Messenger bag help

[xeney]

Yeah, the cross strap can be moved (on the newer bags -- I have an old one where it is really a pain to move the cross strap), but the slider thing for adjusting the length of the main shoulder strap is on one side or the other -- if it is in the wrong place for the shoulder on which you wear the bag, you have to take the bag off to adjust it. I don't know if the smaller bags even have that slider -- my oldest bag doesn't have it, and it's a small (the size they used to call "PeeWee"). That is a feature I didn't even think to miss until I bought a new larger bag, and now I can't stand to use bags that don't let me adjust the strap that easily. And it's my left-handed husband's only complaint about the used Timbuk2 bag I bought for him (from someone here at TE).

To answer the other question, I am right-handed and use a right-handed bag, but I wear it on my left shoulder, hanging down towards my right hip.

[bluestocking]

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

I wanted to contribute a personal endorsement for Chrome messenger bags. Their padded strap system is far more comfortable than any Timbuk2 or other messenger bag I have tried -- it's one big padded shaped strap that goes over one shoulder that meets a standard webbing strap with a retro seatbelt buckle. That description is a bit crap, so just go check out the photos on their site, I guess. The only downside is that they look so cool you kind of give off a hipster fakenger vibe if you aren't careful!

I have one of these:
http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/show/13/

However, I find that carrying a large load puts too much weight on my back, especially when being carried on one shoulder. For heavier loads, or for days when I don't feel like being encumbered (or when I just want to look like a bike dork), I use one of my Ortleib panniers (clipped to my rear rack), which I also highly recommend. It's nice to have options!

[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

[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