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 Barbra Mann on May 1, 2011 at 3:45pm
I vote for backpacks.  Equal distribution of weight, you can get them at every price point...and the nice ones can be really nice.  I have a nice one, patagonia, and has lasted for 2 years so far, looks new, is black, I picked one that fits the gear I carry well.  I think people should consider backpacks more often...they make so much more sense to me!
Permalink Reply by Rene Lawell on May 2, 2011 at 3:39am

No its not rational, your still bouncing as well. But now you have the weight if the bag+weight of the laptop, cord, memory stick, other periphery junk, it add up fast, and its not good for your back or neck, and what if you crash, you could break your neck.

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 Rene Lawell on May 2, 2011 at 3:43am

Betsy, get yourself the pannier messenger bag from sunlite, it act like a pannier, but you can take it off your bike and carry it as a messenger bag. http://www.sunlitecycling.com/product_detail.php?short_code=C-Sport...


there's the link.

Rene'

 

Betsy M said:

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 Rene Lawell on May 2, 2011 at 3:46am

That's a good tip! I gave her a similar solution, from sunlite bags, but this was waterproof. http://www.sunlitecycling.com/product_detail.php?short_code=C-Sport...

Joel said:

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
Permalink Reply by dan brown on May 2, 2011 at 7:18am

I use a milk crate (fastened to the rack) for most things - clothes, groceries, booze, etc.

 

If I carry a laptop - I just grap a very thin (I have several I have accumulated from free giveaways, etc.)

shoulder bag and put the laptop in there. This hugs the body really well and you barely know it is there.

you can even put it under your coat, etc. to give extra protection in case of rain, etc.

 

 

DB

Permalink Reply by Joe Willis on May 9, 2011 at 1:15pm
Permalink Reply by Spencer "Thunderball" Thayer! on May 9, 2011 at 3:15pm
If you're going for style and functionality then customize your shit at these hipster super bag shops, http://www.reloadbags.com/ , http://www.vayabags.com/ , and the absolute best... http://www.seagullbags.com/ .
Permalink Reply by Spencer "Thunderball" Thayer! on May 9, 2011 at 3:21pm
Also I don't buy it, as an IT guy I know what vibration does to computers much less giant bumps. I don't trust laptops in anything other than a neopreen sleeve inside a bag on my back.
Permalink Reply by vxla on May 9, 2011 at 3:36pm

Chrome bags tend to taper at the edges which limits carrying capacity. Likewise, some people are bothered by the form of the bag on the back and the buckle. Personally, I like Seagull bags as they're far more comfortable than anything I've tried. Other good suggestions have been given above.

 

[ Arkel was mentioned above. I have an Arkel "Bug" (backpack/pannier) that I would like to get rid of. PM me if interested. ]

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