Recommend a messenger bag

[KySingleSpeed]

I'm commuting regularly to work on the bike. It's only a 12-mile round trip commute, but I'm getting tired of wearing the old-style backpack. I've heard from a friend with a Honda CBR that he loves his messenger bag. I've got my eye on the Timbuk2 El Ocho. What do you recommend for comfort/practicality/durability?

[hairygrump]

T2's are great bags. I've had a Dee Dog for 2 years and I've never had any beef with it. I would think you'd find the Ocho a little too small if you're packing in clothes and other stuff though.

At the beginning of summer though I had a couple bucks and was a little put off by the fact that everybody and their little sister rocks a Timbuk2 (they became trendy because they're a rock-ass bag, but still... I get a little embarassed when I'm wearing the same bag as some jackass hopping out of his range rover). I bought a Chrome Metropolis and I love the thing to death. Basically the same volume as the T2 I have, but it's wider and not as deep, which I like because you can goof around with how you balance your load when you're packing laundry or groceries. Big comfy strap and nice configuration otherwise. Also the seat belt buckle on the strap is nice when you don't want to haul your 40lb load over your head to get it off; push the button, drop the bag on something soft. Your friends will have a great time with that too, but I think it's worth it.

The bag itself is pretty heavy, but that's because it's tough as nails. I had an interesting accident that involved me sliding over the pavement for a few feet on the buckle and the strap and everything's still in pretty good shape.

You can also get them in camo, which is so cool it's just insane.

Chromebags.com (http://www.chromebags.com)

[leapfrog]

i've had my timbuk2 (forget which model, probably midsize) for something like 5 years now and it has not failed me one bit. i dont know of one seem that is beginning to pull apart. the pockets are sufficient and you can accessorize on their site. im defenitely a fan of the easy adjustment strap. timbuk2 are just solid bags.

ive also recieved a custom bag from reload bags out of philly. they make high quality bags for messengers as well. they have plenty of awesome options and allow you to seriously customize your own flap. my only beef with them is the adjustment system...i seriously can't figure that shit out. maybe im doing something wrong. either way, they make bomb proof bags with awesome individuality. www.reloadbags.com

i've also heard that chrome bags are super good, although i've never actually used one myself.

the big thing is that you consider how much room and pockets you'd like. other than that, it's all bells and whistles. good luck.

scott
leapfrog bike zine

[Rotifer]

I've had a T2 for about 5 years. My only irritation is that I can't destroy the dang thing, I'd like to try a Chrome but I can't justify buying one till the old bag is toasted. I lost the strap that secures the bag a while ago so I clipped on the shoulder strap from an Eagle Creek suitcase, works great. The more you pack in that sucker the better it rides.

[KySingleSpeed]

It sounds like the T2s are excellent bags. I may take a look at the bigger Dee Dog, though. Thanks for the tip on the Chrome and Reload bags, I'll give those a look, too.

[scout]

check out aerostich.com (note the spelling) I have had one of his messenger bags for 12 years and it is still going strong. You will never have to worry about seeing a duplicate slung over some coed's shoulder. Most important of all the inside is yellow, make sure whatever you buy has a light colored inside so you can see stuff.

[Mauriceman]

Here's the original bag made by my freak freind in SFCA. I believe he may be the first to actually make messenger bags. Correct me if I'm wrong:

Zo Bags
PO Box 170218
SF CA 94117-0218 USA
ph: (415) 550 6363

And here's a list of bag companies:

http://www.messengers.org/bags.html

[hairygrump]

Does anybody ride with a "messenger's backpack?" Something like an Ortlieb bag or one of Chrome's new messing backs? I suppose this question might just map to whether anybody lives on the East side of the Atlantic, but I'm curious anyway. What keeps them from sucking?

I mean, it'd be nice to have the solid stuff for some ventillation back there, but it still looks like a backpack. That is to say, it looks like it'd suck to ride with a load in it.

[Anon]

You can carry all sorts of strange things (http://gallery.consumerreview.com/webcrossing/images/dogg.jpg) with a Chrome bag. :D

Some nice things about Chrome (http://www.chromebags.com/) bags, they come with a padded shoulder strap, highly adjustable, better than bullet broof actually bomb proof, seatbelt buckle is a conversation piece as well as functional, they fit like no other, and carries a 25 pound dog with ease. I shopped around quite a bit and this was by far the best bag. You need to seriously consider this bag especially if your going to be in bad weather.

My second choice would be an Chrome or Ortlieb backpack.

B

[Mauriceman]

If your "freind" is wearing a Chrome bag, you can push their seat belt button and their bag will fall to the ground, great fun!

[hairygrump]

Originally posted by Mauriceman
If your "freind" is wearing a Chrome bag, you can push their seat belt button and their bag will fall to the ground, great fun!

I actually think of that as continuing my kung-fu training. In the beginning, it was all I could do to catch the bag before it hit the ground. Now I can usually deflect the finger so that it just harmlessly pokes my chest.

One day, I imagine, I'll be able to intercept the finger and perform some wierd operation that will make my attacker choke on his own spinal column. I'll keep you updated.

[steevo]

some people might be into this.
all black "bolo" T2 bags for 45 bucks... my friend mailed me about it
here is the shop number limited quantity, i have no association...
(909 890 9695)

[SeaWolf]

I got a Dirt Rag one, and I love it. It's really cool...

[Andy in Wi]

yeah, with 3000 cu in of volume, I can carry just about anything. Whatever doesn't fit inside the bag (like my workstand) gets strapped to the outside. The seatbelt buckle is tempting to push, but a quick jab of instant retribution usually will discorage such behavior.
The T2 bags are nice, but I wore a small hole in the bottem mighty quick due to some marvelous crashing. Other than that, the quality is pretty good.

[orangepartyhat]

I don't know about thier messenger bags but a have a Chrome laptop bag (BlackBox) and it is as tough as nails, I could probably throw it out of my truck going 85 and the bag and all contents would be fine. I'd go with Chrome.