bailey works vs. chrome?

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Permalink Reply by mattbikes1 on October 1, 2009 at 11:03pm

I have the Citizen Chrome and I love it and have used it for over 5 years with no problems. My one criticism is that with a real heavy load you get a strain in your upper back on the left side due to the one strap. I just checked out Bailey Works' Super-Pro and they look very similar to the Chrome buckle bags, however, this bag in particular has a "reversible/replaceable split strap" you could switch sides from time to time to alleviate the one sided strain. Bailey's is a bit pricier, unless you are going with one of Chrome's Pro Series. Either way, they are both American made and I am sure both equally durable. Maybe someone else can shed more light on the subject. Enjoy your new bag, whatever it may be!

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Permalink Reply by Ryan L on October 2, 2009 at 12:08pm

Honestly it is a something that is a personal preference for each so I would go try out as many as you can. Yojimbo's has Bailey Works bags and Upgrade Cycles has the best selection of Chrome that I have found.

I went on a massive search for a good bag a few months back to replace my 2 year old messenger/backpack bag and tried out everything I could find locally. I have several 2 strap backpacks but liked having a one strap bag for riding on those hot humid days (and lets be honest here, it looks cooler). Unfortunately the bag didn't have a support strap on it so everytime I put something heavy in it, it would swing around on me while riding which was both annoying and dangerous.

So I went on a quest for a good messenger style bag with a support strap. I actually did not want a Chrome since they are a bit trendy looking and since I had recently started riding a fixed I just didn't want to look like I was trying to hard to be one of the "cool kids", especially since my bike gives off that vibe enough already :(

I tried out a bunch of Re-Loads, Banjo Bros, Timbuk2's and Bailey Works bags and I have to say the Bailey Works was a good bag; However, Every damn bike shop in the city carries Chrome bags so it was eventual that I would try one on. I actually started to dig the Citizen bag a lot and dug it's overall design and construction. once I discovered that it had 2 side pockets that were perfect for stashing my road repair tools I was sold. Not to mention the fact that it was cheaper than the Bailey Works bags and had a plethora of colors to choose from which I am a bit of a sucker for sometimes.

I absolutely love the bag and it has met all my expectations for a one strap messenger style bag with a support strap. I will say that I end up regularly keeping a hoodie in it so that when I have items that tend to protrude it dampens the pressure on my back but I would do that with any bag.

The only real issue I have with the bag is that sometimes the strap gets twisted inside of the d-ring metal clasp after pulling up on it. It actually happens more than i'd like and can be a pain to untwist and straighten the strap from the clasp. Not sure if it is a design flaw with the buckle clamps or if I just pull it too quickly too often. The Bailey Works bags have plastic clasps for the strap mech so maybe it would function a bit smoother? Not sure but something to test out while comparing the 2 bags, something I did not consider at the time.

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Permalink Reply by XV on October 2, 2009 at 12:12pm

I also have a chrome cit, and in retrospect would just get a backpack. I am eyeing osprey packs ATM

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Permalink Reply by Noel Cunningham on October 2, 2009 at 12:43pm

I’ve been fighting the Chrome bag for awhile for two reasons: seems a little too trendy and also because i do not like the design of their logo (petty, i know... but i’m a graphic designer and i get hung up on these things). for these two reasons, i’ve been sure for a long time that I do not want “one of those bags.” I recently tried on my friend’s Chrome Citizen and both of those complaints immediately vanished my mind. It was so comfortable and seemed like it would functionally meet my every need. I was ready to buy one right away.

I like the simple design of the Bailey Works bag more than the Chrome, it seems just as functional, and being from New England—I have some hometown pride (more silly reasons to buy a bag). I’ve never tried on the Bailey Works bag, so it sounds like I’ll need to head on over to Yojimbo’s and check it out in person.

It’s a tough decision — and an expensive one... thanks for the feedback.

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Permalink Reply by yellow jello on October 2, 2009 at 3:20pm

I have a Bailey Works Super Pro and really like it, but I'm looking for a backpack now. 2 shoulders >> 1 shoulder.

That being said, if you're interested in a used, navy blue Super Pro, let me know.

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