Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Messenger bag advice

I'm sure there are more than a few threads on this topic, but since I can't search, here goes...

I'm trying to decide on a messenger bag, as my usual laptop bag / man-purse isnt really working so well for my commute. I'm a fan of this guy (Aucliar Messenger Bag) so far...
http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/medium/AA-AMB.gif

Most of my friends have timbuk2 bags, so i figured that is a pretty ringing endorsement. Has anyone had issues with Auclair products in the past? Should I just swallow my pride and fall in with the timbuk2 pack?

I'm pretty sure the aucliar bag would be fine, but id rather not get burned by inferior craftsmanship thats going to fall apart in 2 months.


Thanks ahead of time for any advice.

BaileyWorks.

my grandma has a timbuk2 bag. then again, I've seen her 180 skid to fakie on her pista.

That "Auclair" bag is a cheap Chinese copy of Cocotte's Alfredo (http://www.cocotte-equip.com/Cocotte-Eng_Alfredo.htm), and will probably fall apart. See this thread here for what Cocotte said about them (http://bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=2816028&postcount=24).

Baileyworks, UTW, RELoad, PAC, Bagaboo, forum member mikearena (http://arenabaggage.blogspot.com/) and myself (http://www.zugsterbags.com) both make bags too, Seagull, Zo, Aerostich -- you've got lots of better options (http://bike.zugster.net/compendium/bags).

That "Auclair" bag is a cheap Chinese copy of Cocotte's Alfredo (http://www.cocotte-equip.com/Cocotte-Eng_Alfredo.htm), and will probably fall apart. See this thread here for what Cocotte said about them (http://bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=2816028&postcount=24).

Baileyworks, UTW, RELoad, PAC, Bagaboo, forum member mikearena and myself (http://www.zugsterbags.com) both make bags too, Seagull, Zo, Aerostich -- you've got lots of better options (http://bike.zugster.net/compendium/bags).

thanks for the heads up, i had a sneaking suspicion that was the case with a brand I couldn't find anywhere.

there are TONS of options. if you were choosing the auclair for the price, timbuk2 is probably your best spend-thrifty choice.

there are TONS of options. if you were choosing the auclair for the price, timbuk2 is probably your best spend-thrifty choice.

yeah, thats what im getting for now. Found one at performance for $70, plus a 20% discount.

I'll get a sweet custom bag once I get a little more cash to my name, though.

well, if you want to shell out a bit more money you can get a custom timbuk2... that's what i did. mine is olive green, kelly green and yellow. it looks sick.

but if you're going for cheap your timbuk2 will look like everyone else's.

That "Auclair" bag is a cheap Chinese copy of Cocotte's Alfredo (http://www.cocotte-equip.com/Cocotte-Eng_Alfredo.htm), and will probably fall apart. See this thread here for what Cocotte said about them (http://bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=2816028&postcount=24).

Baileyworks, UTW, RELoad, PAC, Bagaboo, forum member mikearena (http://arenabaggage.blogspot.com/) and myself (http://www.zugsterbags.com) both make bags too, Seagull, Zo, Aerostich -- you've got lots of better options (http://bike.zugster.net/compendium/bags).

That post was seriously MeFi approved.

There is a big review at fixedgeargallery:
http://fixedgeargallery.com/reviews/messengerbags/

I can vouche for the Chrome Metropolis. It holds office clothes, gym clothes, gym shoes, lunch, spare/repair kit and ditties. It sits well on my back. You can clip a light to one of the straps. Chrome still makes them in U.S.A.

I've been through a ton of cheep bags. The best one so far is the PAC bag. That thing is built for abuse, i've been able to stuff kind of package in that bag and its held up like a champ.

well, if you want to shell out a bit more money you can get a custom timbuk2... that's what i did. mine is olive green, kelly green and yellow. it looks sick.

but if you're going for cheap your timbuk2 will look like everyone else's.

I went with all black. That's how I roll.

I'll throw a little somethin on it once I get the urge.

I got a Timbuk2 custom bag (forest green, black and forest green) 5 years ago. I stuff all kinds of stuff in it; books, laptop, clothes, an exploded soda can once and it's held up great and still looks great.

I got a Chrome backpack and I can carry a 30 rack in it.

I had a timbuk2 maybe 2-3 years ago and i liked it but found it uncomfortable a lot of times and not that satisfying. It was soon stolen from me and insurance bought me a new chrome metropolis in camo.

I've been using this bag for everything from traveling, riding to work, sneaking cases of beer into my dorm when i was underage, and carrying books to class. The bag has held up perfectly, not a single issue with it and i think will be holding up great for a long time to come.

yeah, my timbuk2 sits kind of uncomfortable sometimes. i'm a big guy, so i probably could have stood to get a large rather than a medium.

but the medium holds a twenty-four case real nice.

everyone and their mom has a Timbuk2 bag, plus they slip if you're riding for a while.. Funny thing is one of the best bags I ever used for messeging was an army duffle bag and bungee cords cross strapped to my back.

