Don't settle for craptastic - get a Chrome

Chrome is one of the top manufacturers of messenger bags. Let us clarify: not the craptastic messenger bags that seem to be ubiquitous these days – the flimsy things that hang on one shoulder and only fit more than a laptop if you cram it in and make an appointment for a neck massage. No, we’re talking about messenger bags – you know, like the one’s bicycle MESSENGER’S USE.

You see when you’re biking all over hell and you need to carry stuff, you need a few things: room to store stuff, serious hardiness that can take the wear and tear of everyday usage, weatherproof materials so your important cargo doesn’t get wet or ravaged, and c-o-m-f-o-r-t. That’s it. And for years, and for all those reasons, many messengers have chosen Chrome messenger bags.

We should explain that we are cyclists here. We have pride about it (yes, LA is actually a GREAT place for bicycles – it’s 70+ year round and almost no rain – where else can you bike everyday!?).  And as such, we have tried different messenger bags.

We won’t get into too many details, suffice to say almost nothing compares to a Chrome. Chrome bags are solid, feel good and look good. The classic metro is a great bag, but we like the Buran (pictured) because it’s built to hold a laptop. Which, of course, we need to post to mmmStuff.com…

$140

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7 soda bottles are in this bag

I have this problem vis-a-vis  getting groceries on my bicycle. You see, I have a messenger bag (more on this sooon…), which is great, but it’s not altogether suited for carrying groceries – especially if I have other stuff (like my macbook pro) as well.

So, I have been thinking about buying a backpack. But (a) I’ll only use it when I plan to go to the grocery store because I like my messenger bag and (b) I don’t want to spend a fortune and want to carry it as an extra bag, not as my main bag.

Enter these recycled PET (each one is made from 7 soda bottles) bags. You can carry them with you (they zip up into a nice size) and whenever you need an extra bag – that can act as a backpack – you’re set. Perfect. This problem solved, as well as many others as you may have figured out for yourself.

And…they have a recycled aluminum caribiner for clasping spare bags onto your messenger bag (or…?), they have a 1 year warranty, can carry up to 25 lbs., has lycra bottle pockets, aren’t ugly, and are machine washable (cold), so they are actually something you can have around for a while and actually, well, reuse.

$30.

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