Going the messenger bag route!
 

Got a small tax refund and wanted to treat myself to some new bike goodies. Something practical.... so I finally ordered a messenger bag after considering this option for so many years. I opted for the Chrome Citizen bag. If this bag performs half as good as the reviews, I will be thrilled.

Great gift to yourself. I do not think you will be disappointed. Your stuff will stay dry, it is easy to access and Chrome make a great product. What more could you ask for?

I am looking forward to trying this. I've been using panniers for the past 5 years, mixed in with a trunk bag and sometimes a backpack. This will be different.

Good choice. Messenger bags can be the most convenient option.

I have a small bag that I use for a small lock, keys, phone and little stuff when I ride the Leader. No racks, baskets or bags and three pockets on the back of a jersey only carry so much. It's great for going to the pharmacy.

I don't use the chrome bag, I use another well built one, and for daily commuting and such I much prefer it over a backpack.

A messenger bag is amazing. The Chrome bags are simply the best bag of anytype I ever used.

I own a chrome bag (citizen night) but I'm not a huge fan of the heavy metal buckle. I wish there was an option for a lighter plastic closure.

I picked up a new Chrome Citizen bag at the gear swap for a fraction of it's MSRP... it is pretty much perfect when I am riding bikes with no racks for panniers.

When I worked as a messenger I carried a Kremlin which I could have used as a sleeping bag... it would inhale a legal box or a small lady.

The Citizen is just the right size to carry everything you need.

Thanks for all the replies. I am really looking forward to trying this. I've done backpacks before, but always wondered if a mess bag would be better.

There's a bag review thread somewhere in the SS/FG forum where I guy actually put his GF in his Kremlin. ;)

I had one,but never used it. Easier to use the rack on the back of the Safari,and now that I have the Big Dummy,I'll never carry a heavy load on my back again.

I can't keep my messenger bags from sliding about off my back, so props on actually being able to use the things!

M.

What bag are you using? A real one(Timbuk2,Baileyworks,Chrome) or just a single strap bag? Real mess bags have a main strap that can be properly cinched up and a secondary strap that keeps it from sliding around. Many of the regular single strap bags just have one strap.

real mess bag strap:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=366021

I am still partial to Chrome bags... the strap and buckle will last forever and makes for quick work when you are pulling things in and out of the bag.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...rebc%20(1).JPG

Chrome's are nice,but I prefer Baileyworks. Lighter,more pockets,you can swap the strap(don't have to buy one-side-specific),and your friends can't punk you by just hitting the buckle button. ;)

Oh. I did not know that. Thank you!

M.