Searching for a monster for primarily a commuter - seen many who carry a laptop in over the shoulder bag.
Positively not looking to carry anything on my back except my coat and maybe the missus but that's a ways off.
Have got to carry my laptop, plus usually lunch & thermos etc.
Coretech bags look nice, ditto many tank bags, anything you would recommend large and cushy enough for a laptop?
Why are you oppose to a backpack? thats the way to go imho. With the right backpack, you cant feel the weight. Also depends on how and where you ride too.
Of course it depends on the size of the laptop. I commute most days on the scoot and use a CoreTech sport tail pack and it works very well. I use a tank bag some also. The CoreTech's zip out side extensions will enlarge the bag at a moments notice. It's amazing how much stuff you can carry in one.
The tail pack is a monster natural as two of the pack's hooks go together under the rear fender and the rear hooks attach to the rear grab handles - very stable. The shock cord that the hooks attach to can be shortened in a second as they lose elasticity. Mine is 5 years and going strong.
LA
I absolutely love my chrome messenger bag. Waterproof and it's big to hold what I need for work. Here's a link for their laptop bags, although it doesn't sound like you want this. Just another option to consider. Plus, free shipping for any order >=$100.00 through December! [thumbsup]
http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/computer/ (http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/computer/)
Quote from: sfarchie on November 30, 2008, 09:39:38 AM
I absolutely love my chrome messenger bag. Waterproof and it's big to hold what I need for work. Here's a link for their laptop bags, although it doesn't sound like you want this. Just another option to consider. Plus, free shipping for any order >=$100.00 through December! [thumbsup]
http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/computer/ (http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/computer/)
+1 on the Chrome Mesenger bag. The medium bag is perfect for a laptop, charger, and lunch. I would turn the laptop 90 degrees and put it in on its side. The bag would big better on your back.
Backpack for sure. I commute with my MacBook Pro, and have it in a North Face pack. Plenty of room for an extra layer or two and a handful of peripherals.
I don't mind a backpack either. Lots of packs are designed to carry laptops comfortably. However the pack got annoying when I jammed all my lacrosse gear in and then strapped the stick to the outside.
Quote from: VTRIDER on November 30, 2008, 12:06:02 PM
I don't mind a backpack either. Lots of packs are designed to carry laptops comfortably. However the pack got annoying when I jammed all my lacrosse gear in and then strapped the stick to the outside.
just don't clothesline a pedestrian with that stick! A guy who works in my building was commuting to work with a Guzzi and had a pair of crutches strapped across his seat and panniers. I saw a couple of close calls with people in the parking lot.
I use a Ogio Merto backpack!
I have a fairly short commute, about 15 minutes, and this backpack holds a 15.4" wide screen laptop plus extras (shoes and a change of clothing, can also squeeze lunch in if needed).
Glenn
I had a attack stick(short one) It stuck straight up and looked goofy, but no danger to others thankfully.
I have a dakine laptop pack. It fits so well I can barely feel it when I have my laptop in it.
I guess it depends on what kind of laptop you have. A gaming machine my feel awkward with all the weight on your back.
I've been thinking about picking up one of those hard-shell Axio packs.
The largest one looks a bit unwieldy, but the smaller ones, the 'Fuse' and 'Rivet' specifically, look like they'd be a perfect commuter pack.
...btw, I wonder if my aluminum MacBook Pro counts as back-armor?
I ride with my laptop AND gun/ammo ETC to range every Monday and just put all in backpack and net it on seat behind me-no probs. Hook Net hooks to each other under tail at rear then two more front hooks I hook to exhaust brackets-AND all this keeping my seat cowl on unscathed! Then, when arrive, only need to undo hooks on left side of bike, slip pack out and GO!
Did this same thing without cowl for long time in beginning, then got "brave" and since backpack is SOFT on underside and careful about hooks etc, cowl is protected and I can leave it on now.
