So, what kind of bags do you ride with?

What I'm looking for are your personal preferences and why?

I'm in the market for a new bag but I want some user feedback.

Currently, I'm leaning toward the typical Chrome style bag because it seems like a good, reliable bag. However, I'm open to suggestion.

For the most part, this'll be my everyday-everywhere bag. My contents will usually be: A laptop, a digital camera, a book & magazines, a change of shirt, a PSP and 420 accessories.

I'm sort of wanting a bag with a few hidden pockets for obvious reasons, and I'll probably transport an occasional beer now & then.

So, whadaya think?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Madopal (16.5 mi) on May 14, 2009 at 11:04am

I've got a Clive Citation bag (with a reflective decal of Rhindle on it) that's been ok. It's not the best for inclement weather, so I keep some ziploc bags in there for an unexpected shower. It's got back padding (an absolute must for me) and a padded slot for a laptop. It's also got a stabilizing cross strap. No place for a blinky, though.

But the big one for me has been the Banjo Brothers Commuter Backpack. It's too warm for much above 50, but it's big, waterproof, and it sits great on my back. It's got an inner waterproof liner that's removable and replaceable, and the top rolls down. I've ridden with that thing thru rainstorms and never gotten a drop in there. It's also got some zipper stuff in front for wallet/keys/whatever. The cons are that it's just a big open bag. It does have back padding as well, though, so it'll keep you from getting those uncomfortable corners from hurting you too badly. Looks like they finally put the blinky on the left side instead of the right, so I'll have to pick up a new one.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Trulock on May 14, 2009 at 11:51pm

Here is a bag for transporting lots of accessories:

Honestly if you need a bag that can carry anything this is it. I've used it as a backpack and as a pannier when traveling and its on sale for $50 at Nashbar.com

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Permalink Reply by Brett Ratner on May 15, 2009 at 5:02am

I personally don't like backpacks because you have to remove the backpack whenever you want to take stuff out or put stuff in. With a messenger bag, you just spin it around your body. Also, most backpacks aren't designed to be waterproof.

On the other hand, you can carry more stuff comfortably with a back pack.

If you go the backpack route, make sure it is one that is friendly to riding a bicycle, not just hiking.

I had a lot of stuff to carry one time, so I thought it would make sense to use my Osprey back pack (the type you use when you hike into the wilderness carrying all your camping gear and several days worth of food).

The problem was that when I was leaned forward on my bike, I couldn't pick my head up to see ahead of me without pushing against the top of the backpack. It made for a very uncomfortable ride. I also have a Kelty backpack made for day hikes and it pushes against the back of my head, especially if I'm wearing a helmet.

If the pack shown in the previous post is sold through Nashbar, it probably is designed for cycling. Chrome seems to be shifting focus away from messenger bags and is getting big into backpacks now. Ortleib has a backpack that it totally waterproof.

Also, check out Camelbak. Since these are often marketed toward mountain bikers, they are very bike friendly, and they offer a wide variety of sizes...everything from a hydration pack with tiny pockets big enough for keys and a credit card to medium sized backpacks. They also have padded water-resistant pockets for phones and MP3 players, pockets to organize tools and such.

I hope this helps.

Mark Trulock said:

Here is a bag for transporting lots of accessories:

Honestly if you need a bag that can carry anything this is it. I've used it as a backpack and as a pannier when traveling and its on sale for $50 at Nashbar.com

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Permalink Reply by payton on May 15, 2009 at 8:09pm

I've had a Chrome bag for maybe six years now, but switched to a Patagonia Pocketwire backpack last year. It's very lightweight and can easily be spun around to fetch things; I find that carrying a bigger bag encourages me to carry more stuff. (Two of my cousins are chiropractors, and they rag on both one-shoulder bags and on carrying too much weight. Of course, they also live in LA and thus just carry stuff by car.)

Overall, though, I'm trying to grow up, pare down, and get by with just what's pocketable -- keys, wallet, phone.

