The Bike Bag shop recently added Chrome messenger bags and backpacks to the shop lineup. We have been excited about Chrome for some time, as they are a well-recognized bag company and bring a little style as well as quality and function. I personally have never had a Chrome bag before so I grabbed one off the shelf for some-long term testing.

The bag I chose was the Chrome Citizen. The Citizen is considered a medium-sized shoulder sling messenger bag. It seemed about the right size for me and what I tend to carry with me on the bike. The Citizen is available in different colors, but I went for the standard gray. At first touch the bag isn’t too heavy or bulky. Most of the weight is actually in the shoulder strap focused at the main buckle. The seat belt style buckle is a recognized feature of Chrome, not only because it actually is a real auto seat belt, but because each one has Chrome’s logo on the buckle button. The buckle certainly makes it easy to take the bag on and off when it has a load in it. The only downside is when your drunk friends think it’s funny to watch your bag fall off your shoulder when they hit the buckle release button.

The outer part of the bag is constructed from a hard-wearing Cordura, and the inside is a waterproof PVC fabric. The bag feels well made, and feels like it will stand up to years of abuse. The main interior pocket has plenty of room for a laptop, lunch, a six pack and a jacket, to be exact. There are three secondary pockets. The front pocket could fit a book or day planner. The two side pockets are great for water bottles–they are a little deeper than the front pocket but not as wide. There is a smaller, zippered pocket which fits a wallet and other valuables such as car keys perfectly. Last but not least, there are two pen/pencil slots and a wider slot which could provide quick access to a cell phone or camera. The bag closes securely via two beefy Velcro straps. The bag’s hood attaches to the front of the bag, followed by two plastic buckles that allow for further security, and can be tightened using the reflective straps attached to each buckle.

It took me a little while to get used to the left side shoulder strap. All Chrome bags come standard as left-hand drive (meaning, for mostly for the right-handed) but are available in right (for lefties). Until this point in my life, I’ve worn messenger bags over my right shoulder. The first couple of times I put the Citizen on, I had to think about what I was doing. It didn’t take long to get used to having the strap over my left shoulder. Being right-handed, I actually found it more convenient. The shoulder strap itself is really well made. Both ends are constructed from what appears to be true automobile seat belt fabric, which goes nicely with the seat belt buckle. So there’s no doubting the strength of the strap. The shoulder side is equipped with a hefty wide pad which does a great job of minimizing any pressure points on your shoulder. There is an additional smaller underarm strap that helps further to stabilize the bag. Both adjustments on the main strap and underarm strap are super simple and easily executed with one hand.

Riding is where this bag really shines. Chrome definitely designed this bag to be on the back of a cyclist. Once you get the bag positioned to the right spot on your back, you completely forget it’s there. Even with a heavy load (e.g. a twelve pack of PBR) there isn’t any discomfort in the shoulder or back. The bag just seems to hover in its spot on your back and stays put quite nicely. I like the incorporation of reflective material where usable. Increased visibility always helps. There is also a loop for a light which remains exposed on the front of the bag after the bag is closed shut.

Overall, I was quite impressed with the construction and feel of the Chrome Citizen. Having had friends who rave about Chrome bags, I always wondered if they were really better then your average messenger bag. The design is not overly complicated, and it is effective. The Citizen is comfortable to wear, looks good and is about the right size for a medium messenger bag. I give 4 out of 5 spoke cards. The only thing I would like to see–and this is a personal preference–is a more squared-off shape. Call me anal, but I like to keep my storage compartments organized and I think a square shape works a little better. The Chrome Citizen is a quality, well-made bag that will last for years, and has all the fixin’s that you would expect on a messenger bag of this price, and then some. I would recommend one to anyone.

Since our humble beginnings at Bike Bag Shop we have focused on carrying brands that are geared towards the utility of cycling. Bike bags are, by nature and definition, products designed to increase the usability of your bike, whether it is for bike touring, bike commuting, or hauling groceries. The Bike Bag Shop has prided itself by carrying some of the best products available in those respective categories. Ortlieb, Jandd and Vaude are some of the best bike touring panniers on the market. Old Man Mountain and Tubus are known for their quality rack construction. One thing that many of these brands, and Bike Bag Shop as a whole, have in common is that their primary focus is in the function of their design, leaving fashion and lifestyle second. Obviously, if you are bike touring across Mongolia, function is going to be your only concern. You need your rack and bags to be sturdy, reliable and functional. But what if you could take utility and function and blend it with fashion and lifestyle. This has become one of our new focuses at the Bike Bag Shop and we are starting with Chrome.

There are many different schools of thought when it comes to transporting children on bicycles. Some people prefer child trailers others prefer child seats. For those who prefer child seats there are many from which to choose, but only a handful stand above the rest. Kettler is one of the brands that defines quality in child seat production. Kettler is a name that has long been associated with quality cycling products, now that same reputation for quality can be seen in their child seats.

The Bike Kid Shop is excited to now offer a comprehensive line of Kettler child seats to add to our already extensive line of child cycling products. Kettler child seats come in a variety of styles and price points to suit any child’s needs. Headlining the Kettler child seat collection is the Rodeo. The Kettler Rodeo is packed with style, design and function. the Rodeo is one of the only fold-able child seats available on the market. Constructed from lightweight aluminum and high-impact injection-molded resin, the Rodeo not only looks good but is strong and sturdy. The Rodeo, as with all Kettler child seats, comes with Kettler’s suspension mounting system which is designed to securely mount the child seat to the bike while providing ride dampening, taking the edge off of road vibrations and bumps. The Rodeo as has a mesh-contoured seat for maximum comfort.

The Kettler flipper comes equipped with a reclining back rest to optimize for different child sizes and comfort. The Flipper also includes two separate side storage bags that mount to the sides of the child seat to carry extra items along on your next outing. The Kettler Fipper, Teddy and Bingo child seats come equipped with a removable, washable contoured foam seat. The Kettler Teddy is similar in design to the Flipper but does not allow reclining of the rear back rest. The Teddy has a height-adjustable head rest and two solid storage spaces which reside behind the foot rests of the child seat. Both the Flipper and the Teddy are constructed from high impact injection-molded resin.

If your looking for something a little different or would rather have your child in front of you then check out the Kettler Bingo. The Bingo is a front-mounted child seat as compared to the Rodeo, Flipper, and Teddy which are rear mounting seats. The Bingo still uses Kettler’s suspension mounting system for added comfort. The Bingo comes with adjustable footrests and a removable foam liner. Every Kettler child seat is equipped with a three-point safety harness to ensure that your child is safe and secure. The Kettler suspension mounting system incorporates mounting brackets that will fit just about any bike whether it is a front or rear mounting seat.

If your looking for the best child seats available, look no further then Kettler. All Kettler products are backed by a three -year limited manufacturer’s warranty. Get your child on your bike and out with you on your next cycling adventure with a new Kettler child seat from the Bike Kid Shop.