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General: Messenger bags....What's your opinion?

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    I use a large Chrome bag, and personally, I think they are one of the best designed bags for carrying stuff on the market. Much more practically than a backpack because it holds more, and you can get in/out of it without having to take it off. They also fit your body well and don't bounce around when you ride your bike or run like a backpack does.

    Anyway... tons of people tend to think they are funning looking, I guess. It does not really matter to me. But the other day I had someone yell "nice fucking bag asshole! HAHAHAHA!", and walking with a friend a few days ago a group of people start laughing and mentioning his bag when we walked by. His bag is just a black Chrome.

    What do you guys think about messenger bags? Are they really that stupid looking, but just practical?
    • CommentAuthorgergm
    • CommentTimeJan 21st 2009
     
    Messenger Bags have become pretty trendy lately... but they are incredibly functional. Fixed Gear + Messenger Bag = Hipster. Unless you are a messenger.
    I wear a Messenger Bag from a company "Flat" made out of recycled inner tubes / seatbelts etc. its comfy, and works really well.. so fuck what people think.
    do what works for you. if you like your yellow and red super clean messenger bag, then rock the fuck out of it.

    if you dont want to be called names, get a pink weaved basket for your bike.

    That'll show them.
  3.  
    Oh no, that is just a picture I found on the internet. That is not me. My personal bag looks like it been in several rain/snow/mud storms and is probably ready to be retired.
  4.  
    people just hate on whats trendy. ive seen people wearing chrome bags make fun of fixed gear bikes. 99 percent of people are just plain stupid. fuck what people think. if you want to rock a chrome bag, rock one, and tell the idiots that make fun of people for their bags to go fuck themselves and take their clothes back to urban outfitters.
    • CommentAuthorgreg
    • CommentTimeJan 21st 2009
     
    I've worn a few different messenger bags over the past few years and its got me by just fine. Sometimes I think a rolltop backpack would be better because on longer rides the single shoulder messenger bag strap is a pain.
    • CommentAuthorMaxThrash
    • CommentTimeJan 22nd 2009
     
    I really like my old Chrome bag. Sits on just the right place on my back. I love that you can adjust the strap with one hand while riding (I'm pretty anal about having my bag be as flush with my back as possible). On top of that, they really can hold a ton of crap, and they really do keep things dry (unlike other 'waterproof' backpacks I've owned). I feel like this paragraph sounds like an ad for Chrome.

    Here's my question: does anyone ever actually use the strap buckle? When I was a messenger I would just tighten and loosen the strap. I found using the buckle to take the bag on and off just slowed me down. The downside of this is that I've worn my strap halway down through contant tightening and loosening.
    • CommentAuthorAaron C
    • CommentTimeJan 22nd 2009
     
    maxthrash:
    i owned a chrome bag for a good few years and for christsakes that damn buckle was the most irritating feature of an otherwise good design. that stupid thing was as bothersome as the night is long. i did some messenger work for one summer but mostly i use my bag when i am commuting 10+ miles each way, all year long (in minneapolis/st. paul)

    two years ago i ended up ditching it for a reload bag and i couldnt be happier. the sholder strap is super beefy so it takes a long time to break in but it is just about as easy to adjust and doesn't set a huge chunk of metal on my chest that i never used.
    chrome bags are nice because you can walk into most lbs and purchase them but i prefer my bag to sit on my right shoulder and its really hard to find stock bags set up that way.
  9.  
    The buckle seems to be a key feature to Chrome bags, and it looks cool...but yeah, I rarely use it for anything. Sometimes if my bag is SUPER heavy and I'm too tired to lift it off, I will hit the eject button and let the bag fall onto a chair or something. So, not TOTALLY needed, it's still useful once in awhile. I know some people who ALWAYS use the buckle when taking off their bags.

    The pull strap on my Chrome has been pulled/release so much that the strap fabric has become worn and frayed on the sides, so it no longer slides or pulls anymore very well. I tried burning it with a lighter to singe up the frayed sides, but that only lasted for a few days. too bad it cannot be replaced easy.
    • CommentAuthorianmichael
    • CommentTimeJan 22nd 2009
     
    I'm not sure why people love to hate on whats trendy. This isnt always the case, but usually there is a reason why something is trendy and popular, and that reason is usually that its a good product. Everyone raises the stink about deep v's for the same reason, they are popular. They are also quality rims that make for a great city wheel. So shut your trap haters.

