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Cycling Gear: desperately seeking perfect commuter bag

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Membera_mcnabb1
    • CommentTimeFeb 22nd 2008
     
    a_mcnabb1

    This has been a futile search so far. I am a small female on a road bike in racy position with a longish commute in the rain (Seattle). I need a waterproof bag, backpack better than single shoulder messenger bag, brightly colored/reflective, that is not huge. Every bag I've tried is too big, so that it either rides uncomfortably or blocks my over the shoulder vision, or both.

    Any suggestions out there?

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberPBA
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2008
     
    PBA
    Have you tried panniers?  They may be a better solution to a back pack.
    • CommentAuthorFree Membermalivo
    • CommentTimeFeb 29th 2008
     
    malivo
    Agree with suggestion you fit a pannier rack if you can, I commute 20miles and I have either orlieb waterproof pannier bags, or an altura cycling briefcase which is waterproof as well. I don't if you can get these in the States but you must have similar. Try the orleib, altura websites.  
  4.  
    BullyBeats
    Check out the Roll-top bags from www.chromebags.com. I use the "Sultan" as my daily commuter bag, bukt perhaps the two smaller ones are better suited to your needs
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberjp1
    • CommentTimeMar 2nd 2008
     
    jp1
    I've about worn out my vaude backpack. Leave your shoes at work. I'm 5'6"
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberjaklds67
    • CommentTimeMar 6th 2008
     
    jaklds67
    I live down and Florida, and just made the transition to panniers. I am currently running (2)x 1000 cubic inch panniers on the back which are waterproof. They are from a company called "Banjo Brothers." If you have your mind set on a backpack, "Banjo Brothers" introduced a good "commuter" backpack not too long ago. I did some research on it before settling on the panniers, and the reviews were all consistently favorable.
  7.  
    pandadisco

    I love my Chrome Ranchero "Messenger pack." Very very waterproof (although not as perfectly waterproof as Chrome's roll-top bags that BullyBeats mentioned). I commute 4-5mi in Portland (so I know the rain you speak of) and the stuff inside my bag is always dry... Wish I could say the same about myself after those type o rides.

     I would suggest a "pack" (like a normal backpack style) rather than a messenger "bag" (one strap over the shoulder). The pack is much easier to maneuver around with but I do get quite sweaty on the hotter days. If you have a lot of pointy things inside the pack, it also takes a little creative placement of clothes or other soft things to keep things from jutting into your back. It does have sufficient back padding although airflow is a little limited at slower speeds (duh).

    Given, I bought my Chrome off of Craigslist for half the price and it is a little bit older of a model, the newer ones seem to have a nicely thought out neck-area. Lifetime warranty on the Chrome stuff and my bag (used by the previous owner for years when I bought it 2 months ago) has aged very well. Very good quality stuff and I would definitely buy one brand new if I had a higher budget.

    Sorry for the long response, hope this helps 

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberThyce
    • CommentTimeJun 6th 2008
     
    Thyce
    Ortlieb panniers will keep the rain off of your stuff and the weight off of your shoulders and down low where it belongs.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberLuckyDog
    • CommentTimeJun 9th 2008
     
    LuckyDog
    I was using a Mini Sling Bag from REI and finally switched over to a trunk bag because of the heat and the weight.   I'm much happier with the trunk bag and I can carry more stuff.
  10.  
    Cassadamius
    I have been in your situation before. I commute, but I use it as a training ride. Therefore, the extra weight is significant. I finally found something I like, though the fit is a little weird. I found the Osprey Talon series. http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/TalonSeries/ I use a green Talon 11. There is sufficient room and multiple compartments, as well as placement for a Camelbak if that's your kind of thing (not mine). I needed something that allowed airflow between my back and the pack, as my clothes would end up quite warm and damp otherwise. This pack has a sort of groove system between your back and the compartment, allowing air in without compromising fit. The problems I have with this pack are as follows: the waist strap fits a bit weird when there isn't enough weight to drag it down. Also, the straps are not wide enough at the neck - it's a minor annoyance. Other than that, the pack fits snug against your back, doesn't block vision, and is bright. It isn't, however, waterproof. They do make a pack cover, though.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberMadkink
    • CommentTimeJun 17th 2008
     
    Madkink

    This may seem a bit strange,

     

    I hated using rucksacks or backs as i felt all the weight was to high on my back, and this was the only way i could wear it comfertably,  that and i ended up with a terribly sweaty back

     

    couldn't find a decent pannier rack for my bike (it has a rear suspension) so i opted for webbing,

     

    Webbing is what the militery use to carry there gear around, it is light weight, waterproof and durable, and what is better is you can adapt it, add and take away pouches etc, depending on what type off cycle you are doing (needs to be a moduler type system), 

     

    and it gives a good airflow around the body, 

     

    It does take a bit off getting used to if you have never worn it before, but well worth a look IMO

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberanjuanja
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2008
     
    anjuanja
    I love my timbuk2 laptop sized bag.  If rain threatens, I wear it under a poncho, although the nylon is water-resistant.  It hangs from a shoulder strap and sits around the hip (the way I have mine) with a hip strap that you can tighten or loosen as you see fit.  I also use my commute as a training ride and feel that the extra weight is good for training as long as it is centered low - and this sits in a good spot for me.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberadriandav
    • CommentTimeJul 6th 2008
     
    adriandav

    i like the look of the chromebags. they are a bit heavy and not that comfortable imho.

    i commute with the ortlieb messenger bag. it is very lightweight.  the quality and comfort comes from a long history of the most popular bike messenger bags here in new york. i use the smaller (daypack) version of it. it is as waterproof as it gets for a messenger bag. i use it daily since over a year and still love it.

    more information over here:
    http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=22&cid=2

    i got the black one but would have gone for the white special edition one if the store would have had it.

    ortlieb bag

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberhtim63
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2008
     
    htim63

    Question for Bullybeats,

                                           How is the Sultan holding up?  I'm want to buy an Ivan or a Sultan.  The photos of the Sultan look massive.  I'm 6'3" with size 13 shoe and I'll be carrying them to and from work.  Does the Sultan seem too big? 

    If anyone has purchased a Chrome Ivan or Sultan I'd like to read you comments.

  15.  
    MerryKate38
    If you're still looking, check out www.teamestrogen.com - everything is geared to women athletes, with a big cycling section.
  16.  
    Jason_B_Seattle
    I'm in Seattle.  Panniers are a must.  I use the Ortlieb waterproof panniers.  Your shoulders will thank you.
  17.  
    CO_Roaddog

    Being that you are in Seattle - go to REI and checkout the Novara commuter backpack. It is comfortable, not too big and has an integrated rain cover.

     I have used this pack for a few months on my road bike in a "racing" position.

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