messenger bags?

[bounceswoosh]

So after much agonizing, I decided to get a road bike (Madone WSD 4.5) as my commuter. My commute is about 14 miles each way, mostly along a highway with a very wide shoulder, and my husband just got a road bike, so anyway, I decided a road bike would do fine for the commute, and I could also use it for rides with my husband and our friends.

I would expect to ride my bike to work 10-15 times a year, although if the road bike reduces the time significantly, I might be tempted to do it more often.

All fine and dandy, except that I can't attach any kind of rack to the bike. I have a backpack I could use, but I'm wondering about the advantages of messenger bags and other bike-specific designs. Are they just as sweaty as backpacks?

The very helpful guy at the bike store was concerned that I wouldn't like a messenger-style bag because of, well, strap vs. anatomy. I tried on his bag, and the strap seemed to fit fine between 'em, but I said I would look around to see if maybe there are some designed for the female form.

So -- thoughts? Does anyone have a bag they absolutely adore?

I keep a pair of sneakers at the office, and can keep a towel and toiletries as well, but I need to be able to bring the day's clothes and maybe a pair of shoes.

[Technotart]

So -- thoughts? Does anyone have a bag they absolutely adore?


I love my timbuk 2 large laptop messenger bag. It distributes the weight very nicely. I can adjust the strap on the fly without taking the bag off, I can get into and out of it easily and it holds my stuff securely. I also have the strap padded, and a I added the side strap to keep it from swinging around - that is a must. I also have a smaller model mini timbuk2 bag and I like that one too!

[Becky]

When going to the office, I ride my designated commuter with panniers for all of my junk. However, my commute to the bike shop only requires that I bring a change of clothes and shoes. For that, I use my good bike with a small messenger bag- a Crumpler Super Snipe. I haven't had any trouble with anatomy and the bag- the strap lays rather nicely between the girls- although it works better with an underwire bra, rather than a "smash and mash" style sports bra.

I'll echo the advice about the side strap- you want this! Otherwise, the bag slides around too much and can bash you in the legs if it rotates too far. Look for a bag with a moveable side strap- I have to move mine below the girls, rather than higher on the chest where a guy would wear it, in order to get it to properly fit.

Let us know what you find! I'm always looking for more bags :D

[cyclingmama]

I've been trying to decide between commuting with my road bike, or with my hybrid with panniers. I prefer the road bike, as its an 8-10 mile ride depending on route choice with some decent hills. I will only be commuting one day a week (Fridays) so I think I've decided to stick with the road bike, and bring my Friday clothes with me on Thursday. I have doubles of toiletries anyway that I use for the gym, so I'll pack a bag on Thursday with my extra toiletries, towel, and Friday's work clothes and shoes. Leave it at the office Thursday, then stick my wallet, keys and cell phone in my little saddle bag on the road bike, and everything I need will be waiting for me at the office. Then I can just bring it home with me on Monday, since I won't need my extra toiletries or my Friday work clothes over the weekend.

If you are not commuting daily and you'll know in advance what days you'll likely be biking in, this may be an option.

[dingster1]

If you ladies are looking for bags, check out eBags.com. Great site. I've got my eye on the Overland Equipment messsenger bag but they have every bag imaginable
http://www.ebags.com/overland_equipment/seattle_laptop_brief/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=89342

[bounceswoosh]

I love my timbuk 2 large laptop messenger bag. It distributes the weight very nicely. I can adjust the strap on the fly without taking the bag off, I can get into and out of it easily and it holds my stuff securely. I also have the strap padded, and a I added the side strap to keep it from swinging around - that is a must. I also have a smaller model mini timbuk2 bag and I like that one too!

Thanks. A co-worker swears by her timbuk2 small "covert" messenger bag. They do seem pretty expensive, though. I'm wondering if small is sufficient, or if I should go for a medium (regardless of brand, the question remains -- and I imagine I'll only answer it by getting one and finding out).

