Messenger bag help

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tri Girl

Colby- I got that bag from Title Nine. It was on sale and was a good deal (www.titlenine.com). It had the stabilizer strap, and the shoulder strap had a giant padded part that I liked.
I had to return it, tho because I'm not able to commute anymore (well, until I find a safe route...hopefully soon).

Check Title Nine. I think it was called the Aussie Sport Bag. It was big, but not too big. Def. big enough for the laptop and some other stuff. Nice pockets, and I really liked the front closure and the reflective panel on it.

---

Wow, only $49 at Title Nine! I think they are the same ones Steep and Cheap had.

http://www.crumplerbags.com

(Cute website, too)

Thanks for the tip. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by uforgot

I've been looking at these and wonder if I should order the "left" one.

---

I'm a right-hander but I ended up buying a Timbuk2 bag that hangs from my right shoulder (technically the left-hander's bag). It's served me extremely well, and feels more natural than the right-handed configuration.

Also, hasn't anybody mentioned that Timbuk2 bags are waterproof? When I commuted with a backpack, I had to wrap it in a garbage bag to keep my clothes dry. No longer! It holds everything I need easily -- a medium bag can contain a full change of clothes, a jacket, and a good-sized lunch, plus three medium-sized books and quite a lot of miscellaneous stuff -- and I can access it quickly and easily.

In the interest of full disclosure: Clothes do tend to get crunched, and if you lean over real far on a road bike, it does tend to shift around some even cinched down real tight. Plus you can't carry tupperware in it very easily or you'll get bruises on your back.

I'm very happy with Deuter's backpacks designed for cycling. For long rides, I use the Race X Air with hydration bladder and snacks. For occasional commuting on the racy bike, I like the Trans Alp backpack. I don't like the asymmetrical strain that shoulder and messenger bags put on the body.

For serious commuting, though, it's Ortlieb panniers all the way! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bluestocking

Er...hi...I'm new here.

I wanted to contribute a personal endorsement for Chrome messenger bags.

---

great bag! A friend of mine has one and loves it!

I'm going to plug baileyworks messenger bag, superpro size large. www.baileyworks.com/catalog/product.cfm?id=2 I purchased one last year and it is great! the shoulder strap is adjustable and can be easily switched to accommodate for either left or right handed person. It has a lot of features. (I'm a lefty and used a demartini then a timbuk2: both great bags but got sick of having to take it off to adjust it). When it is fully loaded--it keeps the items distributed well and when it is empty--I can adjust it with the straps and it doesn't flap around.

Oh, and Jonathan (the owner) is great to deal with. A pricey bag but worth it.

If you want to see some incredible bags check out this place http://reloadbags.com/bags/list.php?t=old

their workshop/store is just down the street from my house - they always have beautiful bags out in the window

Has anybody tried Pac Designs? They look a lot like what Timbuk2 used to do (e.g. bottom cinch straps, etc.). I've been thinking of ordering another one since my dh took over my oldie but goodie timbuk2.

CA

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CA_in_NC

Has anybody tried Pac Designs? They look a lot like what Timbuk2 used to do (e.g. bottom cinch straps, etc.). I've been thinking of ordering another one since my dh took over my oldie but goodie timbuk2.

CA

---

I purchased the hip pack--the construction is excellent. If you have questions, Pat gets back to you quickly.

Their messenger bags have a great rep on another forum full of bike messengers.

Bailey Works are the best! I have a 253 (size medium) and my husband has a Super Pro (size large). We both love them and definitely recommend. The owner is great -- I emailed him a bunch of questions to decide between the 253 and the Super Pro and he was very helpful.

www.baileyworks.com

Thanks for all the info in this thread - I'm also looking for a messenger bag and am a southpaw. I'll waht size suits when I try it on, but can't really mail -order one

Near as I can tell, the Timbuk2 bags are symmetrical, so can theoretically be worn over either shoulder. The Citizen bags are 'handed'.

Oh is that Crumpler bag from T9 waterproof? I can't find anything on it.

cheers
C

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stella

I purchased the hip pack--the construction is excellent. If you have questions, Pat gets back to you quickly.

Their messenger bags have a great rep on another forum full of bike messengers.

---

Thanks for the info! Still trying to decide whether I want to spend *that* much on a bag, but they do have a good reputation:)

I finally stumbled across the site I'd been looking for when this thread started. it has a very thorough review of several messenger bags.

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/reviews/messengerbags/