    Obviously people who aren't messengers use them. Anyone who has to carry a lot of crap should use one whether they are riding a bike or not. Messengers use them because they are big. Why cant everyone else?
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJan 22nd 2009
     
    i think messengers may hate on other people wearing them because it drives the prices up. same thing with njs stuff. few years ago you could get a used njs frame in great condition for $400. and now it's what? $750 & up?
    • CommentAuthorhenrydec1
    • CommentTimeJan 22nd 2009
     
    http://anchorbags.com/
    i have one, best bag you can buy.
    • CommentAuthorianmichael
    • CommentTimeJan 22nd 2009 edited
     
    Posted By: the rabbii think messengers may hate on other people wearing them because it drives the prices up. same thing with njs stuff. few years ago you could get a used njs frame in great condition for $400. and now it's what? $750 & up?


    Its called supply and demand.

    btw, i'm just saying that it sucks.
    • CommentAuthordirtle
    • CommentTimeJan 24th 2009
     
    chrome nails the shoulder bag concept, padding, fit, and weight distribution. still... riding with the weight held by one side of the body feels unbalanced to my body, i'm intrigued by the baileyworks reversible-strap function. i would guess that having one bag/strap for both shoulders would mean it would lack the padding and form of a dedicated bag like the chrome.

    if it could feel that good on both sides, my body would appreciate the balance! as it is certain lower back muscles are feeling extra stress...

    anyone use this feature?
    • CommentAuthorwowzah
    • CommentTimeJan 24th 2009 edited
     
    I like being able to use the chrome bag as a cooler for beer.

    It also has pretty good compartments.

    My only complaint is that my buckle has become somewhat rusty and tough to engage after 4 years of use.
    • CommentAuthorfixedpuch
    • CommentTimeJan 24th 2009
     
    I ride with a rolly back pack.....
    • CommentAuthorjaybird74
    • CommentTimeJan 27th 2009
     
    I have the Baileyworks Super Pro. You're misinterpreting the reversible strap... it means that the straps themselves can be reversed and interchanged... but you still have it on one shoulder at a time. Still, it's by far the best bag I've owned and I've had a lot. It has integrated strap padding, behind the buckle around your shoulder.
    • CommentAuthorMaxThrash
    • CommentTimeJan 27th 2009
     
    I've considered getting a two-strap, but I feel like it would be hard to look over my shoulder?
    • CommentAuthordirtle
    • CommentTimeJan 27th 2009
     
    jaybird, tha's exactly what i meant! i didn't make that clear.

    as for balance, i think a few good rides with the weight on the left shoulder could be balanced out, in a way, by riding with the bag on the right. at least, the other half of my back could share the burden, long term. and give my one side a break. i'd love to give it a shot... haven't seen any cats riding the bailey works out here in the gay bay. yet!
  20.  
    blaq bags are pretty nice and fully custom for $125.
    • CommentAuthort0dk0n
    • CommentTimeJan 28th 2009 edited
     
    Hmm, I've had a Chrome bag for about five years. I don't really care that they're trendy, it's rugged and useful for everyday hauling. It was maybe $50 cheaper when I bought mine at the local Chrome store (wtf... $160 for the Metropolis now?). I wouldn't get a Chrome now because the new strap design is a little annoying. I like the old design with just a D-Ring, now it seems that they put a fixated proprietary d-ring that gets tangled way easier than the regular D-ring. But there is a new feature that I wouldn't mind having, the little strap to hold a light/reflector, but I can always try to sew that on myself. They're a great company, I broke my stabilizer strap after getting stuck in a MUNI train track in SF. They took a long ass time to fix it, buuut when I got it back they also replaced the worn out belt strap and reinforced my stabilizer strap. One of the only annoyances with my current bag is that no matter how tight I have it, even with the stabilizer strap on, it still moves around when I'm riding fast. Maybe I've been doing something wrong?
    • CommentAuthorjaybird74
    • CommentTimeJan 30th 2009
     
    Ahhh... I get what you're saying Dirtle. I grew up very close to Portsmouth, NH... so Baileyworks are more popular in the Northeast. I think the reason they aren't catching on on the West Coast is that they're plain, no frills, no "collabos", lol.
    I hadn't considered switching the straps around...maybe I'll try it out. The split strap design is the way to go if you ask me though. I can carry large amounts of weight with no bag bounce or discomfort.
    • CommentAuthorthe rabbi
    • CommentTimeJan 30th 2009
     
    jason, we gonna see you tonight?
  24.  
    I prefer my Dakine back back. I just like having it strapped to me tightly. It's one with a hard outer shell and has the straps on the waist and chest. It's bomb as hell. Never liked messenger bags for some reason, but if you like them, rock it!
    • CommentAuthordirtle
    • CommentTimeJan 30th 2009
     
    yes backpacks are ideal. but you know what? those straps smell like rotten death after a few months of riding. shoulder bags avoid the armpit issue entirely. it's about class.
    • CommentAuthorSanford
    • CommentTimeFeb 27th 2009
     
    ive had a chroe bag, and a chrome roll top(which i found very uncomfortable in the pits). im really thinking about getting a reload soon...honestly, for looks. theyre fully customizable and it's nice to not have a bag that looks like everyone elses. they are a bit more expensive than chrome bags, but theyre also comparable in quality, and still affordable.


