Messenger bags?

**Kimmyt** · 08-01-2006, 10:51 AM

I've started riding in once or twice a week, hopefully I can up that if my work schedule allows. I used to store my clothes the night before in a locker at the gym at work. But I don't have a locker at my new job's gym, and unfortunately can't get one as there is a waiting list. I should be able to keep clothes in my desk, but honestly? I never remember to bring them in the day before, and plus sometimes I just wake up and am like, "I want to commute today!" so I have to wing it. Also, I like to pick my outfit based on how I am feeling that morning.

So.

I use a ratty old backpack. I'm already noting issues, particularly in this heat with a sweaty back (luckily not sweaty enough to go through and soak my work clothes). I saw a guy today that had one of those messenger bags. He was on a road bike (I ride my road bike to commute too) and all stretched out and he had this lovely little bag hanging out in the general vicinity of his butt. It looked compact and stable and I wished I had one so my back wouldn't be sweaty.

Does anyone have any good (preferably inexpensive) recommendations here? Also, I've always wondered, how do you get the shoulder bag things to keep from sliding around to your side and getting you off balance? I don't understand how they always seem to perch there so happily on people's butts without sliding around like they probably would on me...

K.

**tulip** · 08-01-2006, 11:11 AM

Personally, I prefer panniers because I don't like anything on my back. I do have a Timbuktu laptop messenger bag, however, that is actually pretty good--very stable and comfortable, if still hot on my back. I got it on sale for $35, usually they are about $70.

Whatever bag you get, make sure it has a waist strap. That not only prevents the bag from sliding to the sides, but also places the weight on your hips and lower back, and not on your shoulders.

**Geonz** · 08-01-2006, 11:34 AM

I coudl never figure out how to make bags keep from sliding all over the place, which could make me crash, so I use my camelbak with the big pockets and my handlebar bag when I'm on my Trek. (On the Xtracycle I just throw everything in the bags on the bike.)

**xeney** · 08-01-2006, 01:15 PM

I'm pretty happy with my Timbuk2 bags although it took me a while to find which size was best for my needs. I agree about the waist strap, it's essential. I also wear my bag with the strap really short when I ride, so that it doesn't rest on my butt so much as my lower back -- otherwise I find that it catches on the saddle if I have to dismount. (I usually commute on a Brooks saddle, and I don't seem to have that problem on my other bikes.)

**Bron** · 08-02-2006, 04:04 AM

I use a rucksack with a mesh back. The bag itself is held off your back, so there is plenty of air circulation.

The back system is shown here: http://www.deuterusa.com/futac_system.html

but I couldn't find the rucksack that I use on their webpage. Oh, and it's not nearly as cool looking as the timbuk2 bags!
Bron

**Haudlady** · 08-02-2006, 05:14 AM

I do bring my clothes in to work in advance... I pick a couple of my favorite outfits, and leave them at work. Then I have extra incentive - on those days I don't want to ride, I know I have to if I want to wear that great shirt!

I wear a small Camelback and put my lunch in there (no water pouch) - yes, it's a little sweaty, but I don't like stuff around my waist. Besides - the Camelback is insulated, so my sandwich has a better chance of making it without overheating!

**Lise** · 08-03-2006, 06:08 AM

Like tulip, I think panniers are wonderful. BUT. I don't have a rack on my Bianchi, as I do on the Larkspur. AND. I have to carry the bike + whatever's on it down a flight of stairs to the basement of the clinic, and back up at the end of the day. SO. I've taken to riding the much lighter Bianchi, and putting my stuff either in a backpack from Target ($12) or my medium Timbuk2 ($60). Of the two, I'd say the backpack is the most comfortable! Of course!

The Timbuk2 holds more, however, and looks cooler. Depends how cool I want to think I am, I guess! The stability strap on the Timbuk2 keeps it secure against my back. I sweat under both of them.

**run it, ride it** · 08-06-2006, 02:14 AM

I toss my lunch and coveralls in a backpack. Sure it's hot and heavy, but I think of how amazing I'll feel on rides -without- the backpack.

Leaving clothes at work is not an option--I was only issued one pair of coveralls and believe you me, they need a washing daily.

**betagirl** · 08-07-2006, 03:42 AM

I have 2 Timbuk2 messenger bags, the medium and the small. The medium is what I use most often when I commute. You can fit a small body in there. They're not exactly cheap if you get them off their website, but I've seen them on sale at places like Performance and REI.

**cusepack** · 08-07-2006, 04:29 AM

Timbuk2 bags get my vote as well. The stability strap for the back works well and, the bag also has little reflective straps for close to dusk rides. Yes, they're a bit on the expensive side ($60 for small), but, I considered it an investment as it's relatively indestructible and it may be the last bag I purchase. Okay, so I might want a fun color later on, but it's incredibly durable and well worth the money.

**Geonz** · 08-07-2006, 07:16 AM

So... these "stability straps" - they would keep the thing from sliding around? How's that work? Boobage is an issue for me... it's gotta be on one side or the other, or between 'em and that always seems to put things in the wrong place. (Kinda like suspenders, which I always thought were cute in theory...)

**CorsairMac** · 08-07-2006, 10:44 AM

I don't know how it would feel to have the weight on one side instead of evenly distributed across my back. I prefer to use a backpack, I got the Traverse Pack from REI and it has a "channel" down the center of the pack that allows airflow. I have a friend that uses panniers but I've ridden with those and the bike always felt back-end heavy.

**Susan Otcenas** · 08-07-2006, 05:23 PM

I've used a Timbuk2 bag for quite some time. I like it quite alot, and agree that the "stability strap" or "3rd leg" is essential to keep it from spinning around. The wide variety of colors that the bags come in are one of the reasons we carry them

But....... to be perfectly honest..... in March, I was given a Chrome messenger bag at the National Bike Summit. (Chrome was a sponsor) That bag sat in my living room until about 2 months ago, when I decided to give it a try to see how it compared. Wow. I love, love, love it. I love it so much I don't think I'll go back to using my Timbuk2 bag. The Chrome has a great padded main strap, a well place stability strap (no more boobage issues!) and is really well balanced. It's impossible for it to spin, due to how the straps are arranged. The downside is that it's drab grey. Not much to look at, but very functional.

So, at Interbike in September, I'm going to mosey on over to the Chrome folks and see what they have to offer. Maybe we'll become a Chrome retailer.

Susan

**twin** · 08-07-2006, 06:38 PM

Chrome bags are the best. I never use my Timbuck 2 at least on the bike when commuting now that I have a Chrome. I hope you do carry them they are a great product.

**veloputt** · 08-08-2006, 08:24 AM

I've been using a backpack by Arc'Teryx--it's their smallest size and has funky formed mesh panel so it allows lots of airflow between your back and the pack and really keeps things comfy (I ride 17 miles each way). Nice shoulder and waist straps, too--and good weatherproof zippers. The one day/week I do drive I bring exchange towels/pants and supplies, but the small pack is good for a change of clothes, a bit of food, and wallet and nefarious cell phone... I also bring a change of bike clothes--the a.m. ride is usually knickers and l.s. top, afternoons shorts and sleeveless.

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