I'm glad I don't have to deal with bringing a laptop to work! I'd imagine that adds a lot of weight, awkwardness, and on my part anyway I'm sure I'd constantly worry about dropping it ...


When going to the office, I ride my designated commuter with panniers for all of my junk. However, my commute to the bike shop only requires that I bring a change of clothes and shoes. For that, I use my good bike with a small messenger bag- a Crumpler Super Snipe. I haven't had any trouble with anatomy and the bag- the strap lays rather nicely between the girls- although it works better with an underwire bra, rather than a "smash and mash" style sports bra.

I'll echo the advice about the side strap- you want this! Otherwise, the bag slides around too much and can bash you in the legs if it rotates too far. Look for a bag with a moveable side strap- I have to move mine below the girls, rather than higher on the chest where a guy would wear it, in order to get it to properly fit.


Good to know -- I will make a side strap mandatory on my search. I looked for the Crumpler Super Snipe online, but it looks like it may no longer be in production? It looks kind of small in the pictures, not that I can *really* tell since the pics I've found don't have them attached to people.


I will only be commuting one day a week (Fridays) so I think I've decided to stick with the road bike, and bring my Friday clothes with me on Thursday. <snip>

If you are not commuting daily and you'll know in advance what days you'll likely be biking in, this may be an option.

Thanks. That gives me the willies, for some reason. I'm just used to being able to choose my clothing for the day based on my mood that morning and the weather forecast, I guess. Maybe as I get more comfortable with commuting, planning a day ahead will seem more doable.


If you ladies are looking for bags, check out eBags.com. Great site. I've got my eye on the Overland Equipment messsenger bag but they have every bag imaginable
http://www.ebags.com/overland_equipment/seattle_laptop_brief/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=89342

Thanks -- that looks very nice indeed! Much less utilitarian / duct tape-y than most I've seen. The pic makes it look like leather, although the description indicates, not so much.

I'll poke around on that site.

[Zen]

OT-
Hey Dingster! Good to see you!

[madscot13]

Thanks. A co-worker swears by her timbuk2 small "covert" messenger bag. They do seem pretty expensive, though. I'm wondering if small is sufficient, or if I should go for a medium (regardless of brand, the question remains -- and I imagine I'll only answer it by getting one and finding out).



how is a timbuk2 bag expensive after that bike? yowza it is a hot bike, you should accessorize it accordingly. :D

[bounceswoosh]

how is a timbuk2 bag expensive after that bike? yowza it is a hot bike, you should accessorize it accordingly. :D

LOL!

Well, after shelling out for the bike, not much left over for anything else!

The stupid part is that I got a horrific, nasty sunburn on the back of my neck while playing paintball last weekend. I can't comfortably cover it and I can't even imagine the agony of rubbing sunscreen into it, so I won't be able to ride the bike till next week some time =/

[madscot13]

LOL!

Well, after shelling out for the bike, not much left over for anything else!



hmm how true. I would choose the madone over the timbuk2 anyday.

check this out, if you like to colors/ size it is a good price (even equipped for laptops if you are that kind of office person: http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/749828?vcat=OUTLET_SEARCH

but you can always find a good deal if you look and are patient.



*ps does anyone know why they are timbuk 2? where is timbuk1? or is that just timbuk?

[bounceswoosh]

hmm how true. I would choose the madone over the timbuk2 anyday.

check this out, if you like to colors/ size it is a good price (even equipped for laptops if you are that kind of office person: http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/749828?vcat=OUTLET_SEARCH

but you can always find a good deal if you look and are patient.



*ps does anyone know why they are timbuk 2? where is timbuk1? or is that just timbuk?

Oooh, good find -- but I think XL is a little *too* XL for what I want (I don't have to carry computer equipment around on my back, fortunately).

