Messenger bags...

Hey there, I'm looking at getting a messenger bag. I currently use a dakine rucksake and have done for the last 4 years. It's served me well but starting to need replacing now.

I need a bag which can be just as versatile as my old rucksack, it had a front pocket which I kept tools and a couple of spares in, a top pocket which I kept wallet, phone etc in, two small side pockets which I kept inner tubes in and the obvious main bit to keep whatever in.

I'm not from London, I don't commute every day. I'm from a town near Brighton which is pretty quiet. But when I do ride about, I've always got my bag with me regardless of where I go, and whatever form of transport (car, bus, bike, etc).

I've been looking at chrome bags, the citizen version looks the most appealing to me. And I'm also looking at the bagaboo workhorse messenger bag. I've been told by a mate that the chrome bag he had a chrome bag for a bit and sold it on due to "The support strap was too high, cut under my arm, plus the buckle was too clunky." and he suggested the bagaboo workhorse that he's had for 6 years with no issues.

Basically I want something that's versatile, has a few small compartments for tools, y'know, stuff you can't leave home without, phones, wallet, inner tubes. And the sort of room I'd be happy with is something that'd fit a pair of skate shoes in, couple of jumpers, and possibly a laptop. It'll be quite rare I'd commute with all that but would be nice just to know I can if I need it.

Yeah... Bit of an essay, but if I'm spending £100 or more on a bag I need to make the right choice. Any feedback would be great to hear!

Jake

new eastpak kruizer looks like a contender for me, im yet to try one though. Pretty sure you can get the large ones for below £50 too which is a big plus.

If you like your rucksack, get another rucksack. Chrome, mission workshop, t-level, they all do decent rucksacks.

If you like your rucksack, get another rucksack. Chrome, mission workshop, t-level, they all do decent rucksacks.

This, sir, is a good point. However I've always wanted a messenger bag, I think they're fucking cool. And I can always reuse my rucksack if I really disliked the messenger bag that much.

The bags you think are cool can put a lot of strain on your back due to all the weight being on one shoulder. Better off getting an Ortlieb

http://www.ortlieb.co.uk/backpacks/velocity.html

The bags you think are cool can put a lot of strain on your back due to all the weight being on one shoulder. Better off getting an Ortlieb

http://www.ortlieb.co.uk/backpacks/velocity.html

Yeah I realize that, but if I'm using it for less than an hour at most, maybe once or twice a week will it affect me loads? Ortlieb looks alright.

The Restrap ruckacks are really nice as are the Trakke ones.

Both are handmade in the UK and, although a little pricey, should last a long, long time.

Hmm I mumble actually really like the restrap one, good shout. Does anyone know how good the buckle on the chrome ones are? It seems to be one of the main design features.

I prefer messenger bags on my bike, but not off it. If you need it for anything but cycling, rucksack is the way to go

http://www.lfgss.com/thread104232.html

I've still not sold (or used) this...

I prefer messenger bags on my bike, but not off it. If you need it for anything but cycling, rucksack is the way to go

Same. I know backpacks are the in thing at the moment, but a single strap bag doesn't stop your shoulders moving as much, feels nicer when hunched over on a bike. Standing/walking they suck though.

I've not had a problem with my bagaboo (a teeny tiny one admittedly) on longer rides of up to 150 miles. Mind you, I don't carry laptop or shoes in it, just food, drink, rainwear and other spare garb, a few tools and lights/batteries.

Much nicer than a rucksack in my opinion, as it allows more movement and more air to get to your back.

+1 for bagaboo.. good compartments, i use it everyday for commute, rarely for long rides except perhaps dunwich..

if you do decide to go the messenger bag route, you should consider these:
http://www.lfgss.com/thread90997.html

I'm waiting to save some cash before I get one.

Wow some interesting stuff since last night.

Leaning a bit more towards the bagaboo now, and regarding the 150mile bike ride comment I definitely wouldn't ride that far with shoes/laptop inside haha.

Thanks to those of you linking your own bags for sale, helps keep the ideas at large. And would definitely consider a second hand one.

Forgot to mention, my sister has offered to pay £120 for my birthday present which is coming up in 3 weeks time. This is why I'm happier to buy a new bag that's just over £100.

Anyone tried the restrap bag? 2-3 weeks made to order, looks very nice, all handmade in England/Yorkshire...

http://restrap.co.uk/shop/bags/messenger-bag

The bags you think are cool can put a lot of strain on your back due to all the weight being on one shoulder. Better off getting an Ortlieb

http://www.ortlieb.co.uk/backpacks/velocity.html

I would go for a rucksack as well. I have both one of these and a bagaboo and really prefer the orliteb. Sturdy as hell also

They're pretty comfy and they have funky padding on the back to allow air to get to your back so you're not drenched in sweat after 5min of riding.

Bagaboo workhorse is an excellent bag. I used a decidedly second hand one for currying (couriering) in London for two years carrying way more than perhaps was intended (up to fifteen lever arch files fully loaded and all my tools lunch rain gear etc) with no problems to my back. Never let a drop of rain in even in torrential rain, never had any problems in any respect. In fact I still use it for moving lots of stuff by bike. Compared to my Mission workshop rucksack (which I thought was pretty shitty) the workhorse was indefatigable.

HOWEVER.

Its a WORKHORSE, it really is a working bag, not the most beautiful bag on the market and not great off the bike. Its really made so you can sling it round infront of you without taking it off and has straps and adjustments all over which if your only planning on light use might be unnecessary.

If your going to be walking around a lot with the bag get an Ortlieb. Germans don't fuck around and having two straps means if you don't need to go in the bag whilst on your bike all the time your just going to be more comfortable.

+1 for ortlieb messenger backpacks. 100% waterproof, very spacious, not too expensive, and great on and off the bike. If you've got your heart set on a messenger bag then don't settle, but my ortlieb is rad, can carry so much and the only time it's been uncomfortable is when I filled it to the brim with books and rode 10 odd miles in sweltering heat.

Ortlieb looks great, thanks for sharing your opinion of that bag guys. However I won't be getting it, I have my heart set on a messenger bag. I keep looking at the ortlieb and other bags alike but find that I just feel it wouldn't be much different from my current rucksack...

The reason I want a messenger bag is so that I can use it whenever I feel it'd have more benefit than the rucksack.

I bought one of those sample sale Chrome Citizens off ebay a month or so ago for £70, and I love it. It's not that practical off the bike, and my left shoulder's still getting used to having a massive weight on it again (haven't played bass in a while), but it's great on a bike for keeping the mass close to your body.
I also have a Chrome Yalta backpack that I used for a while that's great, and waterproof. If you were interested in it, it's pretty much mint... £55?

Perfect, there you have you have your new rucksack ^

I have my heart set on a messenger bag

Is this hard to understand?

The straps are odd on a citizen, but the support one isn't an issue when cycling, and only an issue when walking if really full.
Ultimately, it's a fully waterproof, bombproof bag that you really don't notice when riding. Bit uncomfortable when walking though.

Is this hard to understand?

Not at all, we're just trying to be sensible