I have always had a certain manic relationship with bags, duffels and the like. The search for the best object-at least best for me and best at that moment-is sometimes so exhausting that it dampens the joy of finally finding it. Your good fortune, on the other hand, is this quasisweekly column.
More duffel bags? Yes, but this time for cyclists. Or rather for urban cyclists. Today is the turn of my favorite messenger bag.
The messenger bag takes its name from the couriers(messengers in fact) on bicycles, who made their appearance in major U.S. cities since the early 1980s. However, don’t think of today’s Deliveroo rider with the pedal-assisted bike and his cubic backpack in which I always imagine there is the golden armor of Sagitter’s Mycenae. Far from it. The couriers I refer to have essential and indestructible bicycles, often fixed-gear. And their duffels had to be just as essential and indestructible, but at the same time very roomy and convenient to open/close dozens of times a day, possibly without taking it off each time as you would have to do with a backpack.
People don’t need more stuff, they need better stuff that uses less resources. More function, less fashion.
Chrome Industries was born in Portland, Oregon in 1995: Bad Boys was blowing up in the movies, and on MTV Diana King was going on repeat with Shy Guy. In the meantime-surely in a basement, as in the best traditions-someone was sewing the first Chrome bags using salvaged materials: military nylon and second-hand seatbelts.
Properly designed and made products improve in detail over time, but rarely change dramatically. So the bag you can buy today is not all that different from the first ones produced over twenty-five years ago. I bought my Citizen in New York in 2009, back then the brand was not even marketed in Europe, and after twelve years (of which 7-8 years of daily use) I still find it perfect for my needs. Worn, dirty, but with no essential components ever broken.
The messenger has a single reinforced shoulder strap so it can be worn over the shoulder and remain high on the back; a clip-on webbing on the opposite side goes under the armpit and prevents unwanted swinging while pedaling. A large main pocket, 5-6 other small pockets, a space for the ever-present u-lock, a zippered pocket for crown jewels, and a buckle that weighs more than your bike (and acts as a bottle opener). Waterproof. Lifetime warranty. What else?.
My favorite size is the Citizen, maybe today I would choose the smaller Mini Metro, but only because I am no longer the age.