The Chrome Blanc III Messenger Bag could be the ultimate companion for your daily commute. A thoughtful design, waterproof liner and padded pockets keep your valuables safe while sneaking through traffic. The only drawback is the price.
Having sworn to a backpack thanks to its secure nature and comfortable riding position, the prospect of commuting with the Buran III was not easy. was. But the Bran III had cleared all doubts by the time my first ride was complete.
If messenger bags aren’t for you, check out our guide to the best cycling backpacks.
One of the problems with riding with a backpack is that wearing a helmet interferes with the helmet. This is not a problem as the Blanc III design, like all Messenger bags, is designed to be worn over the shoulder.
With its heavy seatbelt-style buckle and under-the-shoulder security straps, the Blanc III allows you to sit comfortably and safely while riding your bike. The strap is padded to reduce the burden on the shoulder, and the reversible design allows you to switch between the left and right shoulders according to your preference.
I was worried that the Blanc III would feel restrictive for my general commute, given its considerable unladen weight (1,260g). However, the three-point shoulder strap design felt like the bag rested gently on my back without being pulled to one side.
As expected, the bag wobbles slightly when you get out of the saddle, but it doesn’t bother you or throw you off balance.
Size matters… or does it?
The Blanc III is not the largest messenger bag available. With a total volume of 24L, it’s slightly smaller than the Altura Grid Messenger Bag Lara we tested last year, and it weighs twice as much. However, it’s clear that Chrome spent a lot of time planning and designing the Brann III.
It also benefits from a virtually symmetrical design, making it practical to wear on either the left or right shoulder.
There are plenty of pockets, so even those who like to be organized will be satisfied. As shown in Brann III’s Chrome walkthrough video, you can separate your gear into individual pockets. Even without the cage installed, there is plenty of room for a water bottle. There are also numerous zippered pockets to keep valuables safe.
A separate padded laptop sleeve is a nice touch. It keeps your laptop safe, easily accessible, and can carry around a 15-inch model (and his 17-inch MacBook Pro).
But the large main pocket stood out for me.It is divided into two compartments, a dry area completely enclosed by a tarp and a water-resistant wet area. It was ideal because I could carry my shoes and my lunch separately.
quality = weight
The Blanc III features a two-step manufacturing process that combines a DWR coated 1050D nylon outer with a 500D TPE tarp. This keeps your gear and valuables dry even in heavy rain. You’ll notice that the outer seams where the nylon meets the tarp are double stitched for durability.
There were no issues with the overall construction of the Blanc III. There were no loose threads or loose fabric.
Chrome’s signature seat belt buckles are a great touch, adding to the Brann III’s secure feel and helping it stand out from the crowd. Its intuitive design makes it easy to remove the Blanc III if needed. You can also expect to improve the overall reliability and longevity of the bag by not using cheap plastic clips. However, the weight of the buckle and clasp is 186g.
Chrome offers a lifetime warranty on all bags. Brands rarely offer extensive warranties. Especially when it comes to utilitarian, everyday items like the Blanc III, Chrome clearly stands by its products.
worth
The Bran III looks and feels expensive. Indeed, given the eye-popping price, the build quality is impressive. Ranging from £179 to £210 (£200 for the fog colors we tested), the Blanc III is probably the most expensive bag I’ve ever used.
That said, it’s cheaper than others: The Trakke Wee Lug messenger bag Matt tested in 2019 was £220, but it’s now £230.
Yes, the Brann III comes with a lifetime warranty, but looking at other products we’ve tested in larger sizes and with similar features, like the aforementioned Altura Grid Messenger Bag, we’re not sure it’s great value for money. I can’t say The cost is £60. The Heritage messenger bag that seems to have replaced him is £70, but it’s still a lot cheaper than chrome.
Conclusion
It’s clear that Chrome spent a lot of time planning and designing the Brann III. The dual construction of DWR-coated nylon and track tarpaulin keeps your valuables protected while you ride in all weather. Seatbelt-style straps and unique chrome buckles provide a reassuring sense of security, and the overall combination eliminates any doubts about the Blanc III moving around, especially when getting out of the saddle.
The only downside is its high price for quality, durability and utility.
verdict
A durable, thoughtful and well-designed messenger bag perfect for everyday use…if you can afford it
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Make and Model: Chrome Blanc III messenger bag
What is the product for and who is it intended for? What do manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings?
Chrome Industries says: “It’s our great tech messenger, with heritage DNA and tech organization and access. Buran III allows you to truly work from anywhere.”
And a list:
A tough tech messenger with the iconic seat belt buckle
Reversible shoulder strap for left or right carry
Quick release buckle with bottle opener
Weather resistant tarp liner with durable nylon shell
Padded Quick Access Laptop Sleeve 10″ H x 18″ L
Tell us a little more about the technical aspects of your product.
Chrome list:
Crossbody wear with easy swing-around access
Reversible shoulder strap for right or left hand carry
Padded laptop sleeve, holds a 17″ laptop
PU-backed, DWR-coated nylon shell and weather-resistant tarp liner
Quick-release iconic chrome buckle closure with bottle opener
Legendary Quality, Lifetime Warranty
Evaluate the product for construction quality.
9/10
Evaluate product performance.
9/10
Convenient to carry and easy to use.
The amount of storage available and how it is designed allows you to maximize the available space.
Please rate the durability of the product:
9/10
There is no problem during use.
The outer seams are double stitched where the nylon meets the tarp for added strength.
It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Evaluate product weight (if applicable)
4/10
Heavy without the help of the iconic seatbelt-style clasp.
Evaluate product comfort (if applicable)
6/10
Comfortable to wear. Padding on the straps helped. I wish there was a little more play in the shoulder straps.
Evaluate the value of your product:
4/10
It comes with a lifetime warranty, so it’s all you need to buy… but it’s more expensive than others that do a similar job.
How does the product perform overall when used for the purpose for which it was designed?
The ideal companion for your commute. There is plenty of room for clothes, shoes, lunch and even a microfiber his towel.
Much more comfortable than a backpack and doesn’t get in the way behind a helmet (at least for me).
What did you especially like about the product?
The perfect size for your daily commute, including a waterproof outerwear, multiple pockets for organization, and clothing.
Tell us what you didn’t like about the product
Weight and price – prohibitively expensive.
How does the price compare to similar products on the market, including those recently tested by road.cc?
Expensive, but not the most expensive road.cc has tested. Matt tested his 2019 Trakke Wee Lug messenger bag, which he weighed 220 pounds and went up to 230.
But there are others that do a similar job for less, like the Altura Heritage Messenger Bag for £70.
Are you happy with your product? yes
Would you consider purchasing the product? Yes, sales only.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? yes
Use this box to describe your overall score
It’s hard not to like the Chrome Buran III. Meets all requirements for a daily bag. It’s comfortable, well designed and waterproof so you won’t get caught in bad weather. The build quality is top notch and it’s hard to believe that the Blanc III will last a lifetime. I could handle the weight, especially considering you get the iconic chrome buckle, but there is a price. You can get it cheaply.
Year: twenty four
I usually ride: BMC team machine SLR ONE My best bikes are:
I have ridden: under 5 years old I ride: most days I would classify myself as: well experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding. Commuting, touring, general fitness riding,