    the next time somebody hates on your messenger bag, you hate on their sweaty pits.
  27.  
    I use both backpacks and messenger bags and think they can both be comfortable and not-comfortable. I really think it comes down to the company. Chrome definitely has the fit down. The only thing i don't like about the buckle is people trying to be really funny, and pushing the button as a joke, as all shit hits the ground. Aside from that i think they are great bags. For backpacks, I recently got a sealine "urban pack" and its great. The latching system works quickly and easily, and the bright color works in my favor for visibility.
    • CommentAuthorFixedGr
    • CommentTimeFeb 27th 2009
     
    Chrome bags are sick as fuck I use one and in Newport beach its the fixed gear trend.
  29.  
    > They also fit your body well and don't bounce around when you ride your bike or run like a backpack does.

    That sounds like a shitty backpack.

    I wear a Hardwear Enterprise. The boob strap keeps it close to my body, which is important to me. It's got some external pockets for a lock and hat on one side and tools on the other. It's got a lot more space than it looks like it has, too; I often pack enough clothes for a weekend in it.

    Myself, I don't like the asymmetrical pull of a messenger bag. It twists my spine.
  30.  
    i really want some kind of messenger backpack. i got a three year old chrome bag, it smells and it hurts my back. i'm thinking a SAGLIFE airforce 1 (im going to japan soon) or an ortlieb.
    • CommentAuthorstevieg
    • CommentTimeFeb 28th 2009
     
    With a backpack full of groceries, I lost my balance. Doh! Panniers are the only way to go, if you're dorkiy enough to have a rack like me.
    • CommentAuthordirtle
    • CommentTimeMar 3rd 2009
     
    dorkly!
    • CommentAuthorsobiecki
    • CommentTimeMar 3rd 2009
     
    Posted By: patrickviolencei really want some kind of messenger backpack. i got a three year old chrome bag, it smells and it hurts my back. i'm thinking a SAGLIFE airforce 1 (im going to japan soon) or an ortlieb.


    NICE!! SAGLIFE is awesome. Chari and CO is pre-ordering SAGLIFE straps. You should check it out. I guess you will be in Japan though so you wont need to pre-order 3 months ahead haha.

    Bailey Works makes nice hand made bags.


    _a
  34.  
    oh damn i should try and snag some, i need some new straps anyway.
    • CommentAuthorthadeust
    • CommentTimeMar 3rd 2009
     
    I've got the Chrome Kremlin, it's enormous and i love everything about it except the evil metal buckle, it digs into my chest so i ride with one hand under it a lot which kind of sucks. It is really impractical if my bag is loaded to take it off with the buckle too, way faster to wing it over the head to get it on and off. This might all be because of the size though.
    • CommentAuthorAaron C
    • CommentTimeMar 3rd 2009
     
    as i think i mentioned earlier that damn satanic metal buckle is the stupidest design feature i have ever seen--at least for anyone even slightly finicky. otherwise they make nice bags for the money. chrome is so associated with that damn buckle though that i doubt that they could ditch it. the least they could do would be to put a fat ass piece of foam rubber padding underneath it.

    on a related side note my girlfriends fucking cat pissed all over the outside of my bag a few hours ago. so yea. great times were had by all.
  37.  
    i have always used panniers to carry loads, not only because of the lower center of gravity, but also because i think it makes sense for the machine to do the work (that is, the rigid frame with the levers on it). if you are carrying a lot of weight, it is helpful to get some of it over the front wheel (to help with steering). i figure many couriers prefer the bags because they want their bikes to still handle like finely-tuned racing machines (finely-tuned machines that get beaten to crap, that is).

    that said, i commute to work with a notebook computer, which would get destroyed by vibration and impacts if i didn't carry it on my body. i have been completely satisfied with my chrome bag for the last few years, because it was the first one i tried that didn't slide around on my back. it has the older d-ring, i've seen the new one and i can't figure out what they were thinking when they switched. i always use the buckle to take it on and off. i have gotten some interesting comments about the buckle over the years, especially from airport security personnel.

    i figure bags are like saddles: because they fit your body, and everybody's body is a little different, you just have to work your way through the wide variety of options until you find one you that works for you.
  38.  
    I've also been looking to get a roll top backpack, but I'm not paying what they want for one, I'll wait until I find a good deal on one. I bought my Kremlin for $70 when I worked in a shop, it blows my mind that kids walk into a store and pay $100+ for a bag. I'd rather use a backpack and some plastic bags if it came to that.

