Messenger bag help

[colby]

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.

[kfergos]

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.

[Dianyla]

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!

[stella]

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.

[Eden]

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

[Blueberry]

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

[stella]

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.

[Beane]

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

[Christopher]

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

[Blueberry]

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

[Beane]

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/