Hi All,

I am picking up a new road bike tomorrow that I don't want to put a rack on, but would like to commute to work occasionally on. I have a rack and panniers for my regular commuter bike, but figure I need a backpack or messenger bag or something to carry my cloths and other assorted items to work in when I ride my new road bike. Do you all have any suggestions for backpacks or messenger bags that I might want to take a look at? I don't have all that far to ride on my commute (about 5 miles one way) so I really won't be getting all that sweaty, except of course during the hottest part of the summer.

Thanks for the input.

Regards,

Jay B.

I like the Ortlieb backpacks.

Pretty much any medium sized daypack from a quality company will do the job. I have an REI Outlook. It's fine, my only complaint for biking is that it has a lot of straps and they flap around in the wind. Somebody posted a link in a recent thread to a daypack from Deuter...it looked pretty nice to me.

Whatever you get, I would make sure it has a comfy waste strap, and some small pockets that you can reach without taking the pack off (on the waste band, or on the sides). That will give you access to keys etc.

banjo bros makes cycling-specific backpacks... supposedly sit a little lower or something, search the 'net, there are reviews out there

banjo bros makes cycling-specific backpacks... supposedly sit a little lower or something, search the 'net, there are reviews out there

Got one this Christmas...it's nice. I was getting tired of wrestling with a messenger style bag. They are nice when you need to get in and out of them while wearing them, but I don't feel like they fit well the rest of the time.

The Banjo Brothers pack has been very nice though. It's a roll-top design and completely waterproof. Decent smaller pockets for wallet/phone/etc...Also much cheaper than roll-top waterproof packs from other makers (Timbuk2, Chrome, etc...)

I got mine from World Cycling Productions.
http://www.worldcycling.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=BBCB&Category_Code=Bags

http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/01150.php

It's come down in price since I got mine too!

I don't like weight on my shoulders when riding, and I don't like the sweaty back, either, so I use a good-sized fanny pack. Much more comfortable for me, and more stable, too, because of the lower weight placement. Mine has a couple of external compression straps, so I can strap stuff on if it turns out I need to carry more than will fit inside. The pack is also a good place to clip on an extra red blinky for those gray days (it was pouring rain on my commute this morning).

Sierra Trading Post often has great deals (look under "daypacks"). Or try a local camping-supply store.

Just be sure whatever you get does not ride too high and intefere with your helmet when in your riding position.

Been commuting for many years - so far the best pack I've used is the deuter futura 28 ac. It's lifted up off your back so you don't get that big sweat spot on your back, hydration compatible, build-in rain cover and its totally adjustable.

I don't like weight on my shoulders when riding, and I don't like the sweaty back, either, so I use a good-sized fanny pack. Much more comfortable for me, and more stable, too, because of the lower weight placement. Mine has a couple of external compression straps, so I can strap stuff on if it turns out I need to carry more than will fit inside. The pack is also a good place to clip on an extra red blinky for those gray days (it was pouring rain on my commute this morning).

Sierra Trading Post often has great deals (look under "daypacks"). Or try a local camping-supply store.


Ditto- I use a messenger bag on days I need to bring in a ton of stuff, but otherwise use one of two Mountainsmit lumbar packs. I've had the larger size one for years, and just picked up the "Tour" model, which is a perfect size for socks/underwear, pump, tube, cell, wallet, gloves, lunch, etc. It is also miles better than my old one, in terms of back padding, strap adjustment, etc. You can cinch the thing down as securely as you like. Loops for a blinky, mesh bottle pockets, etc. It's not waterproof, but I picked up a waterproof rolltop stuff sack for a couple bucks, and keep my cell/wallet and stuff in that, and roll my clothes into a grocery bag on wet days.

I've been very pleased with my VAUDE Aerotek. They don't call them that anymore but look for any of their offerings with the Aerotek frame.

I went to their website and they don't have USA as one of the countries you can select, so perhaps they don't distribute to the US anymore.

Scot

for about a year now and I give it two thumbs up. Good waist strap keeps it centered, nice padded pocket for laptop, weather proof. .It also has handy accessory pockets, cell phone holder on the chest strap where it is easy to access and outer pockets for things like a lock or lights that you can get at them easily with out going into the main compartments.
The strapping adjustments allow you to snug it up when lightly loaded or stretch them out for relatively good carrying capacity.

YMMV

Rhett

I bring my laptop to and fro, and the Tom Bihn Brain Bag, while expensive, has been ideal.

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0104

Thanks.

kg1

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. You have certainly given me a lot of things to consider.

I went up to the local REI and looked over their selection of day packs the other day, both cycling specific and otherwise. I looked at the Buzz, and really liked its features. Unfortunately they only had it in green, and green is just not one of my colors. I'll have to check their web site to see if they have any other colors available.

I also liked the looks of the Banjo Brothers pack. It certainly looks promising.

I got my new road bike out of layaway last Friday and have ridden it to work the last couple of days. I grabbed one of my kids leftover cheap school day packs (Eastpak brand) that probably only cost $20 when new. Nothing fancy, but I just wanted to see how I liked riding with something on my back before investing in something nicer. It worked just fine, but it has only been in the low 30's to low 40's the past few days here so I have not gotten very sweaty during my ride. When it gets hot over the summer I think this pack will be too hot since it sits right on the back. I like the idea of a pack that sits a little off the back with good built in air flow. I think that type of design would prove to be a little cooler over the summer.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

Later,

Jay B.

By far the most comfortable cycling pack I've ever used is a Wingnut (http://www.wingnutgear.com/). I've got the Hyper 3.0 and it is great, tons of access while riding and with the "lowrider" system the bag is on my lower back giving better balance, accessibility and good weight transfer to the hips.

I've never felt that it was too hot on my back, even on the 90°+ days.