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 Holly on April 29, 2011 at 3:59am

Agreed--racks and panniers are great. My winter rig has a rack and I used a Trek bag that's sort of grocery carrier. Not ideal (not waterproof), but a lot nicer than toting something on myback. You will definitely be less thrilled about a messenger bag when it's 90 degrees outside, too. I still like to have one, though, for short trips. Even as I'm about to put a rack on my road bike, I will still probably occassionally use a bag on my back.

Permalink Reply by Maria Boustead on April 29, 2011 at 4:35am

Hey Betsy,

Po Campo's doing a trunk show today at Florodora Shoes, 348 S. Dearborn. Our rack bags are pretty spacious and then you don't have to carry something on your back. (We actually started Po Campo because we were sick of the shoulder strain and sweaty back problem). Stop by if you're in the area and we'll show you what we have.

- Maria, Po Campo co-founder

Permalink Reply by Rene Lawell on April 29, 2011 at 4:48am

@ everyone who responded "rack and panniers are best". Sunlite...make a water proof messenger pannier that when you take it off your bike, it can becomes a messenger bag. I added think link to the bag in a previous response to this thread. And you can also get a water proof bag as well. to the lady that reponded on the waterproof grocery bags, try an insulated bag, they have a liner them.

 

Rene'

Permalink Reply by Trachea on April 29, 2011 at 8:32am

I tried a couple bags, but just found them uncomfortable, sweat and neck tension-inducing. I kept a Timbuk bag which I use for trips to the train, etc. The caveat is short trips only because the cross-body strap is uncomfortable. I think messenger bags just aren't ideal for women's bodies.

I gave up and switched to rack/panniers or rack/milk crate. Lot easier on the back to let the bike carry the load.

Permalink Reply by Michele on April 29, 2011 at 3:29pm
O.K. Here's my issue with a rack. I'm usually carrying my laptop, and somehow I think it's safer in a bag on my body than bouncing around on a rack on my bike. Is that rational?
Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on April 29, 2011 at 5:41pm
Line the bottom of your bag with bubble wrap and/or  make a bubble wrap "pillow" (bubble wrap in a plastic bag) and set it on the bottom of the rack/crate. Also make sure to bungee cord the bag to the rack or crate;). This works great with my milk crate set-up.

Michele said:
O.K. Here's my issue with a rack. I'm usually carrying my laptop, and somehow I think it's safer in a bag on my body than bouncing around on a rack on my bike. Is that rational?
Permalink Reply by Samantha on April 30, 2011 at 10:05am

I just traded my chrome messenger bag for a chrome backpack and i like the backpack a lot more. the messenger back didn't fit my body and looked weird in the boob area, and it really hurt my back if i was carrying anything more than a few notebooks.

 

The backpack fit is super comfy but i do find that I don't usually carry enough stuff to fill it. I usually carry around a couple notebooks, a planner, pencil case, lock, water bottle, and a few other things and theres just sooo much room - which is actually good when it comes to grocery shopping.

Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on April 30, 2011 at 3:59pm
Although I get the whole fashion aspect of bike messenger chic, as well as fashion in general, when hauling groceries and other heavier loads, nothing beats crates, baskets or panniers. I've tried with backpacks before and I didn't enjoy the weight on my back (milk, broccoli, papayas, ravioli, and chicken sausages all add up!) A Timbuk2 or Chrome may be comfy, but nothing is comfier than a free back when hauling cargo. Definitely increases the quality of your ride. Some caveats exist, like you won't look uber cool right off the bat, but perhaps one can add an artistic touch to your choice of cargo container. Wrapping in faux leopard fur is always a possibility:)
Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on May 1, 2011 at 2:21am

If you wreck with it in a rack it is going to the ground with, maybe, the weight of your bike on top of it and a cushioned case would probably save it.  If you wreck with it on you and fall on it even if it is padded there is a good chance it is toast.

 


I try to avoid biking with a computer but when I do I carry it on a bike with a basket and strapped down well so it is protected as much as possible.

 

Michele said:

O.K. Here's my issue with a rack. I'm usually carrying my laptop, and somehow I think it's safer in a bag on my body than bouncing around on a rack on my bike. Is that rational?
Permalink Reply by Betsy M on May 1, 2011 at 7:55am
Haven't been able to sign on for a couple days, but thanks again for all of these ideas. I actually do have a rack and a very nice waterproof Ortlieb bag that I use frequently for groceries and sometimes for commuting. I guess what I'm looking for is something to use when I don't want to lug that around. I'm always bringing it in with me to bars and restaurants because I don't want it to get stolen, and that's really a pain. I totally agree that messenger bags aren't the best or most comfortable for women, but also that backpacks are very student-y.
Permalink Reply by Joe Willis on May 1, 2011 at 9:51am
Why not go with a hipsack? I just had one made for me by Isaac at WIG. I should get it Monday or Tuesday. I will post a video when it arrives. My main reason for the hipsack is bar nights,local rides, and Cubs games. It will hold all the necessary stuff like patches,mini pump,u-lock,phone, and keys.
Permalink Reply by Joel on May 1, 2011 at 10:36am
Arkel makes some nice, albeit expensive, panniers that double as messenger/backpack bags.  http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categories/laptop-bicycle-pannier.html

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