I have a Timbuk2 and it absolutely sucks for wearing over the right shoulder. That stupid cheapo plastic clasp digs into my shoulder and it's quite unplesant. Plus the un-padded strap is not awesome at all.

I'm ordering a Re.load next week and damn am I excited.

I just got a R.E. load civillian bag and so far its been amazing very durable and its big as hell

Glad to hear others agree on the uncomfortableness of the timbuk2. When i had mine i never understood why i bought it and never understood how people raved about them when it was constantly hurting my back and shoulder.

Glad to hear others agree on the uncomfortableness of the timbuk2. When i had mine i never understood why i bought it and never understood how people raved about them when it was constantly hurting my back and shoulder.

I've read about these sort of problems with the timbuk2 bags, but I've also heard of little or no problems with them. Friend of mine likes the Large Classic bags so much he just bought a second one.

I'll fix it up with a strap cover and other assorted goodies if needed... or return it if it absolutely sucks.

timbuk2 is a really good cheap bag. and at under a hundred bucks it's a lot cheaper than most other bags on the market, and it shows. but if you don't want to / can't put about $150 into a nice bag the timbuk2 is worth it. i only got mine because my backpack fell apart and i didn't feel like waiting weeks / months for a custom r.e.load / pac / baileyworks bag.

I've read about these sort of problems with the timbuk2 bags, but I've also heard of little or no problems with them. Friend of mine likes the Large Classic bags so much he just bought a second one.

I'll fix it up with a strap cover and other assorted goodies if needed... or return it if it absolutely sucks.

Yeah i never really had any issues in terms of durability it was decent in terms of that just uncomfortable as all get out no matter what. I only had the medium with a few books in it and it would still kill my back and shoulders even with teh shoulder pad. If you can spend a tad extra i would get something nice for sure it'll be worth it in the long haul. My chrome has been going strong and shows no signs of wear and if it ever does lifetime warranty is wonderful!

Yeah i never really had any issues in terms of durability it was decent in terms of that just uncomfortable as all get out no matter what. I only had the medium with a few books in it and it would still kill my back and shoulders even with teh shoulder pad. If you can spend a tad extra i would get something nice for sure it'll be worth it in the long haul. My chrome has been going strong and shows no signs of wear and if it ever does lifetime warranty is wonderful!

Yeah, the lifetime warranty on Chrome bags def. made me give them a double-take, as did the great reviews. I may learn from my 'mistake' (assuming I've made one).

Thing is at the moment I'm really only looking for a bag to get some clothes/lunch to and from work and make the occasional beer/grocery run, so I'm not sure I need something as serious or expensive as a chrome. We shall see.

http://www.ampactravelware.com/AM02-3211.htm

cheap, effective, durable, comfortable

----timbukt2 rip off yes---worth it, yes

Yeah, the lifetime warranty on Chrome bags def. made me give them a double-take, as did the great reviews. I may learn from my 'mistake' (assuming I've made one).

Thing is at the moment I'm really only looking for a bag to get some clothes/lunch to and from work and make the occasional beer/grocery run, so I'm not sure I need something as serious or expensive as a chrome. We shall see.

Understandable i use mine for the same thing it's just it was covered by insurance money from my timbuk2 being stolen so i had to get one. Shop around and look at the bag reviews on FGG and you'll find something for you.

UTW ftw.

i've decided that i'm going to start saving for a r.e.load courier. so far i'm looing at it being about $153 for the bag, two outside pockets and pen slots. i think i'm going to do a u-lock holster in there too.

i should have it in a month or so depending on what i can save!

Sounds good ive thought about selling my chrome and getting a reload or baileys but just couldnt justify parting with it. Enjoy it whenever you do get it!

about how much does r.e.load charge for basic custom work?

Depends on what you get. There's a section in there. They add on for every detail and add a ton on for embroidery or more than different color swatch customization. Click on the bag you want and it'll take you to the options.

old timbuk2 is good new timbuk2 ok I like re load pac and I personally own a wig

I don't really car for the chrome cuz that cool buckle thingy digs into my chest and everyone has one just like timbuks

I have two Timbus 2's (M and L, real SF made old ones). I was very pleased with them untill i moved and started to use my bike, and messengerbags, more (commuting etc.)...
In matter of few weeks i ordered real messengerbag(Bagaboo), and it have been worth every penny!

I've had 3 timbuck2's since 90 without any problems. I use chest strap and a shoulder pad so comfort isn't an issue. I've always liked em BUT if I was buying a bag today I'd look @ another brand.

It's funny, I almost got rid of my messenger bag because I didn't want to appear trendy. However, it's still more comfortable for cycling than my backpack. So, I guess I'll deal with being thought of as a 'posenger'....

I've used my jandd iniki messenger daily for 5 years. not a problem. its huge and comfortable.

about how much does r.e.load charge for basic custom work?

mine was around 145$ without shipping. I got a really basic bag because I needed a right shoulder one and most of their custom stock is left shoulder. I got just a plain civilian (no design) with double pockets, a divider and pen slots inside one of the double pockets. it's definitely worth the money (just like a bag from any of the other companies in this thread, so check out all of them before you choose a company).