If you had to describe ideal commuter bag.

worldline

Hi My name is Tony Highson, i am an award finalist and product designer who was offered investment on Dragons Den. Me and a Design team are working on a new product to help commuters. I wanted to ask the general cycle commuter community a question. I would really appreciate as many responses as possible.

The questions is this - If you had to describe the function,look and feel of your ideal commuter bag. What would your top ten attributes be ?


Off the back of this we will be launching a new and far more superior version of the Suit/Commute in a few months time.

Chad_c_Mulligan

What do you mean by commuter bag? Are you thinking of something we'd carry (like pedestrians)?.


What I'm looking for is a pannier that has the following attributes

0) Waterproof - can ride for hours through torrential rain and still be dry inside
1) Space for a 17" laptop
2) Some clever method for keeping shirts crease free
3) Space for shoes
4) Some clever method for attaching lights
5) Lot of reflective strips
6) Doesn't fall apart the first time you come off you bike and scrape it down the road.
7) Single piece with a bad on top of the rack.
8) Easy to get on and off without a lot of mucking about
9) Under £120

meanredspider

From my point of view, I'd want to transport my stuff to and from work without knowing I've done it

I don't carry a lot of stuff but expandable would be useful
Mustn't make me sweaty
Light
Robust
Waterproof
Secure
Compartments to separate tools/tubes from clothes/phone
Reflective/bright is sensible but a range of colours might work

I use an Innov8 RacePro4 belt bag which I think is great - costs about £30. I'd love something similar but purpose-built and slightly bigger - or expandable.

asprilla

I use an Alpkit Gourdon 20 and an Ortlieb Velocity depending on how much I've got to carry. Both are rucksacks rather than messenger style.

The one thing they both have in common is that they are waterproof and for me that's the one thing that a commuting bag must have. Not water resistant, but fully waterproof.

I use the Gourdon 20 most of the time because it's compressible, not very well, but it makes a difference. The compression straps also allow me to attach a Fibre Flare light. Since most lights use proprietary fixing methods this is the only light I've found that fixes well to any bag and still does it's job. The Velocity is more structured and is better for carrying things like a lap top or shirts, particularly as it has a hard back with foam pads. The pad design is pretty good at stopping you getting sweaty.

It's also worth noting that the roll top on the Velocity actually restricts vision when looking over your shoulder and can catch on your helmet which is irritating on longer journeys. The vision obstruction isn't too bad, but obviously the less the better.

The Velocity also includes a removable internal pack which is great for storing watch, wallet, keys, etc in somewhere that's easy to find and doesn't sit on top of your clothes creasing them. The Gourdon has external mesh pockets in which I can store an emergency (i.e. boil in the bag and not very good) waterproof and my cleat covers for when I have to walk though the building at work. The Velocity doesn't have external pockets so I have to use jersey pockets, which is fine.

I've also adapted the Velocity with diamond grade reflective tape which provides excellent visibility. Basically I've covered the whole of the back in multicoloured tape providing approx 30cm x 45cm of reflective panel.

So, my 10 points:

1) Utterly waterproof, not a waterproof cover and not water resistant but 100%, could be used as a very small submarine, waterproof.
2) Capacious (25l) but compressible whilst maintaining structure, I don't want stuff moving around, but I also don't want it all crushed.
3) Section for bike tools / spares without getting past / risking touching clothes
4) Detachable section for valuables such as wallet, work pass, glasses case, change that is easily accessible
5) Durable; we all fall off occasionally
6) External easy access / open but secure pocket for things that can get wet like a waterproof jacket, arm warmers, cleat covers, flapjack
7) High quality reflectives, not bothered about colours since hi-viz colours generally aren't highly visible
8) Doesn't obstruct rear vision or catch on a helmet when worn high on the back (it's easier to manage weight distribution / centre of gravity when worn high, just look at where couriers wear their bags.
9) Lightweight; I carry enough kit without the bag being an appreciable percentage of the total burden.
10) Can be personalised or is available with a lot of variation; given the commuters I see in Rapha and Assos, pretty soon we won't be able to tell who is who!

asprilla

I'm warming to the subject and I've had some additional thoughts:

In the winter I use Ortlieb roll-top panniers as when it's wet and cold you usually have to carry more stuff or just heavier loads. If you could design a bag that can be converted from rucksack to pannier and back again in seconds without compromising comfort and weight then you could be onto a real winner.

