User submitted reviews
Review by PhillyBiker
This is a nice, well made little backpack, delivered by biketiresdirect promptly and cheaply! I emphasize the word little though with this bag. That's what I was looking for so I'm happy with it as it falls just within range of the personal item allowed on many airlines in addition to their standard carryon. But there's really not much more room after a macbook (13 inch the bag is probable too small, or just right for a 15 inch), and a sweatshirt and a couple other small items. Lots of cool little pockets on the inside, and one on the top that's waterproof. The bag is super light and comfortable, especially on a bike, but the straps are wide enough to be comfortable as a small hiking daypack. I like the welded construction style compared to more tradition messenger bag styles, which I find too heavy and bulky. The welded seems allow for a cheaper, more lightweight but fully waterproof cycling bag when compared to other messenger bags and backpacks on the market. It has an innovative roll top style, and I haven't tested its waterproofness fully- I wouldn't go swimming with my computer in it, but trust it would keep it dry in a thunderstorm. Compared to the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City, which is very similarly designed and priced, and which I also have (along with a bike bag compulsion, I own too many!) I would say the Ortlieb is a better deal because its a tad larger and its interior pocket arrangement is better than the Chrome. Also the Ortlieb has a small and removable waist belt, which seems redundant on a bike like this, but is definitely handy when used as a walking rather than just riding bag. Probably not too much of a big deal because its they're both so small anyway, but Ortlieb's waist strap comes in handy especially with heavier loads. Aesthetically its a matter of personal preference, but I probably prefer the Ortlieb's look. So in summery if you want to get a genuinely small (18L seems even a stretch), comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, and stylish bag this is the bag for you, but if you are looking for something just a bit bigger and more versatile, but overall same theme and price, and perhaps better style I'd go with the Ortlieb.
Review by PhillyBiker
This is a nice, well made little backpack, delivered by biketiresdirect promptly and cheaply! I emphasize the word little though with this bag. That's what I was looking for so I'm happy with it as it falls just within range of the personal item allowed on many airlines in addition to their standard carryon. But there's really not much more room after a macbook (13 inch the bag is probable too small, or just right for a 15 inch), and a sweatshirt and a couple other small items. Lots of cool little pockets on the inside, and one on the top that's waterproof. The bag is super light and comfortable, especially on a bike, but the straps are wide enough to be comfortable as a small hiking daypack. I like the welded construction style compared to more tradition messenger bag styles, which I find too heavy and bulky. The welded seems allow for a cheaper, more lightweight but fully waterproof cycling bag when compared to other messenger bags and backpacks on the market. It has an innovative roll top style, and I haven't tested its waterproofness fully- I wouldn't go swimming with my computer in it, but trust it would keep it dry in a thunderstorm.Compared to the Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City, which is very similarly designed and priced, and which I also have (along with a bike bag compulsion, I own too many!) I would say the Ortlieb is a better deal because its a tad larger and its interior pocket arrangement is better than the Chrome. Also the Ortlieb has a small and removable waist belt, which seems redundant on a bike like this, but is definitely handy when used as a walking rather than just riding bag. Probably not too much of a big deal because its they're both so small anyway, but Ortlieb's waist strap comes in handy especially with heavier loads. Aesthetically its a matter of personal preference, but I probably prefer the Ortlieb's look. So in summery if you want to get a genuinely small (18L seems even a stretch), comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, and stylish bag this is the bag for you, but if you are looking for something just a bit bigger and more versatile, but overall same theme and price, and perhaps better style I'd go with the Ortlieb.