5 BEST Urban Cycling Bags

Welcome to the first installment of Chicago's ULTIMATE Cyclist Gift Guide!

Unlike those generic printed gift guides you get in the mail, this one features products that have been rigorously field tested and approved by the experienced staff of Rapid Transit Cycleshop on the streets of Chicago. We heartily recommend these items for your own use, or as gifts that will delight a dedicated urban cyclist of your holidays list. Without further ado, here are our picks for (drumroll) the best urban bike bags:

Numero Uno
The best all-around, all purpose, high-capacity, easy on and off, completely waterproof, great bag whether you are commuting, running errands, or touring:

ORTLIEB Back Roller Classic ($155/pair), available in this high-visibility yellow, black, gray, red or blue.

A Close Second
My personal favorite, mentioned repeatedly on this site, easy to use, versatile, foldable, magically disappearing when not needed, grocery-toting workhorse:

JANDD Grocery Pannier ($53/each), basic black.

If you want something with a bit more class, as well as a top that closes, check out a nice new entry in this category:

DETOURS Toocan ($50/each), available in red, blue, gray and black.

And at Number Three:
The bag that has set a new standard for messenger luggage. Comfortable to wear, stylish, and indestructible:

CHROME Citizen Messenger Bag ($115), available in this dayglo orange, and numerous other assorted colors. Chrome messenger bags come in several different sizes. Come on in and see which one is right for you.

Number Four
For the consummate urban professional on your list. The person can't leave the office behind. Now he doesn't have to. This bag has rigid walls, waterproof zipper, security lock, interior compartments and organizers galore, and it attaches to a standard bike rack with concealed hardware that won't clash with a suit.

ORTLIEB Office Bag 2 ($190). Brushed metal-look finish. Pretty cool!

And last, but not least, at Number Five:
Perhaps more style than function on a bike, but off the bike, this bag will boost your capacity for carrying small essentials. Meant to be carried on your belt, but will accommodate an optional shoulder strap. Compact and fashionable on both men and women:

CHROME Hip Bone ($57), available in assorted colors.

There you have it.

Oh, I almost forgot, here are some coupons on the above items to make your holiday shopping merrier. Click, print and redeem them at Rapid Transit.

Comments

[Jacks]

Good choices on the messenger bags, how about the Babagoo bags?

[Adam]

Great suggestions for bags and panniers. Messenger bags certainly are popular, but I think much less comfortable than backpacks. I think that messenger bags can lay awkwardly on a rider and put strain on the back. How about some good back pack suggestions? R.E.Load? What do you think of their packs?
http://www.reloadbags.com/

[Wilhelm Werthern]

I use the Ortlieb bags classic bags all the time - they are brilliant, and it is amazing how much you canfit in them. I use them to transport crates of wine from the wine store.

[Justyna]

I can't think of better use for the Ortlieb bags ;-)

[Paul]

Seems like you have a diverse list. There are a few smaller options that work well on a bike. What about Tucker & Bloom bags transit pass?

[Galfromdownunder]

I hope it's kosher to mention this, since it's handmade by a little Chinese lady in NYC and designed by an even littler one (me) - the Traffic Cone Bag is a simple, reversible, 3-in-1 bag for travelin' gals to "be seen" on and off the bike. It's been surprisingly popular with guys (metrosexuals?), so I started a guy version too. It fills a gap between the messenger and the hardcore touring bags.

http://www.galfromdownunder.com/tcb

[Justyna]

Hey, comments from cycling Chinese-Americans are always kosher ;-)
BTW, I will be updating these reviews shortly, and a few smaller bags (smaller in size and from smaller manufacturers) will be under consideration.

[Jo Jo]

Ditch the hard case and go with the last one.