Chrome Metropolis Messenger Bag Review

I haven't owned a car in over a year, so my motorcycle is my only mode of transportation unless I feel like walking or riding my bicycle. That means I ride to work, to the movies, and to the grocery store. The last location provided me quite a bit of a problem at first, it's kind of hard to fit a 12 pack of coke and bread in a backpack! I looked around for a bunch of different solutions and I eventually decided on a Chrome Messenger bag, specifically the Metropolis size which is a step down from their largest size, the Kremlin.

Sizing

Before I got the bag I actually ran into someone that had one, so I stopped them and asked them what size it was and how they liked it. It turns out it was a Metroplis and they absolutely loved it. They had a Citizen before (1 size smaller than the Metropolis), but they said that after a few weeks they sold it because it just didn't carry enough stuff for them. I filed that little tidbit of info in my noggin and went on my merry way.

A short while later I saw someone else with a chrome messenger bag, and the thing covered their whole back and the majority of their butt! This thing was HUGE! I asked them what it was and it turns out it was the kremlin, yeah, that one is just a tad to big for me :) So in the end I got the metropolis and I have been very happy with the amount of stuff I can carry.

Pockets

One thing that I love about this bag is they don't try and compartmentalize everything and overload you with hundreds of pockets like a lot of backpacks do. My bag has a total of 6 pockets: 2 for pens, 1 for a notebad, 1 that zips up for change and stuff, 1 extra hidden one that I keep a paperback book in, and 1 huge pocket that takes up 95% of the space. I haven't tried it's max capacity, but from the looks of it I could probably store 2-3 gallons of milk (in their container) in that main pocket. All the pockets are closed and protected from the elements by a large flap that velcros down and then buckles down with two plastic clips.

The main pocket also has a removeably waterproof liner which really saved me when I got some chinese food to-go and Orange Chicken leaked all over my bag. I didn't even wash it, I just mopped it up with a paper towel, prayed some windex on it and wiped it off. Viola`, good as new!

Other Features

A trademark of the Chrome family is the car seat buckle on the shoulder strap. This thing is a godsend when you already have your gear on and you can't fit the strap over your helmeted head. Just press the button on the buckle and the straps seperate which lets you put the bag on without removing your helmet. The buckle also comes in handy when your pack is super heavy and you just want to get it off you before you remove your gear. Just slam that button and the bag falls off!! Plus it looks hella cool when you do that ;)

The strap is also really comfortable too, even when I've had the bag loaded down with lots of books. It is nicely padded and because it only goes over one shoulder it seems easier to carry weight compared to a backpack. For comparison, when I carry my violin on my back I sling the strap acrossed my chest much like my messenger bag. The violin strap only has this little piece of rubber to keep the strap from cutting into you, and frankly it sucks. My violin case doesn't weigh much and after 20 minutes of wearing that strapped to my back even with my leather jacket on it felt like someone was digging a knife into my collar bone! I've had my chrome bag loaded down with probably 5x the weight with no discomfort, although sometimes the added weight will make me have to modify my riding to a less aggressive style. The bag also comes with a 'stabilizer strap' on the left side, I tried it at first but I found it uncomfortable and it made the bag hang in a weird way. Maybe next time when I really load up the bag I will try it out to see if it helps 'stablize' things.

Summary

This is a great bag that gets a lot of abuse day in and day out, but it has held up really well. Out of all my moto gear this is probably one of the best things I've purchased so far. They are a little pricey at $130+, but they are definitely worth it!

Pros:

Car buckle strap for quick release
HUGE main pocket can store tons of stuff
Strap is really comfortable
Weatherproof
Looks really stylish

Cons:

Price? In my opinion this bag is worth the $130, they could probably get away with charging $175!!
If you ride a sportbike and you really load down the bag, it makes riding a little uncomfortable, but not that bad

Specifications:

http://www.chromebags.com
Metropolis Messenger Bag
Dimensions: 26 x 14 x 7 (flat)
Volume: 2000 cu. in.
Price: $135