I think the name Timbuk2 comes from Timbuktu in Africa:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timbuktu

You know, after reading and talking with a few people, I'm concerned that the messenger bag will be too off-balance for me. I may end up looking for a light backpack with a chest and/or waist strap instead ... although it looks like most bike backpacks are designed for students carrying books ... here's one that looks intriguing, though:

http://www.rei.com/product/748089?vcat=REI_SEARCH

(Novara commuter backpack)

Unfortunately, I don't have an abundance of patience ... I may go to the local REI tomorrow and see if they have this in stock, get a feel for how much I could cram in it.

[bounceswoosh]

Hrmm, or this one from performance, a backpack with a separate compartment for shoes and more volume ...

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=23335&item=20-4561&slitrk=search&slisearch=true

(TransIt Sport Backpack)

Now I just have to figure out why they have it categorized under Triathalon *boggle*

[Crankin]

I too, commute on my road bike, 1-2 days a week, for about 6 weeks out of the year. My commute is 14.5 miles one way and I also bring my clothes in on Monday for whatever day I'll need them. I usually leave a jacket and a pair of flats there until the end of the school year, so I have part of an outfit there all of the time. I also have all of my hygiene supplies there, too. I ride with a Camelbak with the bladder taken out, so I can bring some make up, lunch, and my wallet, glasses, and a few papers if I need to. Sometimes I bring a couple of lunches to school at a time, so I don't need to carry that.
I had all visions of riding my Jamis Coda to school, with the pannier, but it has ended up being my around town, errand bike. It's just too hilly here to ride the Jamis 15 miles and get to where I need to be in an hour. I already leave the minute the sun comes up, so I am at school before any kids arrive, and most of the teachers, too. That way, I have time to clean up, change, and get work done before the day really starts. I am planning to start commuting this week (if the weather is OK) and I think I will actually take a longer way home, that includes a nice downhill instead one of the two longer climbs on my usual route.
I've thought about a messenger bag, but my balance isn't that great to begin with, so I think I will leave things the way they are.

[cycliste]

I really like my Chrome messenger bag - waterproof, good size, comfy, looks good, plus, made in San Francisco. Sometimes I wish I had the Chrome backpack though, for heavier loads. My commute is 10 miles each way.

[ehirsch83]

First thing I have to say, I love reading the Crumpler descriptions on their site in funny artistic dramaticy voices!! Ohhh hours of fun:-)

The other is I have a Timbuk2 messanger bag that also has backpack straps on it and I really like it(I think it is a Lex Pack. my old timbuk2 got destroyed after a few years of use and my mom's SO gave me one that he had and wasn't using)- I usually commute with it in backpack mode, and it has a laptop spot. The only thing is, if you have it in the wrong location it is hard to see over your shoulder, but if you make sure it is in the correct placement you are good to go!(I also use it for school off the bike, so I use shorter strap placement for school, longer strap placement for the bike)
.

[Becky]

Good to know -- I will make a side strap mandatory on my search. I looked for the Crumpler Super Snipe online, but it looks like it may no longer be in production? It looks kind of small in the pictures, not that I can *really* tell since the pics I've found don't have them attached to people.


Yep, I'm pretty sure that particular model isn't made anymore. The SoupandSalad is probably the most similar in the current models. And yes, it is small- just big enough for clothes, shoes, and some other odds and ends. I'm one of those "pack it til it's full" people, so a "kitchen sink" bag wouldn't have been a good choice for me :D

[VeloVT]

When I first started commuting to work/school I ordered a big beautiful custom Timbuk2 messenger bag. Turns out I really don't like riding with a messenger bag (sketchy unbalanced weight), nor do I even really like carrying one if I"ve got lots of heavy stuff in it (even worn properly, high on the back and worn tightly across the body with cross-strap, the heavy stuff sinks to the bottom corner and bruises the lowest couple of vertabrae on me).

