As much as I'd like to keep carrying a messenger bag, I don't think I'm going to be able to. I've got a screwed up back and having a whole lot of weight on one shoulder for a couple of hours every day doesn't help it. I had planned on picking up a Chrome Metropolis to replace my cheapie, but now I'm considering buying one of their backpacks- but I'd like to know what my other choices are. Does anyone know of any other companies that have mesenger/bike specific backpacks that ride high up on your back? Also, compression straps (which I believe all Chrome bags lack) would be a big plus.

Chicagowig will have them soon.

http://www.chicagowig.com/backpack.html

Have you tried on a Chrome fully loaded? You'd be amazed at how comfortable it is compared to other messenger bags. I commute with mine, use it as a computer and junk bag when I fly (which is a lot these days). My back isn't the best, but this is the only bag I'd use now.

there was a backpack <a href="http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=71630"">thread</a> in the commuter forum a couple weeks ago, some good advice there.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=61555&highlight=chrome
The Auclair bag in the last post of that thread is the bag I currently have. It's basically a cheap replica of Cocotte's Alfredo bag. The design quality is suspect, but I knew that before I bought it. I just didn't want to blow a big load of money on a bag that I might not be able to use (due to the screwy back). Regarding trying a Chrome bag fully loaded, I have not simply because I don't have access to one. I can't imagine it being much different as it's still going to weight one shoulder more than the other. I would snatch up a Chrome Backbone in a second if it just had compression straps. I would think that without them, small loads would wiggle around in the pack. Thats the one thing I really like about the Auclair. Anyone with big bags sans straps have any trouble with small loads shifting about?

I wouldn't give up hope on the Chrome bag. Though they say "messenger bag" and were indeed designed by SF messengers, the strap is nothing like one of those flimsy canvas belts. Since I live in the SF area, I was able to visit their store to buy my bag, and they showed me how to "properly" wear it. Not only do their bags sit firmly against your back, they also feature this nice armpit strap that keeps the bag in place.

I don't want this to sound like a sales ad, but it probably is. I am very happy with my Chrome bag, and I'd try to find a place to try one on before giving up!

Good luck.

www.fixedgeargallery.com has a comparative review of ten or eleven messenger bags

I have both the Chrome Metropolis and an Ortlieb Messenger Classic(http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=53&cid=2), and used to own a Timbuk2 Dee Dog.
For heavier loads, like grocery shopping, I choose the Ortlieb. I carried 3 bottles of wine, a frozen turkey breast weighing 10 lbs., potatoes, milk, and a few other things, and rode comfortably.
After years of using messenger style, single strap bags for years, including as a messenger, I definitely feel that the backpack style bags are much easier on the ol' back.

Los

I
After years of using messenger style, single strap bags for years, including as a messenger, I definitely feel that the backpack style bags are much easier on the ol' back.

Los

i thought this as well till i switched from a commuter specific back pack [deuter] which killed my lower back to a small to med sized commuter bag from mountain equipment co op.
back hasn't bothered me since, holds enuff for commuting, stays put....beats the back pack hands down.

then that is just me - but i don't think i will ever go back to a backpack for my 55 + round trip commutes

The Metropolis still tempts me, as I love the convenience and fit of a messenger bag. The Auclair is more comfortable, cooler, and way easier to access than my backpack. The backpack is hot, digs into my spine, and I have to take it off everytime I want anything out of it. However, when I take the backpack off, the discomfort is gone. I'm still toying with the idea of getting the Metropolis for the reasons above, and on the side of vanity, it's probably the dopest bag I've seen. However, it's an expensive experiment. I guess I could always sell it back to one of you guys :D

Backpacks: Both Deuter and Vaude make nice backbacks for cycling. With Deuter, some of their hiking/multi-purpose bags are also excellent (I have one of the latter). They sit high enough to get up away from your hips, and narrow enough that they don't interfere with upper body movement (turning to look, etc.) or the path-width you need in crowded quarters. They have nice provisions for cinching down loads, good shoulder and hip straps, and sternum straps if you want to use them, etc. The distinguishing feature with both companies is that the body of the pack is isolated from your back by a mesh panel--this improves air cirulation and it keeps lumpy or pointy items from sticking you in the back.

For really long rides I wouldn't want a backpack or a messenger bag--I just wouldn't want anything but a jersey on my back, and I'd say the same for big heavy loads. But for commuting with, e.g., a change of clothes and some papers or something, these are nice solutions IMO.

my bags and backpack are ready to go..
www.chicagowig.com

They have great bags with cinch straps and they have the best on/off system of any bag. You don't have to pull it over your head to get off like I do with my Timbuk 2 bag. It kind of goes on like a knapsack. I own three (different sizes) depending on what I need for the day. I also had two custom made to fit my children. The Timbuk2 bag never gets used because it doesn't have enough adjustability in the swing of the bag. At least with the Push bag you choose your swing, right swing or left swing. I looked at the Chrome but the straps were to flimsy and the buckle system extremely heavy, though probably indestructable. That bag must weigh a couple of pounds not even loaded. There are a lot of great bags out there.

www.pushtheenvelope.com

Oh, I completely forgot about Chrome's backpacks. They're officially "weatherproof", whereas the messenger bags are practically weatherproof. Seemed very sturdy when I looked at them, but never tried one on.

http://chromebags.com/messengerpacks.html

Well what do you know! I was down in Atlanta this weekend and the bikeshop in Little 5 Points carries Chrome bags :D
They had the whole line of messenger bags in stock, and all of the packs, except the Backbone unfortunately.

They were kind enough to let me load the packs up with huge canisters of Cytomax-type stuff to simulate a full load. Although the Metropolis was comfortable loaded up, the Ranchero with four canisters of powder (approx 20lbs?) felt like it wasnt there compared to the single strapped bags. Unfortunately there's no way to access any part of the backpack without taking the whole thing off. Nonetheless, I *think* my mind is made up.