Beginners Guide to riding Fixed/Single Speed in London

But I won't be taking a big load - couldnt resist saying that :)

A pump and shit is very light. Why would you carry shoes to work? I would leave them there.

Shopping, yes, you are right - it wouldn't work, but I live so near to a shop I don't need to do it. Which I suppose proves there is never 'one' solution for all. Note part of the reason I called them what I did is that I havent been able to find the reason for their existence - or good things about them -

All you're doing is proving my point even more Paul....your bag is fine for you because you never take anything big enough to need anything bigger than a runners backpack.
Most people i know do. Not everyone has the luxury of having cheap shops close to them.
A good messenger bag IS one solution for all....not carrying much? compress it down...pull the suspension straps tight so it's hugging your body....no problems...but buy a bike off the forum and have to pick it up on your way home from work....let out the compression straps.....carry the whole bloody thing...frame, wheels, everything.

Ever wondered why most peoples messenger bags look like they live in them? (and i'm not just talking about working messengers) It's because most people use their messenger bags for EVERYTHING....commuting, shopping, going on holiday...they become an essential part of their lifestyle.

The reason you've never found a good reason for their existence is because you've never needed to carry more than the bare minimum whilst riding your bike.
Fine if that's the case....but a hell of a lot of cyclists i know use bikes for everything...including moving house.

Stick that in your running backpack and smoke it!

Amen!