Messanger Bag Questions

[MM_QFC!]

[QUOTE=Nanci]
Does QFC stand for what I _think_ it stands for? My mom used to always say that rhyme to me when I was a kid, I can't imagine why ;-)

Nanci [QUOTE]


Yep, you guessed it, Nanci...when a riding buddy called me that years ago, I looked at her with a questioning face, but quickly recalled the rhyme and she grinned and added, "remember to insert your own adverb in there!"
I had no option but to admit that it fit me, so it stuck.
Mary

[Surlygirl]

Bicycling Magazine just picked the Holly Aiken Airborne as their choice.
www.hollyaiken.com

[Susan Otcenas]

I can't get that stabilization strap to work right. Wonder if I'm just shaped wrong.

SK, Two things worked for me. I keep the shoulder strap very short so that the bag sits in the middle of my back (when I swing it around to the front the pack will be waist level, not at hip level) and the stabilizer strap is cinched VERY snugly. That works for me and keeps my size medium from swinging around.

On my road bike, I use my messenger bag for commuting. If I'm riding my Bike Friday, I use panniers on the rack.

Timbuk2 makes a messenger-look bag now that has the straps of a regular backpack, I guess to address the swinging-around problem. I have no idea how well it's doing for them, and we since we don't sell it I also have no idea how people are liking it.

Susan

[SadieKate]

Thanks, Susan. I do have the strap cinched up waaaay tight. Like lift and separate? Still swings. I think the problem, as CA_in_NC said, it's not meant for any larger chests. Oh well, it works great for just a few like weight things if I just want to ride to a restaurant.

[sulis]

Wow...thanks for all your great suggestions and inputs everyone. I will take a closer look and see if I can come up with the $$ for something nicer than what I used last year (lets cross our fingers for a good tax refund. ). The Topeak seat post also sounds intriguing. I'm commuting on my road bike so anything I add needs to come off easily.

Thanks again everyone. You are wonderful!

[DebW]

I use a fanny pack for commuting. Very stable and doesn't sweat up your whole back. Or, if I'm on my older bike with a rack, then my homemade front paniers.

[abuelitodimetu]

I use a messenger for commuting sometimes and I have a Crumpler. They have quite a following and can lead to a serious bag addiction. They can be pricey, but they will last a nuclear war. Check REI outlet and/or Ebay and/or Froogle for discounted crumpler items.

[Dianyla]

Messenger style bags just creep me out, plain and simple. I don't think it's good on the back and shoulders to be carrying a load so asymmetrically!

I just bought a Trans Alpine 30 cycling specific backpack by Deuter and I'm in love with it. It's got a built in yellow rain cover, good venting, hydration sleeve, helmet holder, and it's big enough to carry a laptop, school books, and commuting stuffs:

http://www.deuterusa.com/trans30.html

They also make some very nice smaller backpacks with cycling in mind. If you're in Portland, River City Bicycles carries the TransAlp30 and I've seen the smaller ones at Bike Gallery.