Messenger Bags
 

So I've been commuting to school on my fixie (four miles 1 way) with a backpack. It can get pretty heavy full of books and whatnot and its been taking a toll on my shoulders, plus it seems to bounce up and down as I ride.

I was wondering, is there an advantage to messenger bags besides the large size and easy access? Are they more suited to riding with than a backpack? I've been considering getting one but I want to know more about them before I drop 100+ on one.

You can find scores of threads about this topic if you do a search for it. Just search for reload, chrome, freight, or seagull in the Singlespeed & Fixed Gear forum.

kemmer, is selling some mess bags for only 40 bucks! (50 with shipping).


here's the link: http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=330022



pannier!

If you're just going to use it for commuting, why not get a rack? Your back will think you.

Backpacks are the most comfortable for stuff like books because you have the most support. However, for large, awkward loads, messenger bags are comfy if you are riding on drop bars or something else where you are stretched out and basically horizontal. Otherwise the bag pulls on one shoulder and not the other which is terribly uncomfortable.

Pannier

I can't stand the way racks change the weight distribution on bikes. Especially singlespeeds.


That said, I'm really unhappy with my osprey commuter bag... it's great for shorter rides and just big enough to hold most things but I'm fairly sure I can do much better. It's intended as more of a transport bag. Main reason I bought it was to move "fragile" things since it has a light internal shell frame. That was completely unrelated to the original post. Congratulations for making it this far.

Since it's school I want to just get off the bike and go to class.

You can't take your books off the rack first? I mean no disrespect, but that's kind of a flimsy pretext for buying a messenger bag

It's convenience, the fact that my pista won't take a rack (to the best of my knowledge), and the ascetics of a rack. I don't think I'll be getting a mess. bag anyway since they don't really solve the problems I have with a backpack (comfort and stability).

It's not like you need a good reason for a messenger bag. if you're carrying a lot of weight (i.e. schoolbooks) a backpack will be better.

Get a backpack with a chest and waist strap.

Rack is the solution. With panniers.

maybe a small trailer that you pull behind you?

I kid, I kid..

God just buy a mess bag. Who the hell uses panniers to ride to class?

Carrying heavy loads any distance on foot using a messenger bag is horrendous. Since my no-name mess. bag is the largest bag I have, I find myself doing just that every once in a while, and I always hate myself for it.

Unless you ride your bike between classes, my advice is to stick with the backpack.

Hijacking this topic, are there any super-simple, sturdy, cheap panniers out there? I'm thinking along the lines of a huge waterproof sack with nothing but a flap over its gaping maw, hooks for a rack, and one semirigid side so it's not sucked into my wheel.

I've used them all. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each:

Messenger bag: Good for bulky things that are not too heavy or if the trip is short. On my fourteen mile commute, if it's just clothes no problem. Add a lock, or some tools, and it gets unpleasant. A laptop is OK if it's nothing else. What's best about a messenger bag is that you can get in and out of it easily and not have to remove it from the bike. If you make a lot of stops or go multi-modal, then it's probably a good choice.

Backpack: Better than a messenger bag for heavy things. But it must be removed if you want anything from it. Can be a pain if that's where you keep your lock and it's raining. Best if you are riding long distances on your Bianchi Pista.

Panniers: Easy to remove from the bike if you get the right kind. Low center of gravity. Not real aerodynamic. Hard to get into when attached to the bike. Best if you need to carry a lot of very heavy stuff for a long distance. Next best thing to a trailer.

Trunk bag: Easier to get into while the bag is on the bike. More aerodnamic than panniers. Can't carry a lot of bulky, large things. High center of gravity. Hard to get off the bike quickly. Good if you like to roll your clothes into a ball or use your bike for burger runs. Also good if you like to travel with all of your bike tools, four extra tubes and a few extra tires.

I find that standing or walking with my messenger bag for any length of time causes my back to hurt but riding with it does not. Anyone else experience this?

sure. the weight is balanced more on your back when you're riding. the straighter you stand the more the load is transfered to your neck and shoulder. i still use my bag for almost everything and never really use my packs anymore. i just like the convenience, even in small daypacks everything disappears to the bottom.

Oh, I should mention that the Osprey is a great alternative to a backpack... just not the best alternative to a messenger bag. It's sort of in between the two. I can carry heavy loads (ie: texts and notebooks) comfortably but it doesn't necessarily hug my back the way I would like when I'm riding aggressively.

Find someone you know with a cat. Tidy Cat litter comes in these great square yellow buckets that can be turned into a pannier with a bracket and a few screws. I've seen it done once, and it looks weird, but it's functional and potentially the only cost is for the mounting hardware.

I was thinking of using a big bucket, but I'd prefer a bag since I'd be able to cinch it down to size, or keep it flat when not in use. Besides, my cat would be pissed if I switched brands on him.

I was thinking of going DIY with a canvas army surplus bag, but I'd much rather pay somebody else $20-$30 for something simpler.

Also, I've noticed that there aren't nearly as many resources on DIY panniers as there are for messenger bags. For instance, what's the best backing for the stiff side? Plywood seems too thick/heavy, and cardboard too insubstantial; I'm guessing there's some awesome high density foam that would be perfect, but I don't know. Also, does any particular type of bracket work well when repurposed for panniers, or should I just scan the hardware store for something that looks good?

http://www.backpackingdeals.com/Merc...que_yellow.jpg

Just to give you a better idea of what I'm talking about. It's a great pack for school commuters if your ride is fairly short.

This guy makes them panniers out of recycled buckets:
http://www.cobbworks.com/

This guy will show you how to make them yourself:
http://www.bicycletouring101.com/BikeDIYPanniers.htm

The biggest problem will be heal clearance, but if you're riding a bike with a long wheelbase, it shouldn't be a problem.

four miles? pannier. no doubt.

but kemmer's bags are awesome... i have a large and use it for school. works great.