Welcome guest, is this your first visit? Click the "Create Account" button now to join.

To disable ads, please log-in.

Shop at TeamEstrogen.com for women's cycling apparel.

Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    150

    Backpack that 'converts' into a briefcase?

    To disable ads, please log-in.

    Hey everyone,

    I am finding myself bike-commuting to business meetings. Which is all well and good...I know how to do the Superman style change of clothes once I arrive, switch out the bike shoes for some heels, etc.

    The problem is with my backpacks.

    My bike doesn't have panniers, so there is no comfortable way to carry my professional looking briefcase.

    So, what I'm really lusting after is...A laptop-friendly backpack, that I can carry on my back like a NORMAL backpack (not a messenger bag)...and then somehow it would have straps to convert it into something that looks more like a briefcase once I arrive?

    Am I dreaming? I went looking for this a couple of years ago, and found NOTHING!

    Thanks for any leads.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Marin County CA
    Posts
    5,936
    You might check out this site:

    http://www.chromebags.com/

    They have a lot of messenger bag/briefcase options. I don't know if they have anything that goes from backpack to briefcase, but there may be something that will work. My understanding from the motorcycle forums is these are very good quality and hold up a lot better than Timbuk2 bags.
    Sarah

    When it's easy, ride hard; when it's hard, ride easy.


    2011 Volagi Liscio
    2010 Pegoretti Love #3 "Manovelo"
    2011 Mercian Vincitore Special
    2003 Eddy Merckx Team SC - stolen
    2001 Colnago Ovalmaster Stars and Stripes

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    2,609
    REI has a few. The straps from the backpack slip into a zippered section. I think Eagle Creek makes it.

    Edit: of course, I can't find them now. I bought one years ago.
    Last edited by Pedal Wench; 11-29-2007 at 10:16 AM.
    For 3 days, I get to part of a thousand other journeys.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Orygun
    Posts
    1,195
    Look up leather messenger bags. Many of them double as briefcases and are setup to carry a laptop as well. Most have room to store your superwoman garb for your quick change too. Good luck.

    Edit: just re-read your post and you said "no messenger bags". Well, then I would still look at a good quality leather (back pack) that will compliment your business attire. No massive amounts of pockets on the outside, rather understated overall. Just big enough to handle your briefcase and laptop, with a little extra for clothes. Definitely match it to your existing briefcase style and color.
    Last edited by Xrayted; 11-29-2007 at 11:32 AM.
    Oh, that's gonna bruise...
    Only the suppressed word is dangerous. ~Ludwig Börne

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Marin County CA
    Posts
    5,936
    I poked around on the Chrome site and they do have backpacks http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/packs/

    EDIT: This is nice, too: http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/show/42/

    Must stop shopping...
    Last edited by maillotpois; 11-29-2007 at 01:03 PM.
    Sarah

    When it's easy, ride hard; when it's hard, ride easy.


    2011 Volagi Liscio
    2010 Pegoretti Love #3 "Manovelo"
    2011 Mercian Vincitore Special
    2003 Eddy Merckx Team SC - stolen
    2001 Colnago Ovalmaster Stars and Stripes

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    1,414
    Do you have a locker at work, or another place to stash a briefcase? Then you can just transfer your laptop/papers from your backpack to the briefcase at work?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    54
    Maybe something like this that has a zipper for the backpack straps:

    http://www.luggagepros.com/mpb/IID16...zmap=IID16068#

    You may also want to browse through this, where I found the above link:

    http://www.nextag.com/leather-comput...ck/search-html

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, MN
    Posts
    979
    Mariposa, I don't know if you ever got your problem solved, but here is what I do; I have a grocery pannier that I put my backpack in. It is an easy way to use the briefcase you already have and like and a nice way to get some more pileage out of grocery panniers.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Limbo
    Posts
    8,769
    2008 Trek FX 7.2/Terry Cite X
    2009 Jamis Aurora/Brooks B-68
    2010 Trek FX 7.6 WSD/stock bontrager

 

 

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •