Utility Cycling 101: Refinements

Carrying “Stuff” Part III:  Messenger Bags

NOTE:  Due to some technical constraints, I am not able to embed photos inside of this email article.  You should be able to see the photos in attachments.  If not, wait until next week, and they will apppear in the body of this article, in the Audax Riders blog Tuesday Post.

One might ask why I would be doing this.  Why should we devote time to messenger bags?  We’ve already mentioned that, for general light errand running a back pack is likely to be sufficient.  But soon the question arises, “What if I want to carry more stuff, or bulkier items?”  There are three parts to the answer.

Of course the messenger bag is not the only way to solve this problem.  But it is a very good solution to a wide variety of problems.

1. Messenger bags were designed to enable bike couriers to carry lots of stuff, or very bulky stuff, and do so safely.
2. A messenger bag will work on any bike, and requires no special modifications to the bicycle.

Messenger bags have the floowing design features:

• Allow comfortable (mostly) load carry
• Increased safety
• A stable carry capacity
• They permit the rider to turn head and scan the world easily
• They carry the weight low on the back, assisting in stability
• The primary load strap is wide, and usually well padded, distributing the weight
• Highly weather resistant, so load items tend to stay dry
• No modification to bike required, so they can be used with any bike
• Available in a variety of sizes, and features
• Many come in either left-hand or right-hand configuration
• Ease of loading and unloading
• Surprising ease of carry when off the bike
•  

Expect to spend between $100 and $300 on a good bag.  The variables are

1. Who manufactures it
2. How big it is
3. What features are included

In the attached pictures:

First you see a messenger bag by Chrome.  The blue scale is included for reference.  It’s 14 inches long.

Second is the same bag opened.  Here you can see the inner vinyl liner, as well as details of the smaller pockets.

Lots of "stuff" capacity, and good organiztion (multiple pockets)

Third shot shows details of the load strap and stabilizer strap.  A nice feature here is that the stabilizer and closure straps have high reflective material woven into them.

Note the hefty buckle.  Also the load strap has a velcro panel allowing attachment of accessories such as a phone holster, utility tool pouch, or small external bag.

Next picture shows a typical load.  That’s a full day’s clothing (and those shoes are size 14!), rain gear, multi-tool, pump, Waterproof iPod case, notebook, pens, spare hat, and backup gloves.  And yes, it will hold more.

Still room for lunch and sundries!

The last few pictures show some of the features in use, and demonstrate the way the bag is worn. 

Not the carabiner with keys attached to the buckle hardware.  The smaller strap with the reflective "piping" is the stabilzer.  It keeps the bag from shifting while riding)

Standing, off the bike.  Easy carry for modest to moderate loads

Load distributed over the back

Releasing the load strap for easy access  (the stabilizer strap is already released here)

Ready for easy "on the fly" access

Don't have to remove the bag to get at items inside

"Slung" for toting while off of the bike

On the bike.  Hands free and unencumbered.  Good body mobility and stability.

On the bike.  Load is low on the back, stable and comfortable

Loaded and relaxed.  Loving it!

Next Week:  Going a bit farther  Fenders and bike choices

You will be able to see each of the articles in this series posted on the Tuesday entry of the Audax Riders blog at www.audaxriders.blogspot.com/  These posts are one week after the article first appears here, and begin with the post on  April 24.