Quote from: NekkedChic on November 30, 2008, 05:58:37 PM
I ride with my laptop AND gun/ammo ETC to range every Monday and just put all in backpack and net it on seat behind me-no probs. Hook Net hooks to each other under tail at rear then two more front hooks I hook to exhaust brackets-AND all this keeping my seat cowl on unscathed! Then, when arrive, only need to undo hooks on left side of bike, slip pack out and GO!
Did this same thing without cowl for long time in beginning, then got "brave" and since backpack is SOFT on underside and careful about hooks etc, cowl is protected and I can leave it on now.
For a fleeting moment I felt like a real badass packing a sling shot, so thanks for reminding me I'm still a nerd. :-[ ;)
Quote from: VTRIDER on November 30, 2008, 02:01:57 PM
I had a attack stick(short one) It stuck straight up and looked goofy, but no danger to others thankfully.
I have a dakine laptop pack. It fits so well I can barely feel it when I have my laptop in it.
I guess it depends on what kind of laptop you have. A gaming machine my feel awkward with all the weight on your back.
I used to ride w/ a backpack full of school stuff w/ my pool stick case strapped to the side (I added 2 straps to the side of my backpack specifically for this) and with a laptop bag slung over all of that. For freeway I didn't like how my laptop bag would bounce around from the wind sometimes. Backpack is the way to go w/ a laptop imo. I think the nicer shoulder bags have a second strap that you can put around your waist to keep the flapping in the wind, no? I'd insist on something like this if I were to stick my laptop in a shoulder bag and run the freeway.
I ride with my 17" laptop in a backpack on a daily basis.
If you don't feel comfortable using a backpack, the Cortech sport tail bag should fit your laptop. I'd recommend getting a padded sleeve to put the laptop in first, though.
i have a kriega r25.
LOVE IT TO DEATH. it can hold life and then some.
Northface Recon ;D
Quote from: labbedds on November 30, 2008, 08:51:46 PM
Northface Recon ;D
I've got the same one...
my only issue with it is the overuse of nylon straps... they whip around a lot on the highway.
Otherwise, I don't even notice I'm wearing it most of the time, even with 10-15 pounds of stuff in it.
Quote from: NekkedChic on November 30, 2008, 05:58:37 PM
I ride with my laptop AND gun/ammo ETC to range every Monday and just put all in backpack and net it on seat behind me-no probs. Hook Net hooks to each other under tail at rear then two more front hooks I hook to exhaust brackets-AND all this keeping my seat cowl on unscathed! Then, when arrive, only need to undo hooks on left side of bike, slip pack out and GO!
Did this same thing without cowl for long time in beginning, then got "brave" and since backpack is SOFT on underside and careful about hooks etc, cowl is protected and I can leave it on now.
+1 on this (well, I don't carry ammo) bungee nets are terrific. I carry one on both bikes 'cause you never know.
I've only used a backpack with a hard shell spine protector underneath.
Thanks for the replies.
Got a decent laptop pack, nothing wrong with it though if I'm going to enjoy a commute on a bike I'd enjoy it more if I didn't have
a bag strapped on, tho I'd certainly do it if I needed to. Lugging a trusty old ThinkPad T42.
+1 on the padded sleeve, that would be concern 1.
I'm sure I'll give the pack a try, I'll need provisions for medium grocery stops etc as well, best case if a tail bag accomidates
the crap top.
I'm waiting for britishmotorcylegear.com to get the new Knox aeropacks in stock. you can check them out at www.planet-knox.com/detail2.aspx?ID=63
Looks like a good deal.
Mike
I have the Ducati tailbag for my 696 (sorry I don't have any photos and my bike is in hibernation). Like the others have said, the tailbag has some drawbacks, the biggest being that it's in the way when you mount and dismount the bike. But its great because when you ride, you don't even know its there. I have only used it a couple times, more for overnight trips. It can hold a change of clothes with no issues and when expanded, you can get a lot of stuff in it. But the tailbag isn't meant to hold something like a laptop especially because of the weird triangle shape of it. I think that's why I lean towards backpacks and messenger bags.