Finally, particularly in the winter I use a heavier waterproof jacket (Endura Venturi 2) which a lot of the time I don't use for both journeys. This jacket doesn't roll up to fit in a small external bag pocket and so regularly has to be put in a plastic shopping bag as it may be damp when it gets put in the bag for the return journey. Lacking drying facilities at work I may also wear one set of cycling kit on the way to work and a different set on the way home (particularly true of socks) An additional waterproof section for storing this kit separate on the way home would be very handy.

joelsim

It has to be lightweight, comfortable and with decent capacity for its size.

It would be good to have a compartment t the bottom almost like a secret compartment which could house the basic tools ie allen keys, pump, spare tube etc.

Another pocket is a must for wet clothes as mentioned above.

Would be good if a pair of shoes could be hung off the outside, maybe a small attachment bag for use only when needed.

Small pocket for valuables.

And a main compartment for clean clothes/

You can see what I'm getting at here.

Long_Time_Lurker

1. Lightweight
2. Comfortable - good strapping so that it doesn't shift while you are riding.
3. 'breathable' - check out the Osprey range - their airscape system let's air rundown your back, so your back doesn't get as sweaty.
4. Waterproof
5. Compartments - to be able to keep your bits separate. Don't want to be scrabbling around with oily hands looking for tools. Likewise, I need to keep my keys and phone somewhere close to hand. Easy to access side pockets for food/ energy bars are useful too.
6. Visibility - if I'm on the road this winter, I want to be seen. Wether that it reflective designs or somewhere I can attach lights I don't care.
7. Helmet attachment to carry your helmet when not on the bike (see Osprey bags again).
8. Size - too big and everything moves in the pack when riding. Too small and you can't get everything in. I use a 22 litre - big enough for 1 days clothes, tools and spares and a laptop (at a squeeze). Brings me onto...
9. Adjustability. If I don't have much in my bag, I would like to be able to tie stuff down so it doesn't move about.
10. Hydration pack compatible. I don't always commute, I ride MTBs on long rides like to c2c. I don't want to buy 2 backpacks, 1 for commutes, 1 for my off road excursions. I need something for every style of riding.

stanarchist

as above
needs to be ...
100% waterproof
'sit still' when in transit
compression straps
compartments to keep stuff in
reflective
attach light/s
etc etc

Need to be able to seperate stuff like tubes/tools from stuff for work.

I believe there is a gap in the market for a decent commuting bag that can be used all day. For example it has to do more than just get stuff from a-b it has to be comfortable on and off the bike , not look like a couriers bag or a camelback i've got one bag that looks good on and off the bike, is plain black wih some scotchlite piping and has pretty good compartments , but its uncomfortable while cycling and doesn't sit still.
I've also got a crumpler bag that sits well and is great for a-b riding but its not great for running around town going to and from meetings and its hardly subtle (red and white stripes etc)

I think you need to come up with a basic design and be able to offer it in a number of different sizes.

and don't forget to do some proper work into making the bag look good as well as function good (after 20+ years commuting I'm sick of yellow,red,blue,hi-vis etc. - think along the lines of what surface clothing are doing , i.e. cycling clobber that doesn't look like cycling clobber) . reckon you'd need to offer it in a number of finishes i.e hi-vis version for those that feel the need (not my own choice) nice subtle version that wouldn't look a miss in a work/office environment you can still build in hi-vis qualities by using some scotchlite thread in the weave etc. I'd love a bag that fits the bill and looks a bit like one of the carradice green with brown leather saddle bags (but with out the buckle fastenings)

and if you need a tester just give me a nod

christopher247

Some kind of special compartment/set up to help keep clothes as crease free as possible...

Tusher

waterproof
has lots of compartments for clothing, keys, purse, odds and ends
waterproof
reflective strips
waterproof
some kind of 'bungee' style way of carrying an extra load on rare occasions
waterproof
available in black
waterproof
lights can easily clip on to it
waterproof
has a shoulder strap
waterproof

abibawono

Waterproof (obviously)
You want it to have lots of space
compartments for cycling shoes/water bottles
a flappy messenger bag opening
and very very very durable

HamishD

A timbuk2, but as waterproof as an Ortlieb.