    90% of messenger bags are used by kids who just ride bikes for reasons other than their job. Some company needs to start making bags and just referring to them as "cycling bags" so people will stop making a fuss over non messengers wearing messenger bags. I'm not touring so I don't need panniers, I'm not in high school so i don't need a back pack, I'm not playing indoor soccer so I really shouldn't be wearing the shoes I have on, and no one walking around this city is currently playing baseball, so none of them should be wearing ball caps. Just because it's a "messenger bag" doesn't mean it isn't just a well designed bag that's great for someone who rides to work in rain, or needs to carry a change of clothes, or needs to fit $40 of groceries. Either way I still think it'd be nicer to have a backpack to avoid the hassle of people thinking that I want to pretend I'm a messenger, it will be annoying to not be able to see over my shoulder though.
    • CommentAuthoryoxscotty
    • CommentTimeMar 4th 2009
     
    hmmm...i always seem to read about others getting flack for wearing a messenger bags yet i've never received flack myself nor seen it happen. i'm not a messenger, but i wear a messenger bag. i'm active in the bike scene, however.

    perhaps these things just don't happen in ottawa? whenever we see someone riding fixed we always yell jokes/smart-ass friendly oscenities at each other. is this not the temperment elsewhere? weird stuff...

    it just doesn't make sense to make fun of someone wearing a categorized bag? what if they have a sore shoulder and backpacks aren't an option? what's next, making fun of backpacks wearers who aren't in school? or how's about roofracks on cars that are empty? just seems easier to be a sweet dude/dudette and keep your mouth shut imo.
    • CommentAuthortAngicls.
    • CommentTimeMar 4th 2009
     
    i dont think any messenger bag looks bad. its just that theres people out there in this world that are ignorant and live in a tv controlled life. so yeah FUCK then!

    if they didnt like the bags i would've still hade mine. because some asshole stoled it.

    so if anyone outhere has an extra bag let me know... tangoxtmo@tmail.com hit me up guys it would help me out a lot thanks.
  41.  
    I use an old Manhattan Portage "NY Bike Messenger", I like it. The only problem is that it doesn't have a second strap to keep the bag from sliding around, I'll probably had one soon.
    • CommentAuthor6dayracer
    • CommentTimeMar 5th 2009
     
    I had a small chrome bag once. I was unfortunately severely hungover the day I bought an all yellow version. It served me well and soon turned near black with riding in the rain of Portland. I then bought a larger bag, not sure of the maker, local Magpie Messenger bag maker guy. The strap slips all of the time and now that I'm back in college I miss the organizer in the front of the Chrome's. I never used the seat belt release, and yes I duct taped it so my idiot friends wouldn't push it. But damn if it didn't work great and keep my crap dry, the new bag is lined, but it doesn't work so great. So, yes everyone and their mom has chrome bags, but the ones who ride 365 days a year in rain and snow know they're worth it. F-- the rest. Never tried a Baileys though.
    • CommentAuthorlatron
    • CommentTimeMar 6th 2009
     
    My favorite messenger bag is a pair of Ortlieb panniers. Yep, dorky, but you can really load 'em up. No shifting, no twisting, no pain in the neck/back/etc. They're the gateway drug to an Xtracycle, though, and that worries me...
    • CommentAuthorsfbee
    • CommentTimeMar 6th 2009
     
    I've sported a chrome and now a timbuktu. It's served me well, and protected my goods from the Houston acid rain quite a few times. Not sure of the model off the top of my head though, but it's definitely one of the larger bags
  45.  
    chrome's overrated, i sport a banjo brothers bag (a company based in minnesota) and it's great so far easy buckless strap, huge size, waterproof, comes with free cell phone holder and laptop sleeve, and a helpful organizer on the outside and inside the bag all for under $80. you can't beat that.
    • CommentAuthormuckymucky
    • CommentTimeMar 9th 2009 edited
     
    fad, but the advantage of easy removal does make sense tho~
    • CommentAuthortangsuto
    • CommentTimeMar 9th 2009
     
    I feel like the goal of any business is to sell as much of whatever service or product you're selling. As far as I am concerned Chrome seems to have nailed it for now, fad or not. Good for them.
    • CommentAuthorBenR
    • CommentTimeMar 11th 2009
     
    Two words.

    Alchemy Goods.

    That's all you need to know.

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