing It by sudoshift, on Flickr

I am recently enjoying a milk crate/back pack combination on my Dahon Speed 8. The back rack is low to the ground, and I hose clamped a standard milk crate to it. I put the bike tools and patch kit in one zipped pocket, and pitch the bag in the crate while riding. Take the bag with me when I get off the bike, leaving nothing to steal. If I decide to do a shopping run on the way home, I can carry groceries in the crate, and even more in the pack on my back. perfect system and costs almost nothing.

Can you post a picture of your set up gdhillard?

I would totally use an inexpensive crate + backpack system. However I prefer the weight on me rather than the bike. I try to keep as much "natural' responsivness as possible. Especially when riding in traffic and stopping at lights. I hate the tipping over feeling to either sides with the weight on my rack at lights. My one-way 15-mile commute takes me from the hills-to-sea level and back. Rear rack weight is not fun going back on the hill climb. Did I mention I'm paranoid of stuff falling out of the crate/rack attachment? Plus I like the clean look of a rackless bike.

It might be a different story with a full-sized bike. The bike also fits better folded in the trunk of a Corolla when I "hybrid-commute."

Actually I do have a topeak quick-release basket with a bungee net that we attach to our utility huffy bike for grocery shopping.

I debated the backpack vs. messenger vs. panniers for the longest time. I ultimately decided on a Mission Workshop Rummy messenger and it’s worked very well for my 9 mile round trip. I would def recommend one. As long as I keep the weight reasonable I really don't experience any pain from riding with it. I also found that it has A LOT to do with the position of the bag on your back, the position of the strap, and the tightness of the strap. You have to fool around with it on a few rides before you know what works well. It killed me on my first ride with it until I got it adjusted properly.

Good to know about the positioning as I hear that's what is important with these messenger bags. I considered the Rummy but I needed something more simple with less pockets. My buddy has a Vandal and he swears by it.

Did a short ride today and I really like how the Chrome Citizen feels. Body feels a bit more free than a backpack. Still yet to try on the commute, been cold (yeah wussy 56 degrees) here in the mornings.