If you can make one of them, I'll buy one . . .

Daz555

I notice that no-one has yet mentioned that it needs to be waterproof, so I'll chuck that one into the mix.

Anonymous

tl;dr the other posts but for me:

17in laptop (perhaps launch in 2 sizes?)
Waterproof bit for Shirt/Trousers (which doesn't crease them - holds them from slipping down etc)
Side pockets for laptop/keys/wallet etc.
Good fit on back - A laptop is hardly 'ergonomic'
Reflective (maybe a day-glo one and a black with reflective stripes)
compartment for spares (nothing much, just tube, tyre levers, co2 pump)
Different colour range - personalisable then

Looks like waterproof is key (I Just wrap my crap up in a binliner, but hey.

Congratulations on winning DD. Must have been a hell of an experience. Good work, and keep us all posted on how the design comes along!

cyberknight

Panniers ...........

jimmypippa

Asprilla wrote:

I use an Alpkit Gourdon 20 and an Ortlieb Velocity depending on how much I've got to carry. Both are rucksacks rather than messenger style.

The alpkit gourdon also has the advantgage of only costing £20. I've just got one, and it's pretty handy if I don't want to use panniers for some reason.

MichaelW

I'm not usually a compartment kind of guy but they are useful:
Main clean compartment (waterproof)
Tools compartment (dirty and accessable)
Security pocket with key Quick-release holder
Phone holder
External mesh compartment for wet waterproofs an/or shoes.

Do UK commuters need water carrying? Most use a bike bottle but a mesh bottle holder may be useful.

Does shopping go into the waterproof clean compartments eg milk, yogourt? Maybe a lunch/accident-waiting-to-happen compartment.
Wine-bottle carrier for social occasions.
I have used backpacks with zip and flap top. Its really hard to overload a zipper when you have to stuff that loaf of bread inside.

Mr Plum

brown

rideslikeagirl

Waterproof... armoured so if you get rear ended it gives you a bit of protection, so a backpack with say kevlar on the shoulders and in between your spine and the backpack itself. Laptop sleeve with some cleverness that stops it getting smashed to bits if you fall off..!

Compartments for 'stuff' - i.e. makeup/fragile/'wet stuff' pouch, phone/wallet pockets on straps. Not too miltaristic or dorky rambler looking though..! Straps should convert to shoulder strap or handle so you an carry it around without it screaming 'cyclist!!!!'. Muted colours but reflective and/or built in LEDs....

HebdenBiker

A lot of mainstream cycling gear looks like (because it is) dull, generic Far-Eastern fodder. I would probably be prepared to seek out and pay more for something which has the following:

1. Natural/traditional/sustainable materials (canvas and leather spring to mind)
2. Classic design; beautiful and functional!
3. Choice of design/colour
4. Easy to attach/detach
5. Easy to carry off the bike
6. Long/lifetime warranty
7. Made in the UK
8. Options for attaching lights
9. Separate pocket for dirty stuff like tubes and tool kit
10. Watertight compartment for phone, money etc

Products from companies such as Gilles Berthoud and Carradice come close to fulfilling all these requirements.

Furthermore, I understand people's need for waterproofness, but I've never had a problem with my Carradice panniers because I just line them with heavy-duty plastic bags.

seataltea

Take this.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/trail-17-lit ... 90166.html

Make is larger and more square, that's it.

Its done many of the things previous posters have asked for, has a built in expanding helmet pouch, a very good waterproof cover, will carry a pump, spare tube, pair of shoes, towel, trousers, shirt and underwear, wallet, phone, water bladder, it's made of quality materials, has useful wrap arounds with little pouches for keys, cash and cards and a fecking whistle, a whistle I tell you.

It needs to be a fraction larger but other than that you'll have job making something better for £25.

ps turns out they now do a larger one so I wouldn't bother sorry

nation

I'm very tempted by the Osprey Flap Jack.

Lots of very neat little design features that I wouldn't have looked for, necessarily, but having seen them now realise how useful they would be.