Messenger Courier Bags - Chrome Citizen

[LondonCyclist]

Hello Everyone,

I ve been cycling for 3 years now, using the bicycle as my prime means for transportation and recently i decided to look for a good messenger bag and ended up choosing between The ugly divorce by Crumple, Bailey Works and Chrome Citizen. Although they are all very well made to endure and have extra stabilizing belts etc they seem to be quite expensive.

Recently i found an auction on ebay on a Chrome Citizen bag used but in good condition, the going bid is at 45 pounds +5 postage while the cheapest price to get it new is around 120.

The question:
Is it a good bag, has anyone bought and used it? Should i go for it ? Do you have any alternative suggestions?

Thanks !

 

[Jezston]

Chrome stuff is supposed to be good, but personally unless you are a courier I'd go for panniers or a nice saddle bag like a Carradice. Less sweaty back and fashion cliché.

 

[LondonCyclist]

Chrome stuff is supposed to be good, but personally unless you are a courier I'd go for panniers or a nice saddle bag like a Carradice. Less sweaty back and fashion cliché.

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Thanks for the reply.

I am not a courrier and i don't care about making fashion statements, i m looking for optimum utility but i wouldn't go for saddle bags because :
1) i need to cary my laptop around and i think its a bit more risky to have it in a saddle bag, incase of impact + i would rather avoid carrying 2bags (shoulder/saddle)
2) I will still have to carry the saddle bag around home-university-work-gym etc and i don't find it particularly practical to detach/attach/carry/store every time i will need to move.

Saddle bags may be very useful but in my case i don't think it will suit my needs.

Best,
LC

 

[LondonCyclist]

[QUOTE 1527347"]
Look in TK Maxx. I got a Crumpler from there for 12 quid a couple of years ago.

Courier bags have their advantages over the alternatives.
[/quote]

Thanks for the reply.

Very good site indeed. However there is nothing interesting on in messenger bags at the moment. Thanks for the tip though.

Best,
LC

 

[headcoat]

I came across a North Face one in a camping shop near me for only £25, its big enough to carry 12" records which is what I need and (almost waterproof) its the same as this one My link out of stock there but I am sure looking around you'd find one.....mine in nice and yellow for extra visibility

 

[Rob3rt]

Do you need to access the bag quickly and frequently whist on the bike? If not, then messenger bags are pretty redundant. A good backpack would be my choice.

 

[gaz]

Do you need to access the bag quickly and frequently whist on the bike? If not, then messenger bags are pretty redundant. A good backpack would be my choice.

that

 

[GrumpyGregry]

A messenger style bag carry stuff much lower on the back than a backpack. More comfortable, smaller sweat patch and lower CoG and you don't have to take it off to put things in/take things out. messenger style bags without a lower stabiliser strap are a pile of parp though.

 

[Rob3rt]

A messenger style bag carry stuff much lower on the back than a backpack. More comfortable, smaller sweat patch and lower CoG and you don't have to take it off to put things in/take things out. messenger style bags without a lower stabiliser strap are a pile of parp though.

They also typically load the weight asymetrically, and dont exclusivelly carry the weight lower, typically proper messenger bags are large and carry the weight asymetrically accross the back from hip to shoulder, loading one shoulder with the weight. A backpack only partly loaded or strategically packed would carry the weight symetrically, and low.

You dont want the weight any lower then the base of your back else its liable to move around and possibly get caught on the saddle. Or swing forward into the front wheel.

The whole point of messenger bags is to be able to get into them frequently without having to remove the bag. If you dont need this functionality, they are not the optimum choice.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

They also typically load the weight asymetrically, and dont exclusivelly carry the weight lower, typically proper messenger bags are large and carry the weight asymetrically accross the back from hip to shoulder, loading one shoulder with the weight. A backpack only partly loaded or strategically packed would carry the weight symetrically, and low.

You dont want the weight any lower then the base of your back else its liable to move around and possibly get caught on the saddle. Or swing forward into the front wheel.

The whole point of messenger bags is to be able to get into them frequently without having to remove the bag. If you dont need this functionality, they are not the optimum choice.

My experience is radically different to yours, for instance the only way any of my messenger style bags could end up in the front wheel is if I've gone over the bars.

 

[benb]

I don't have experience of messenger bags whilst cycling, but I can vouch for the quality of Crumpler bags. I use Crumpler for my camera gear, and I also have 1 messenger that I use as a work bag when I'm not cycling (never, these days!), and they are all still in practically as good as new condition after years of use.

I think they are now doing 30 year warranties, they are so confident of the quality.

 

[Gandalf]

I've tried backpacks or various hues but could never get on with them. I've had a Chrome Mini Metro for a few years and I've no complaints. Takes my Laptop (Pansonic C52) just fine.

I also have a Crumpler for my camera and Lenses which is also fine for on the bike.

I find both far more comfortable than a backpack.

 

[johnnyh]

I use a Crumpler messenger laptop bag. Comfy when cycling and really well made.

 

[LondonCyclist]

Thanks for the replies.

Haven't used a messenger bag and i don't know if it is really a problem to the shoulder if you cycle for a long while and the bag is loaded. Thanks for raising this comfort issue..The chrome seems to have done a good job with shoulder padding but it is still an an unequal messenger bag type load.
I have had a Crumpler backpack (the Beany) for quite a while and was very satisfied with it, they have great internal padding protection and very ergonomic. (After 3 years the zip handle went missing but it had been through rough situations so, no complain really.)


Nevertheless, what i like in the chrome bag is that it seems to be more minimal, more enduring, it has the practical airplane seatbelt tech and it comes at a lower price. As far as i know the chrome citizen has guarantee for life, at least thats what ive been reading online.

 

[Ibbots]

I've used a Chrome for about 6 years, can't remember which one. I have tried others including messenger bags and rucksacks and the Chrome is by far the best. The only truly water proof bag I have had, generally comfortable if packed well and sits on the back nicely without hindering movement or vision. About as sweaty as any other bag I have tried. The downsides are that lumpy things can be uncomfortable and the bag is quite heavy - about the same weight as the rack and Ortleib bag I sometimes use.