RoadWearier

Recently acquired a Bianchi Giro for $200. Really enjoying it. I like having one bike for multiple purposes, primarily road rides. However I like the environmental and economic benefits so I'd like to use this for the above purposes. A backpack can work but sometimes I like to carry fragile items (bread from a downtown bakery, tomatoes from the farmers market, etc.). A messenger bag might be better since I'm not stacking a lot of stuff in a backpack. However I am left handed and I guess I didn't realize most Messenger bags are meant to be carried on the right side? What do left handed.peopke do? Maybe I can just learn to carry it right handed?

I guess I should mention the Giro has Carbon forks, seat stays and seat post so a rack is out. Also obviously no braze ons.

bOsscO

I'm not left handed but for short trips and small items I find a musette bag, or a regular shopping tote bag with longer handles works well (and neither are left/right side specific).

RoadWearier

Lol. I had to look up Musette bag to see what that was. Yeah maybe I'll just try to find a larger backpack

bOsscO

A larger backpack for smaller items? You could fit a regular water bottle, a loaf of bread, and easily 4-6 tomatoes in a musette bag without worry.
And they cost nothing compared to buying a new backpack. Hell you could sew your own musette bag for free if you have some fabric/needle/thread.

fooferdoggie 

chrome bags are reversible. they are the most conferable messenger bags I think.https://chromeindustries.com/product...40554886135868

shelbyfv

+1. Not only ambidextrous but compatible with carbon forks.

fooferdoggie 

though I goofed the link I gave was a non reversible version.
here in Portland Chrome had a big parking lot sale 80% off event. all the bags were about 40.00

RoadWearier

Bummer. I'll be in Portland in a month. Too late. What do you think of The r larger bags. I'm almost afraid that one would be too small

fooferdoggie 

It was crazy I did not need much at the time. I find as long as you dont carry a lot of weight they are great. you would need this guy for left handed.
https://chromeindustries.com/product...-messenger-bag

RCMoeur 

As a member of the Sinister Conspiracy, I hadn't really noticed.

Almost all my bikes have cargo capacity on the bike itself thru racks, bags, panniers, etc., but occasionally I will use a Timbuk2 messenger bag I received as a meeting gift. I typically wear the bag centered on my back, but I could see that it is easier to swing around and access with a right hand. Not a big issue for me, as I typically swing it all the way around to access it.

I also carry a light musette in the bottom of a pocket on a couple of my bicycles, just in case I need that extra carrying capacity. For me, a musette is less convenient and comfortable than a messenger bag to carry, but it's light and better than not having it at all.

RoadWearier

Any links for a good "Musette?" Wait until I tell my wife I'm getting a "Musette." She's just getting over the term "panniers.". Of course I pronounce the word like an American so, even better.

bOsscO

There's a few, from the utilitarian;
https://www.champ-sys.ca/products/musette-bag

to the posh:
https://www.rapha.cc/Ca/en/shop/logo...uct/LGM02XXBLW
https://leclub.cc/products/pas-norma...8aAsejEALw_wcB
https://enroute.cc/products/maap-eva...8aAjnTEALw_wcB

RoadWearier

I like it. And I think it's Zach approved! Probably would work. Thanks. Wish it weren't so expensive but it's looks good.

fooferdoggie 

yahtey are expensive but they are far nicer then timbuk2 bags more comfortable and just better and the buckle and and the side stray are way better. I like timbuk2's colors more ad they have more pockets and such but their straps are not soft and they are narrow. Chrome uses seatbelt straps so they are nice and soft.

RCMoeur 

Chrome bags also use seat belt buckles, which I discovered on a hot Arizona afternoon was an easy way to get an inadvertent first-degree burn. Sold that bag to someone who hopefully did not feel, um, "burned" by the transaction.

RoadWearier

Or just buy this.....for $100..and buy some panniers for $60. Lol