I recently started bike commuting to work. I got a bag from these guys, and I've been very happy with it. From the other bags I researched, I consider their bags to be a bargain.
I got the 1090, carries my work clothes on one side, shoes and lunch on the other. My commute is short at five miles, I did it with a backpack for a while, but it is VERY Hot.
As for the racks, the Tubus racks are bullet proof. The one I ended up with has a capacity of like 80 pounds!
mdude85, when I pack my grip and flash I still have room for other stuff. But really I typically never touch my flash, it's just I have room for it so I just leave it in there. Same with my 1.4tc and 50mm f/1.8 lens - they're so small that they just take up one little compartment in the backpack.
I haven't tried the Flipside 200 because my store only had the 300 in stock. I'm a pretty big guy (6'3) so I figure I should get the biggest backpack they have. I really like the 300 but I think what it comes down to is which one you like fits better. Afterall, the storage is pretty similar and if it doesn't fit everything at first you can always customize it with its velcro stuff to make it fit (in fact I'm getting the 500mm afs lens soon and I'm wondering if that sucker can fit in the backpack... I'm thinking it could, just have to really take apart the inside configuration). I like the 300 model because I can fit more stuff... I don't want to have to leave back stuff just because it can't fit... plus if you want to carry small snacks and stuff on your trip you'll want extra room so it's not just all camera gear.
Either way, you can't go wrong! I've had backpacks from brands like North Face and Tumi and the Lowepro backpacks are just as strong, if not stronger than those other brands... and for a great price too!
Thanks for the tip fusiongt. I am only 5'7" so I think the 200 might be more suitable for my needs (I also don't plan on upgrading my telephoto any time soon). The Nova AW3 shoulder pack I am using now has less volume than either the 200 or 300, so any bag will be an upgrade in space. I like the 200 because it takes up less real estate on my back, hence I get a little less sweaty on hard rides. I think I'll go with the 200, thanks for the good thread!
A while ago, I had an idea that would allow me to carry a full backpack of camera equipment while biking, and take the weight off my back at the same time. Trust me, it's no fun hitting bumps or potholes with 25 lbs of added weight on your back while biking.
This was done in two potential ways.
First, I used bungie cords to strap a large contoured block of packing material to the rear carrier. The position and height of this would allow the backpack to rest on this block as I biked. When I reached my destination , I simply hopped off the bike and was ready to go. You have to make sure that there is some forward overhang available when leaning forward to catch the bottom of the bag. No fuss, no extra bags to deal with.
The second idea, which I did not yet implement, was to attach a fiberglass rod behind the seat and clip a line to the backpack. By adjusting the tension of the line, it would remove the weight from my back and also provide a place to hoist a flag for visability.
I recommend buying a handlebar bag just so long as you're not planning on carrying long lenses. They're easy to access and most are waterproof as well. You can find some good buys off ebay for 20-30 dollars.
