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:

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.

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.