I'm a huge fan of The North Face backpacks. I have this one (which has been replaced with a newer model): http://www.bobwards.com/products2.cfm/ID/793/c/daypacks

and this one:
http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AZK5&language=en

Both are very comfortable and stable, with thoughtfully designed panels/pockets/compartments. Plus both have a helmet panel that actually fits my helmet, and they both have integrated/hidden rain flys and safety whistles :)!

I've tried on some of their other technical packs (which are a completely different line from their campusy packs) and have been impressed with those as well.

But no, they're not as stylish as messengers :(...

[Trek420]

My first Timbuk2 messenger bag says US Postal Masters Cycling team on it. When Lance went to Discovery and then retired from racing folks started asking me if I could pick up their mail and "I just have this one letter could you ...."

I don't work for the USPO :mad:" This bag is now my dog's luggage. That dog has more and better luggage than me. :rolleyes:

So I got another bag ... but then one day on SAC appeared a WSD Timbuk2 back pack in brilliant lime green, with a slot for a laptop which is perfect for my sketchbook :p

That is my commuter bag of choice now.

[elk]

i like the timbuk2 commute bag...for the simple reason that I just can't fathom a messenger bag that does not have pockets for my coffee and water bottles.....

and the commute is the only T2 bag that does....NONE of the crumplers have them....

and i know my bags...i'm a bag FREAK!

I have a backpack (its out in the car) that I use for when Maude and I go on therapy visits...it's by North Face it's called a BOREALIS...and it's really nicely engineered. http://www.ebags.com/the_north_face/borealis/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=75927&productid=1167575&sourceID=GOOGFEED&color=Pinot%20Red&CAWELAID=108281950
plus it comes in GOOD colors.......
(I'm with the dingster on ebags.....;) although I often find it there and then go check ebay...);)

[bounceswoosh]

I called the local REI and Performance shops today to see if they had the backpacks I was interested in ... long story short, I was able to look at both of them in person. The Performance one was definitely bigger, possibly less comfortable. I bought the REI (Novara) one after testing it by stuffing all I had with me into it at the store -- a ski jacket (which is just a shell, no liner), a mini backpack, and an empty, large canvas tote. Tomorrow I'm going to stuff a test set of clothes into it to see if it can manage. Really I need to pack lunch in there as well. If it doesn't seem big enough to do the job, I'll return it and possibly pick up the Performance one.

Neither of them were made out of what seemed like incredibly durable material, I guess due to weight concerns. The Novara has a waterproof cover tucked into a zipper at the bottom; I'm surprised it wasn't just made waterproof to begin with. I guess maybe this also saves weight, or is cheaper, or something.

[madscot13]

I think waterproof material feels kind of funny and I bet they don't breathe so well. i have an REI backback, the discontinued vagabond, and it has seen the world with me and carried a lot of weight in the form of science textbooks and my laptop. I love my backpack!

[bounceswoosh]

So just to wrap this up, I bought the Novara Commuter Backpack for $70. It looks small, but I packed a heck of a lot into it -- lightweight dress, lightweight jacket, several tupperware containers for lunch, sandals, towel, toiletries, wallet and phone, various other bits and pieces. I think I'll be happy with it.

[sundial]

I think these (http://www.basil.nl/gb/assortment/) are just darling. If I commuted to work, I'd use these bags and panniers.

[madscot13]

I agree! I am going to try and look at some first hand on my trip to Germany this summer. Also has anyone heard of zwei bags? I think they look cool too.

[Evora93]

I have a two mile commute, so I don't have to carry something very far, but I have a small Mountainsmith messenger bag that I love. It has a bottle pocket on one side and a fleeced cushioned pocket on the other for cell phone or mp3. There is a handy pocket in the back for my keys. The strap is very comfy and non-slip. There are lots of pockets, and it expands. I use it as my purse too, because I am always hopping on my bike to run to the store. I also used it to carry lots of stuff on a recent weekend trip to Chicago by train. Depending on what you normally carry it may be a little too big, but it is a very handy size for just about anything.