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

[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_equipm...?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_equipm...?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.

[bounceswoosh]

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

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/produc...=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?

[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

[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/...K5&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 " This bag is now my dog's luggage. That dog has more and better luggage than me.

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

That is my commuter bag of choice now.

[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.