Is your bag heavier than your bike?

i cant stand riding with anything on my back, ive never really understood the whole messenegr bag jive, the thought of a massive bag covering my back seems silly when i can just get a nice set of panniers or a saddlebag. i can see the use if your actually a curryer but otherwise i dont get it.

Having stuff in a bag on my back is so much quicker and easier around town, especially if going shopping, although I agree with you on the sweaty back thing - I hate that. I did use a pannier for about 6 months and it was the most godawful thing I've ever done to my bike. I hated the way it affected the bike handling and almost came to hate commuting as a result. Going back to my courier bag was the best thing I've ever done after that. Having said that, I'm keen to try a saddle bag at some point...