Commuting - Messenger bag w/o looking like a tool?

Way too many kids round here (NYC) wear messenger bags and last thing I want to do is look like some tool cruising around the city.

Thing is I have carpal tunnel syndrome plus this huge lump on my right palm. If I wear a normal backpack, after 10 min, my right hand goes kind of numb and my thumb goes completely limp, not good if I'm in the highest gear and I can't shift down at a light not to mention, "MY ARM! I CAN'T FEEL MY ARM!" from the pressure of the straps.

I haven't found one of these 1-strap backpacks that doesn't go around the right side. I can wear a shoulder bag across my shoulders on the left but it sways around.

I saw the Crumpler Very Busy Man (who names these things) at a store and loaded it with about 20 lbs and it feels GOOOOD but once again, trying to avoid looking like a tool HEHE.

Anyone got any other recommendations?

If you check the SS and Fixie forum, there's a thread in there about Yojimbo's maybe closing down (they haven't... yet) in Chicago. The guy there, Marcus, has a website on ebay and he sells some stuff there. Somewhere in the thread, someone posted Marcus' site where he sells stuff, or they posted his ebay username so you could find out what he's got for sale. You can also get his phone number from there and call him.

He sells messenger bags that are so unique that they look more like accessory bags than the standard lackey bags- every time I go in there, I see yet another bag I want to get my hands on. If you can get in touch with him, he may be able to share some pics of what he's got, and you can order from him. I got a hip-holster messenger bag fannie pack which you can also sling around your shoulder and across the torso into something like a purse. There's a strap on the back that holds ulocks too, so if you don't have a way of carrying your ulock, you're pretty much set with this bag. It's a work of art, I tell you! ART!

I get that you don't want to look like a messenger lackey- the bags Marcus sells are so unique and they just look so urban and hip that I thought it would be good to tell you about it. They are very lightweight and stay out of your way when you're riding too, so it's not bouncing all over the place. I'm going back there probably this weekend to buy a couple of more bags. I have to physically restrain myself from not going over there all the time- bags are my vice.

Koffee

Got a crumpler recently. They do all ranges of colours.
I got a garish one as I think I'll be seen better on the bike.
They are very well designed, and have an extra 'leg' that stops the bag from swinging round the front, hold loads and should last years.
I don't really care how I look as long as it functions and I
remain visible. Go for it - don't let a bunch of kids stop you.

www.belfastandbeyond.com

Why not use a rack or panniers? It feels much better to me when the bike carries the load, not me.

Paul

Because I go around the city and removing/reinstalling is always a hassle plus carrying all of that with me when I lock up the bike.

Someone suggested surgery but from what I've read, that sometimes has crippling results too.

I guess everything has compromises.

I have a Timbuk2 bag, very convienient, and I don't really care what others think I look like.

I have one also. Carry my laptop, computer accessories, a 35mm digital camera with 2 lenses... I can put some major weight in there and it doesn't bother me while riding. One strap, either shoulder, but you will look like a tool.

X

"Thing is I have carpal tunnel syndrome plus this huge lump on my right palm. "

They told me I would just go blind! Actually, I feel yer pain, although mine came from 8 years as a puter tech, all the mouse clicks and stuff, bad ergonomics. Not sure about the huge lump, that sounds like it needs some serious looking into. CTS for me required a lifestyle change, no more puter tech, and I force myself to take breaks when I use a computer now.

It got a whole lot better after I did that and never had surgery.

Luck!

I have a standard Timbuk2 bag (El-Ocho I think). I rarely use it because I prefer a backpack. I would recommend the Timbuk2 to anyone but if you are a fashion conscious person they are rather plain and unfashionable.

I have heard many good things about Chrome Messenger Bags (http://www.chromebags.com/index.html). You might especially like the Sling because of your special circumstances. It rides like a backpack, but has one strap like a standard messenger bag.

Dan

Yeah I have that computer problem too. Comes from sitting with the mouse pad too close to the edge of the desk and having the chair too low. I was using the mouse with my wrist resting against the edge of the desk, crimping all the nerves there. The lump's about an inch and a half wide and half an inch high, sits smack dab in the middle of my palm, it doesn't really bother me unless I'm biking in which case my hand goes numb after about 10-15 minutes.

Ironically my eyes are still as sharp as ever even though I've been using this 14" monitor at 1280x1024 (yeah i know, mad small) that I swiped from work 2 years ago.

I ended up getting the crumpler bag, it's very nicely padded and big enough for my lunch, water, laptop, and a newspaper plus a book. The strap goes across my left shoulder with a stabilizer strap that clips in to the left side of my bag.

Hey Slvoid,

Glad you found your bag. My 2nd choice was a Crumpler. Very will made and comfortable as well. Hope it works out for you.

X

I'm still wondering how wearing a messenger bag makes you a tool. lol

Hey, you sound like you have a Ganglion Cyst. Is that correct?

I have one too, from computer use. I forced my company to change my work space around and buy me better designed equipment. There's nothing like a potential lawsuit to help speed change at work. Heh Heh.

Jeff- Round here in NYC, I see a lot of these high school kids walking around with their north face jackets, starbucks, and their little timbuk2 or manhattan portage bags. "oh mi gawd, that is like the coolest shoulder bag with that color pattern, and is that a $1500 leather bustier? oh mi gawd, it lifts and separates!" Maybe it's just me but...*SHUDDER...*

Ya come to think of it, it could be a ganglion cyst, never thought about that before, it's been there as a kid but about 7-8 years ago it faded and came back about 2 years ago larger than ever.