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Permalink Reply by Chucko on May 16, 2009 at 12:26am

I've used a Timbuk2 messenger bag, a Banjo Brothers backpack, and now a Chrome Ranchero backpack. The most comfortable of those was the Banjo Brothers, but the weight I carry in it wore out one of the straps and it just worked its way off. The Chrome I use now is nice, big and comfortable to wear. My only complaint is they carry the load a bit high,and since they're so wide at the top, it makes looking over my shoulder a bit difficult while in traffic. The Banjo Brothers bag didn't have that problem since it's made to hang down a little lower to avoid that issue. I really don't like commuting with a messenger bag unless it's a shorter distance, and with any real weight in the bag, it's all on only one shoulder. (BTW, my commute is 20 miles one way). I will be moving to panniers and a rack as soon as Rivendell gets the Nitto Big Rack back in stock.

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Permalink Reply by Weir's beard on May 16, 2009 at 1:47am

Carradice is great if you ride a Brooks saddle with bag loops. Even if you don't, they still make adaptors for regular saddles.

http://www.carradice.co.uk/

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Permalink Reply by Chucko on May 16, 2009 at 2:21am

Very true, and the larger Carradice bags can hold tons! Not sure I'd trust a laptop in one, but for anything else...You can also get a mount at Rivendell made by Nitto to make it quick release- easily removable from the bike for those trips where the bike needs to be locked up outside.

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/bags_and_racks?a=1&page=2#...

Weir's beard said:

Carradice is great if you ride a Brooks saddle with bag loops. Even if you don't, they still make adaptors for regular saddles.

http://www.carradice.co.uk/

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Permalink Reply by Chuck a Muck on May 16, 2009 at 2:49am

I rock a DaKine back pack. I tried the messager bag thing last year and did not like the feeling of being lopsided. My Dakine can fit a 30 pack 'o beer in it while still in the box!!!

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Permalink Reply by EevelWeezel on May 16, 2009 at 11:36am

I ride with a $1.50 leather briefcase I bought at a thrift store. It has a shoulder strap, mud falls off of it quickly, and it looks (somewhat) professional. Plus, it has a zippered compartment for the important stuff and the flap opens easily for when I'm looking for a beer. It's the second of such that I've owned.

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Permalink Reply by wig [ isaac ] on May 25, 2009 at 1:53am

hello to all you chicago people that don't know about me and what i do..

to date I have made over 700 bags in 6 years. cycling is a passion and I do it everyday. take a look at my site and all the photos on my flickr.. if you have questions about any thing email me... thanks

isaac

www.chicagowig.com

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Permalink Reply by Lee Diamond on May 25, 2009 at 3:32am

OK, this may be bad form, but I just realized I addressed this issue seconds ago in a different post, so I am pasting my reply, even though it addresses particular questions not raised here...sorry...feeling lazy!

Here is the post:

I have literally used dozens of bags over the years and have finally found one I am 100% happy with. R.E.Load messenger bag. That is the size and model as well, but they have nearly 12 models. Every single one is hand made, triple stiched, waterproof and super-duper durable. These bags aren't cheap, but they do complete custom stitching to make your bag 100% unique. Mine has my company logo on it.

http://www.reloadbags.com/

Having also used many of the brands otherwise mentioned, I will say unequivacally that these bags are seriously better in every way than all others mentioned. In some cases, I am completely amazed that some of these brands endure or have a good reputation. I realize I am hard on my bags, but I think that given the cost of brands like Chrome, they are extremely weak compared to my R.E.Load bag.

I might suggest that the Courier size seems like it is bigger than you need, HOWEVER, these bags easily cinch up, they balance very well empty or full, and if you have a bigger bag, it doesn't add any significant weight to your ride, but it DOES allow you more flexibility if there is ever a day you want to carry more stuff than you typically do.

The amount of stuff I carry in my bag is almost comical, but it remains both comfortable and undamaged, save the scruffyness it gets from scraping on the ground/road grime/etc.

Cheers - Lee Diamond