chrome messenger bags [Archive] - RoadBikeReview Forums

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JaySaveMe

10-09-2004, 08:53 AM

flakey

10-09-2004, 12:31 PM

filtersweep

10-09-2004, 12:48 PM

Chrome bags seem to be the favorite of the people who actually use the bags for serious regular commuting or messenger work. I use a Timbuk2, I dont have a Chrome bag myself but a lot of freinds and co-workers now use them. The common praise of the Chrome seems to be the built in pad on the shoulder strap, and a better retention strap system that keeps the bag in place on your back and then the quality construction as well.
I will buy a Chrome for my next bag, but it will be awhile, my Timbuk2 bag works great and is still in excellent shape.

Curious, but what are the advantages over finding the perfect "backpack" for commuting?

toomanybikes

10-09-2004, 02:00 PM

orange_julius

10-09-2004, 02:48 PM

nate

10-09-2004, 05:20 PM

Curious, but what are the advantages over finding the perfect "backpack" for commuting?

The only advantages of a messenger bag in my experience is that you can take things out of it without actually taking it off, unlike a backpack, and that it has a much smaller profile than a backpack, particularly when the bag is not full (full messenger bags just don't mold to my back as well as half-full messenger bags). Personally, I think a backpack is superior in every other way. I've commuted with both a messenger bag and a backpack, and the backpack stays in place better, is more centered on my back, is much more comfortable when full, and it doesn't bounce around as much. Of course, other people will tell me that pannier/rack bags are better than both messenger bags and backpacks and that I'm crazy to use either one.

I just got a Pearl Izumi backpack (http://pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi/site/catalog/product.aspx?iProductTypeSubID=23&iProductID=3537&iProductColorsTB=6972) that arrived Friday. I haven't had the chance to use it yet, but on first glance and trying it on, it seems like it will be a big improvement over my old backpack.

ETfromQC

10-09-2004, 07:45 PM

I use on of these -

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=669637&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=135361&bmUID=1097359071652

Not as sexy as a Timbuk2 or Chrome I guess - but carries a ton and way cheaper than any of the brand names. The stabilizing strap is firm and solid, the bag is comfy - did I mention way cheaper??

I suppose REI would have something similar.

Been using the same, and another hidden advantage is that you don't need to funble with a messenger bag on the bus, just undo the under-arm stabilizer belt and swing it on your lap, sit down, all in 2 seconds time.

I got it 2 months back and it has already served me well. I grabbed some colnago and campagnolo patches to sew onto it to give it a little bit more caracter.

JaySaveMe

10-10-2004, 09:57 AM

I love my Chrome citizen bag, in red/gray. You can literally carry water in it, and the construction is bulletproof and has lasted 2 years of traveling on and off the bike, including some hiking trips.

what color do you have? Im now thinking about getting the mini metro size. i guess they arent that different, just a 2 inch size difference. on average what do you stuff in it. im trying to gauge what size i need.

thanks for any hlep. :)

samsara

10-10-2004, 01:02 PM

team_sheepshead

10-12-2004, 10:54 AM

i ordered a chrome messenger bag (the medium size, i think, smaller than the citizen) and returned it last month. seemed like overkill for the stuff i need to carry. if you don't like to lug much, might be overkill for you, too. the strap and buckle are thick and heavy, and, at least on me, the bag hung on my back almost vertically, which i found uncomfortable.

plus, i live in new york, where messengers actually use messenger bags. many of them use chrome bags (supplied by the company) and wearing on one my morning commute or to the gym sort of screamed "poser."

i like timbuktu. that bag on mec.ca looks good, too. a company called manhattan portage makes nice, simple messenger bags, as well. (http://www.manhattanportage.com/catalog/index.php) they're what real new yorkers use, if you care about such things.

Bocephus Jones II

10-12-2004, 10:55 AM

bikeboy389

10-12-2004, 01:50 PM

Ive been doing some research lately and want to buy a messenger bag to lug all my crap around. ive pretty much decided on this:
http://www.chromebags.com/citizen.php
I like it bc of the seat belt buckle strap and hardened construction. Im almost sure i will get the citizen size. I dont like to lug much around but when i do plan to use it i will be carrying keys, wallet, camera, day planer, phone at all times, and whatever else i happen to need/buy on that paticular day.

does anybody have one of these? what colors? and how do you like it?

im also open to other suggestions

I'm an old-school ex-messenger, so I'm pretty much lost without a messenger bag. After the passing of my 10-year-old Globe/DeMartini bag, nothing has been the same--I think all currently-available messenger bags are shite, and I've owned more than a couple (though I currently carry a Cambridge Large Standard--a decent bag at a fair price--I resent its non-Globe-ness at all times). That said, here are some things I've learned about messenger bags through many miles, years and bags. My opinion only--YMMV.

If you can't loosen or tighten the shoulder strap at a moment's notice, preferably with one hand, the bag's worthless.

If the bag's not stiff enough to more or less sit up when you set it on the floor and open the flap, it's useless (I haven't actually found any that will do this in a couple of years).

If you're gonna carry stuff like clothes, be prepared for the bag to look (and wear) like a fat sausage--they're more designed to carry flat stuff.

You gotta organize that load. If you do it right you wear, not carry, the bag. If you've got the load sorted properly, the bag doesn't slide around in front when you're on the bike.

Wear it high--it'll stay put better and be easier to live with.

If you're even considering a backpack, you might want to get one. It takes some learning to be comfortable with a messenger bag, especially a big one, and they still aren't that great for carrying most things. If you carry a lot of books and papers (or other flat stuff), especially if you need to get at them on a moment's notice, the messenger bag may be for you.

velodoom

10-12-2004, 02:04 PM

i have a bailey works large backpack which i use for commuting. It is seriously huge without being obnoxious. i easily put in a full change of clothes + shoes, my lunch, a spare jacket, and commuting tools without it feeling bulky on the bike. it is shaped so i can see over my shoulder easily while in the drops and doesn't sway around. It also evenly distributes the weight load which makes a huge difference if you are riding more than a few miles at a time (my round trip is 34 miles). It is much more efficient for large loads than my 9 year old timbuk2 dee dog, and much more comfortable. Quality is better, and that is saying something since my old timbuk2 bag was made before their drastic quality drop of the last few years of them becoming a fashion statement.

here's the catch - i bought mine direct from bailey works at the lehigh valley velodrome flea market for $30. it was a prototype, but they had a bunch of others when i bought mine. retail was something like $120.

definitely worth checking them out, i forget their web page but google them and they're easy to find.

I would also check out Reload bags out of Philly, they are considered the best by just about all messengers i know for a true messenger type bag (slightly edging out bailey works). they're also full custom, and have amazing designs.

Suddha

10-13-2004, 06:21 AM

Haven't used one (my 8 year old Timbuk2 is still in good shape) but the Patagonia Critical Mass bag is on clearance on their website - $69. Check out the Web Specials link. They've updated the design with a laptop sleeve so if you don't need that, the old bag is supposedly bombproof and comfortable.