You know how your palm's concaved inwards so if you put your hands together it forms a cavity inside. When I put my hands together, the lump's big enough to fit into the concavity of my left hand so it fills up completely.

Hey, I wish I did look like I was in high school again with my bag. I would be a very happy camper!

X

I just picked up a Dakine Messenger bag... it is pretty sweet.. has botha shoulder strap and a waist strap to keep it secure... has a seperate pocket for a laptop, a cell phone, and all the other crap I can haul around

Jeff

if you go on timbuk2's website you can build your own bag. pick whatever colors you want, but most importantly for you, you can get the strap put on the other way.

I thought the bags were all symmetrical so it wouldn't matter which side the strap was on?

people already think we're tools. we ride bikes in traffic. HA! I finally stuck a crow bar in my wallet and ordered a custom El Ocho from Timbuck2. Orange, Red and Black. i got tired of not being able to get into my backpack easly to get out sunglasses, pager, phone or whatever. At least i'll think i'm cool.
Creepin up on ya,
Creep dog

f$#k a bunch of TB2...They are made overseas now. They will still front the made in american aspect, but they are not. Their bags are on the bottom of the food chain as far as courier bags go. People will say that their bag has lasted for ever and blah blah blah, but how many plastic buckles have they replaced. How cracked and shotty is the liner?

Sorry for the rant, but if you want to see a nice courier bag. Head to reloadbags.com

if i wanna see reload bags i can ride my bike to the headquarters

I've had my reload for over a year now. I actualy called Ellie (one of the two at reload - Roland made my bag) today to order a shoulder pad, my books are getting heavy on my 12 mile each way commute. I had to pay top dollar for this bag ($160) - but it is top quality. I've ridden in all conditions - taken it to 6 countries - and several continental non-bike trips. It shows no wear. I wish all my bike stuff was built like it.

I have two of their bags. I love them. I used one for 5 yrs as a courier and now use my new one for commuting to work. Roland and Ellie rule. I miss seing ellie, since she is a west coaster now, but I see roland when I go back to the city.

Good news, I can ride 2-3x longer with the messenger bag before my right hand goes numb. Sweet...

Now to hold off on actual medical treatment for yet another year lol

Posted by prevail24 - 02-10-04 at 10:38 PM
f$#k a bunch of TB2...They are made overseas now. They will still front the made in american aspect, but they are not. Their bags are on the bottom of the food chain as far as courier bags go. People will say that their bag has lasted for ever and blah blah blah, but how many plastic buckles have they replaced. How cracked and shotty is the liner?

Sorry for the rant, but if you want to see a nice courier bag. Head to reloadbags.com
________________________
i read where they are making some of their bags overseas but they still make there custom bags in SF. I ordered mine, they made it and shipped it the next day from SF. I cost a lot less than most of the other good bags out there.

my company has moved a lot of jobs to China. I had to train my own Chinese replacement and then find a new job in the company. i was not to happy about it but that's business.

Dont want to be rude, but...dude the comment in reference to your job, "that is just business" made my skin crawl!
If you were wondering, here is a price break down of a TB2 vs. a RELoad bag (another good bag company). You will find that the reload is $3 cheaper with the same accessories. You may have to wait longer for a RELoad, but it is better bag with more choices. The TB2 is shipped quickly, but it screams get in line and obey.
Dee dog 23" top W x 12.75" H x8.5 D x 16.5 bottom W $85
Cell holder $15
Center Divider $10
Plastic Buckles (they break in the cold NE)
2 material choices
16 DW liners (leaks)
16 color choices
1 Trim Choice
1 Velcro Choice
Zippers break. And zippers rust.
2-5 work days to be built and shipped
Broken Website that would not let me finish my order
Generic email saying that your order was placed. Lifetime warranty
No real shipping cost break down
Not 100% made in America
Total cost $110 without shipping

Reload Civilian 13"hx18"Wx6"D $80
Cell holder 12$
Center Divider 15$
Metal buckles (they get cold but never break)
2 material choices
18 DW liners (keeps stuff totally dry)
21 different colors
6 liner colors
8 trim colors
9 Velcro colors
Personal Email back that confirms the order
3-4 week wait time
No real shipping cost break down
Totally 100% made in the USA
Total cost without shipping $107

prevail24,
my comment made you skin crawl. really? dude, in case you missed it I nearly lost my f***in job to the chinese. get over it. this happens due to the fact that the american and european consumer want more goods at less cost. count up the things that you own that were made in the far east. You glossed over the fact the the bag was, in fact, made in the USA. a fact that was not lost on me before the purchase. if your a bag snob that's fine with me. just dont imply more in your post than that. would you rather that american companies refuse to stay competative and profitable and fold altogether?

back to riding,
CD

I did not mean to offend, and I am TOTALLYa bag snob, but the thought of more and more jobs being "lost" drives me nuts. Anyway, I totaly understand the economics of all this stuff (I teach it for godsakes!), and I am "guilty" of buying things from the fareast, I was just trying to show you that not all other bags cost more.

I am thrilled another american is still working, and I hope for a solution to our current international economic mess someday.

Prevail24.
OK Peace. I must say that i wish i would have seen your bag breakdown befoe i made my purchase. if i'm not happy with my bag i'll give reload a look.

now if it will just stop raining i will get back on my bike and my temperment will improve.

CD

dude as long as you are happy using it and still riding once in a while, I am THRILLED. If you ever need or want another bag...check out reload.

BTW...I hear austin is a rad bike city. One of my friends owns a bike company down there(http://www.terribleone.com), and he always talks about how rad it is.