For my daily commute I switch up between two bags, but mostly use a professional bike messenger bag. I work for a sportswear company and have sponsored some professional bike messengers in NYC. Since thery are the experts and rely on a hardcore bag for their livelihood, they almost all used Reload Bags out of Philly, Pac Design out of Canada, and Chrome bags. I have a Pac Design bag and it's bullet proof. Four layers of cordura and blue tarp, double & triple stitched, expandable, collapsible, water resistant and technically super smart in the way that it works. And you can also add an 'x' strap that allows you to distribute the weight across both shoulders like a backpack for heavier loads. Bottom line, it's one of my favorite bag investments and I have been using it for about 4 years now, and it still looks and works like new. I can see me having this bag around for years and years to come.
Regardless, try and always use a sleeve for your laptop to have SOME protection. But overall, I won't lie, riding with my laptop is a bit nerve racking. One good spill and my livelihood could be all over the highway...and Steve Jobs doesn't give discounts on replacement laptops.
Quote from: sfarchie on November 30, 2008, 09:39:38 AM
I absolutely love my chrome messenger bag. Waterproof and it's big to hold what I need for work. Here's a link for their laptop bags, although it doesn't sound like you want this. Just another option to consider. Plus, free shipping for any order >=$100.00 through December! [thumbsup]
http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/computer/ (http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/computer/)
BIG +1
I commute from home to school to work and then back home and carry a lot of stuff (books, lunch, rain gear, etc.) and my Chrome Messenger Bag rocks! One handed adjustments really come in handy. Very comfortable and STAYS where you want it to. Waterproof and has an optional laptop sleeve. You should check them out.
i've been communting with my Axio Fuse ll for 3 years now. i fit my 17" powerbook and there's plenty room for extra clothes or lunch, etc. looks smaller than it is. i don't feel any bulkiness and there are front straps that hold the bag tight to your body. plenty of lining in there to cushion your com.
they make a whole line specifically for motos.
http://www.axio-usa.com/moto.html (http://www.axio-usa.com/moto.html)
sorry for the large pics.
Tail Bag
(http://www.axio-usa.com/images/tailbag/image-1s.jpg)
tank bag
(http://www.axio-usa.com/images/tankbag/image-1c.jpg)
Axio Fuse ll
(http://www.axio-usa.com/images/fuse/image-1bk.jpg)
pramac
(http://www.axio-usa.com/images/pramac/image-1.jpg)
Quote from: Willwork4aMonster on November 30, 2008, 12:28:49 PM
I use a Ogio Merto backpack!
I have a fairly short commute, about 15 minutes, and this backpack holds a 15.4" wide screen laptop plus extras (shoes and a change of clothing, can also squeeze lunch in if needed).
Glenn
+1 Ogio Metro here too, pull the straps tight and clip chest strap and the bag is quite comfortable. No wobbling or shifting and the material itself holds its shape well. The LT is held in a padded pocket next to your back so the weight is nice and close to your body.
Quote from: NekkedChic on November 30, 2008, 05:58:37 PM
I ride with my laptop AND gun/ammo ETC to range every Monday and just put all in backpack and net it on seat behind me-no probs. Hook Net hooks to each other under tail at rear then two more front hooks I hook to exhaust brackets-AND all this keeping my seat cowl on unscathed! Then, when arrive, only need to undo hooks on left side of bike, slip pack out and GO!
Did this same thing without cowl for long time in beginning, then got "brave" and since backpack is SOFT on underside and careful about hooks etc, cowl is protected and I can leave it on now.
I do the same sans the gun/ammo but my seat cowl is a bit scratched. I commute with a standard laptop and case. 30+ miles one way. The only problem I have is it tends to be a little high and I whack it with my foot when I mount and dismount. I was a little worried about it falling off but I was reminded it is a work furnished laptop so it really doesn't matter much. No accidents in the last 2 years.