Chrome Ranchero Bag : Peddle Pack

I've got more than a few messenger bags, and Chrome bags are my favorites. I picked up a Metropolis bag at the CMWC (Culce Messenger World Championships) here in Seattle awhile back, and have put it through plenty of abuse. Same with the Sultan roll-top messenger bag. I used it for two years before passing it on (still with plenty of life in it) to a friend to use for his commute in Portland.

Now I think I've found a new favorite Chrome bag --the Ranchero. It's the perfect size, and after years of commuting with an over-the-shoulder style messenger bag, I'm happy to have a backpack style bag.

The Ranchero's straight-forward features and size are ideal for getting my spare clothes, a few pens, my "essentials," and sometimes my laptop from A to B.

The shoulder straps are beefy and comfortable, even on the long haul. Commuting in rainy Seattle is no problem. This street-tough bag is weatherproof to the 9's. I've been in downpours and didn't even consider that my stuff would get wet. I got doored a couple of weeks back, and I could hardly tell the pack had hit the curb. The Ranchero has a lifetime warranty - but I'm sure I'll never use it.

I like the simple design and the easy access style. The big buckle that holds down the lid bears reflective tape and keeps the lid from flapping around when I'm screaming down hills or the wind is howling. Under the flap, there's a zippered pocket in the front of the pack and a few pen sleeves. The folks at Chrome are real messengers and actually use their own bags, so they know what you need and what you don't in this kind of pack.

If you need a messenger bag, but prefer the stability of a backpack style, the Ranchero is as good as it gets. Like the simplicity of ye olde fixie, it's simple and it stinkin' works better than you need.

Bottom Line: Available in a variety of colors and in three sizes. --T.W. (Dec '07)

Price: $120-160

Buy Online : , Paragon Sports. The Sports Specialty Store. Over 10,000 on line items. Free Ground Shipping or 2nd Day Air Only $9.99 , www.usoutdoor.com

Manufacturer's Site : www.chromebags.com

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