Help design a messenger bag

[jillm]

Got this email today from the local bike group. Of course TE can help!

"Hiya!
I am designing a cycling bag for ladies and those who are small framed (yes, that means you small boys). I need as much input as possible in order to resolve user (your) issues. To start, I have put together a user survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=D6qFHT3TuVmCpjaBpsWrIQ_3d_3d. I think this bag could really be fantastic, as long as I can figure out your issues and find ways to resolve them, therefore your feedback is important (please pass along to friends who cycle)!

A little about me: I am not just a cyclist in NYC, but I am also a design researcher and product manager who investigates and explores user needs to influence good product design. For this project, I have engaged a designer who has designed soft goods for K2, Planet Earth, North Face and REI.

Thanks for helping!
Fawn"

Thanks for looking,
Jillm

[shootingstar]

Got this email today from the local bike group. Of course TE can help!

"Hiya!
I am designing a cycling bag for ladies and those who are small framed (yes, that means you small boys). I need as much input as possible in order to resolve user (your) issues.


Personally I don't use messenger bike style bags around my body. I don't even like a knapsack on my back when I bike. I just find shifting weight on back, a hassle. And alot of messenger bags look too wide for me anyway, I am small and narrow across the whole back of me. I don't even like hiking with heavy, large knapsacks either. I'm 5'1" and petite.

I do have to be constantly vigilant with my posture after years of cycling, I do need to do exercises. So wearing weight around my back is probably not a good idea when cycling for awhile since I also occasionally get a stiff, sore neck which again I try to do stretching exercises.

[bmccasland]

If you do the survey, you'll need a measuring tape.

[NbyNW]

I've only tried one messenger bag, I think it's made by Overland. It's a bit on the small side and it's the smallest one I've ever found before giving up generally. I find the strap to be slightly too long for my height -- the bag sits a bit lower on my hips than I would like when I am seated on my bike.

The size of the bag is probably about as big as I can go, for the size of my body -- same thing as what shootingstar said above. The bag is barely big enough for a few letter-sized files. It can hold a book or two, maybe some mail, or a snack. That's about it.

I'm also 5'1" and about 112 lbs, so I don't have much body frame to strap things onto. My preference is to strap things to a rear rack or use a small basket or pannier, or a small backpack. I feel more stable that way.

I think a strap that adjusted to a shorter length would help, but it would be hard to make a bag that would carry a significant amount of stuff.

[jillm]

I took the survey ( 20 questions fyi ) after I posted the link and it looks like it's not specifically "messenger bags" she's wanting to design, but a good, functional bag for smaller cyclists. There were questions about panniers and backpacks. I have one of the basil bags that clips onto the back rack (looks more like a purse than a pannier or bike bag) and would definitely use something like it if it had a shoulder strap.
http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=21077

I'm hoping Fawn will take advantage of these forums and keep us posted on her progress!

[Eden]

I took the survey. I do use a messenger bag (medium Timbuk2) and I am definitely a small person. Fit wise I don't really have any problems with it. The medium can take just about any load I can carry (I've had over 30lbs of cat food in it.... and it didn't break). The only time it flops around a bit is if it is empty. I have added a lot more reflecty bits to it - when its full it does cover much of my back and I'm sure its the first thing people behind me see.... so I put more reflective material on the bottom, since that is what actually shows when I'm in a cycling position.

[Grog]

I took the survey ( 20 questions fyi ) after I posted the link and it looks like it's not specifically "messenger bags" she's wanting to design, but a good, functional bag for smaller cyclists. There were questions about panniers and backpacks. I have one of the basil bags that clips onto the back rack (looks more like a purse than a pannier or bike bag) and would definitely use something like it if it had a shoulder strap.
http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=21077


I have a similar basil bag and it came with a clip-on shoulder strap.

The single-sided Blossom also comes with a strap.

[jillm]

I have a similar basil bag and it came with a clip-on shoulder strap.

The single-sided Blossom also comes with a strap.

Ooh! Thanks for the tip. I love Basil bags!