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There are few things I enjoy more than a solid bike ride on a nice day. Since bringing my bike into the city, all of New York feels smaller; nooks of Brooklyn that were once frustrating to reach by train are now much more reasonably accessible, and I’ve saved an absurd amount of money that would’ve otherwise gone to Uber.
While there’s a lot of great biking accessories out there, over the past two weeks I’ve been riding with a Kadet Sling Messenger Bag from Chrome Industries, and I’m convinced it’s one of the best purchases any rider can make.
Chrome Industries prides itself in making high-quality, durable products that can hang with you no matter how hard you’re riding. By using military-grade materials, the brand is able to stand by its products like very few others, offering a lifetime guarantee on all of its bags. These bags can take a beating, and if something happens to yours, you can send it in or take it to a shop to get it repaired or replaced.
For everyday riding, the only things I’m packing in my bag are my bike chain, some water, and maybe a notebook, and the Kadet Sling Messenger Bag is perfect for my simple needs.
If you’re usually hauling a bit more than that while you ride (or skate, or walk, or whatever means of travel you prefer), I’ve also spent a few days with Chrome Industries' Citizen Messenger Bag that comes with a bit more room. The friend I borrowed it from is a designer and uses it to carry his computer, notebooks, and a whole slew of pens and other artsy objects. I rarely see him without it.
More than anything, I am obsessed with the look of my messenger bag; it makes me feel a bit more legitimate on the road. Full disclosure: I am not a great cyclist, and I am fully aware that I do not look great on a bike. I recently made the eight-mile ride from my apartment to CitiField, and by the end of it I looked like a wreck. I look on with envy when I see others riding with confidence, conquering inclines with ease and grace. And while I know that wearing a bag does nothing to improve my ability or technique, I feel more secure when I have my Chrome bag on — it makes me look like a real cyclist.
If you ride your bike with any sort of regularity, a bag from Chrome Industries is a solid investment. It’s a great bag in terms of both function and style, and with its lifetime warranty, it will hopefully be the last messenger bag you ever have to buy.
Kadet Night Sling Messenger Bag, $90, available at Chrome Industries.
Citizen Messenger Bag, $140, available at Chrome Industries.
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