Question for Lady Cyclists: Best Bags for Biking?

Hi! I am looking to invest in a new over-the-shoulder bag heavy duty enough for my around-the-year biking to work regimen. I'm considering a Chrome bag or Timbuk2, but recommendations for these have come from dudes. Any women out there who can offer some insight?

I'm really sorry if this question has been posted before. I tried searching the forums, but didn't find anything. If it has already been discussed, a link to that post would be great!

 

Thanks,

Betsy

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Permalink Reply by jen on April 28, 2011 at 4:46am
Hey betsy! I am a huge fan of chrome bags. I have had mine for going on ten years. I find the cut and angle of the strap to be more comfortable then my other bags. ( I also own a re load and timbuk2) I suggest you try them out at the store. Bring a u-lock to throw in the bag when you try it on so you know what its going to feel like with weight in it. Its really different for every lady depending on how busty you are.
Permalink Reply by Gin on April 28, 2011 at 6:10am
You might also check out http://www.pocampo.com/products/, a company run by two awesome local female cyclists.
Permalink Reply by Ash L. on April 28, 2011 at 7:09am
I second PoCampo! Their stuff is great and Emily and Maria seem to have thought of everything as far as utility, weather proofing and aesthetics are concerned.
Permalink Reply by Holly on April 28, 2011 at 7:34am

I use a Timbuk2--large-ish lap top messenger bag. I really thought I'd scored when I found it (nearly new) at a yard sale for $5. It's heavy and not at all something I'd recommend. It's deceptively small inside without enough space considering the weight and size of it. Because I'm either cheap or crazy or both, I'm waiting for it to fall apart so I can get something else without feeling guilty about consuming that which I don't really "need."  The thing has been on my back for almost 7 years now! Still waiting. So, for all that, at least they're very durable!

 

If I buy something new in this style of bag, I am likely to get a bag by W.I.G.--a local bag maker.

Permalink Reply by Joe Willis on April 28, 2011 at 9:22am

I have a W.I.G. Shoulder bag that is the perfect summer bag. It is very light weight and comfortable. I have a medium Timbuk2 bag I used for a few months. It was an ok intro bag but had the wrong shoulder and was a little small, great for an overnight bag but terrible for shopping. I also have a Chrome backpack that I have been using sence my shoulder surgery over the winter that is very durable but also has a bit of weight to it. I reccomend you try on a few different ones to see how they feel to you.

 

my W.I.G.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36894424@N06/4624421829/in/set-7215762...

 

Chrome ivan:

http://www.zappos.com/images/z/1/3/6/1360079-p-DETAILED.jpg

 

If you want a used Timbuk2 I have this one for sale for pretty cheap.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36894424@N06/4625028608/

Permalink Reply by Finch on April 28, 2011 at 9:30am
I have a Timbuk2 (classic messenger bag style) and it's great. Plenty of room and not heavy at all.
Permalink Reply by Betsy M on April 28, 2011 at 10:13am
Thank you so much for everyone's suggestions!
Permalink Reply by Michele on April 28, 2011 at 2:19pm

I love my Brooklyn Industries "City Bag Medium" in what they call "Lake Green" but I would call "Teal Blue"

http://www.brooklynindustries.com/bags-messenger-bags/_/page/2/

They've got a store on Milwaukee Avenue I happened into one day.

I'm constantly amazed by the amount of stuff I can cram in it  (laptop, change of clothes, purse).

I bike to corporate environments so wanted a messenger bag that could pass as "professional."

This is subtle. I like a color other than black: it becomes an accessory. Also, it's machine washable.

 

I used to use a backpack, but was tired of looking like a student when I got where I was going. I was a little apprehensive converting to over the shoulder, but the seat belt straps are really comfortable. I never thought I'd say that over the shoulder is as comfortable as a backpack, but it is.

 

But, here's a question. I had a very bad experience once with my laptop on my bike in the rain (I'll spare myself the pain of recounting the details). Does anyone have suggestions for waterproof messenger bags or waterproof laptop bags?

 

 

Permalink Reply by Rene Lawell on April 28, 2011 at 4:32pm

Why not get a rack on your bike and let your rack do the work instead of your back, then you can get panniers. they come like a messenger bag as well here is  LINK:http://www.sunlitecycling.com/product_detail.php?short_code=C-Sport...

HOPE THIS HELPS

RENE

 

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on April 29, 2011 at 2:46am

I'm not a lady but...

 

As mention W.I.G makes excellent bags locally and there is also a start up bag maker, also in Chicago, called Steadfast Bags.

 

Buy local.

Permalink Reply by Gin on April 29, 2011 at 3:01am

I have been meaning to bring up the rack strategy too. I do not miss the days of carrying things on my shoulders/back. PoCampo's products can be used on a rack. I use waterproof panniers. Sometimes I feel kind of goofy bringing them into restaurants with me though.

 

Permalink Reply by Susan Hildebrand on April 29, 2011 at 3:25am

I have a chrome bag I would gladly sell you for cheap. I'm getting rid of it because it is SO hard on my back. I commute a round trip of 13 miles/day and I've noticed over the past few months that my neck cracks (just on one side!) and my lower back hurts while riding. Chrome bags are really heavy, even empty - I'm a small/medium sized lady and it's too much bag for me. So that's my 2 cents.

 

I'm moving on to panieers and I'm looking to get rid of the chrome bag. I'm sure there are lots of situations when you would want a messenger bag instead - they are super convenient but they can do a number on your body.

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