Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Chrome Bags vs. Bailey Works

Just ordered one (a Metropolis) and am kinda on the fence about that shiny seat belt buckle, for aesthetic reasons more than anything else. From everything I've heard and read, Chrome makes a great bag.

Anybody here have any comparison info between Chrome and Bailey Works?

Where are you in socal?

I'm a chrome fan. They hold up to my use, and I am a bit rough on things. The buckle is pretty cool once you get the hang of using it right. The material is durable, and the design functional. And I dig durable functional stuff. I don't know much about the Bailey though.

a messenger friend of mine has a chrome...he loves it and swears by it. Not sure if you're using it for messengering or just to have as an everyday bag, but his is BURLY...and huge too.

I'm in the South Bay. I'll be using the bag for commuting to and from work - about 30 miles RT.

They used to have black buckles, but they're sold out, it looks like. Give 'em a call and see if they have any kicking around.

I have a lock holster bag from Push the Envelope, which I like a lot.
http://www.pushtheenvelope.com. I'm making do with a cheap ass bag I got, but I think I'm going to have to either re-do the straps (the strap layout sucks) or shpring for a new bag, probably a Push as they're made here in Toronto.

Cam

I have two baileys, getting a third this summer. Wouldn't use anything else. They have a "burly" clip where the chrome have a seat belt buckle. Huge, UTTERLY waterproof, (as i found out yesterday), and in three years i haven't had a single problem with the bailey's i ride with and carry every day to school... the other is smaller and used for fishing tackle. All in all they're great bags, as I'm sure Chrome are too. But i just think chrome bags are ugly. Just a personal thing. The little logo reminds me of the third reich. Maybe it's an east coast/west coast thing....But i'd go with a Bailey.

Just ordered one (a Metropolis) and am kinda on the fence about that shiny seat belt buckle, for aesthetic reasons more than anything else. From everything I've heard and read, Chrome makes a great bag.

Anybody here have any comparison info between Chrome and Bailey Works?

I have a chrome that i use as a briefcase. LOVE IT. It's bulletproof, and you definitely won't another one like it...

Go with whoever's local.

For me, that's zo or chrome.

Love my Chrome bag. Considering picking up a Reload for when I am not commuting. You might PM 165, as he has one of each.

2 1/2 step approach to shiny buckle remedy.

1. Get steel wool or sandpaper. Apply to buckle to remove shine. If you think it looks like *ss, proceed to step 2.

2. Get black spray paint. Apply to buckle to remove *ss-ness. If you still don't like it, proceed to step 2 1/2.

2 1/2. Get a new bag, mail the Chrome bag to me. :D

I have a Bailey bag I got a few years ago, I would say my treatment of it has been very rough indeed. It has had many odd things stuffed in it, been through some pretty nasty new england weather and has saved alot of skin on my back from being spread across the pavement. I like this bag. But then again I am sure the other bags are great as well. I say support the local folks.

You need to get exotic. Get a Crumpler.

http://www.crumpler.com.au

Personally, I don't use my courier bag much. Actually I'm waiting for the flood of litigation from couriers that have spinal problems from carrying loads on one shoulder.

Should be a hoot.

I have two chrome bags, metropolis and kremlin, personally i think the logo is more evocative of communism than the third reich, but each to their own. They're hard wearing and come with a lifetime guarantee. I think OTS doesn't like the buckle, certainly on the larger bags there are occasions where it can dig in your ribs, but if you adjust your load you can usually sort it out. They are pretty common bags in Boston now. Oh and even if you don't think the seatbelt clip is cool, the ladies do.

I can't even figure out why people are down on the seltbelt clip... ? :rolleyes:

You need to get exotic. Get a Crumpler.

http://www.crumpler.com.au

Personally, I don't use my courier bag much. Actually I'm waiting for the flood of litigation from couriers that have spinal problems from carrying loads on one shoulder.

Should be a hoot.
You stir **** better than a tiller on a tractor.

I've wanted a Chrome or REload bag for a couple of years, but I can't justify the purchase. Problem is I have this old Timbuktu bag wit the upgraded liner, etc. that refuses to die. The thing has gone to hell and back on more than one occasion. Survived three years of downpours, been ran over by a car, used as a landing pad, and still asks for more. I bought this bag years before I knew my purchase would one day support money-grubbin'-capitalist-pig-sweat-shop-supporting-free-trade-anti-buy-american minions of the devil.

if you have large boobies (or are a woman) the buckle may be uncomfortable - or maybe its not the buckle but the large strap... anyway - i personally do not have large boobies but know of others that have had problems like this. i wouldnt mind having large boobies though.

it would make sense if they put the padded strap under the buckle too

I hate defending a purchase.. but the buckle.. It doesn't rub, molest or smash the chest at all.
I have an extremly concaved sternum. Almost makes it looks like I have no heart. Anyway, the buckle doesn't hit, hurt or anything on me.

i have a chrome, which i love.
my girlfriend has a baileyworks, which she loves (she got the 253 bag customized with the pro strap and buckle).

i think both are pretty awesome bags - good material, nice straps, waterproof...

i think a major difference is the shape of the bags. with the metropolis, it's wider than most courier bags but not as deep. the baileyworks is more square shaped...

metropolis:
____________________
|...................|
|...................|
|...................|
--------------------
baileyworks:
________________
|..............|
|..............|
|..............|
|..............|
----------------
-Dennis

ps my chrome holds a 30-pack no problemo.

I've wanted a Chrome or REload bag for a couple of years, but I can't justify the purchase. Problem is I have this old Timbuktu bag wit the upgraded liner, etc. that refuses to die. The thing has gone to hell and back on more than one occasion. Survived three years of downpours, been ran over by a car, used as a landing pad, and still asks for more. I bought this bag years before I knew my purchase would one day support money-grubbin'-capitalist-pig-sweat-shop-supporting-free-trade-anti-buy-american minions of the devil.

Is there a Timbuk2 issue I'm not aware of? Please enlighten. I'm curious.

i have the bailey 253 and i love it...riding or traveling it's super comfortable and you can pack enough rations to get through a nuclear winter not that you couldn't in a chrome but you know.

Is there a Timbuk2 issue I'm not aware of? Please enlighten. I'm curious.



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

Not sure any of it is true, I just liked this rant from a couple of months ago...

Just ordered one (a Metropolis) and am kinda on the fence about that shiny seat belt buckle, for aesthetic reasons more than anything else. From everything I've heard and read, Chrome makes a great bag.

Anybody here have any comparison info between Chrome and Bailey Works?

I'v used a Chrome Kremilin for messwork for over a year now, in rain, snow etc. Brilliant bag. Best there is, for the money IMHO. Pac's are nice, but way expensive

Is there a Timbuk2 issue I'm not aware of? Please enlighten. I'm curious.

Plastic buckles. They wear out in a year or so

Not sure any of it is true, I just liked this rant from a couple of months ago...
Here's the scoop. T2 seems pretty upfront about it, but as an owner of one of their bags, I have to say I'm disappointed in the decision.

Info from the T2 site (http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/about.t2)

Newsweek story (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4670533/)

Thanks, was curious about it. I've had two Timbuk2 bags for about 5 years now before the China factory it seems - my conscience is ticking.

I just think the timbuk2s are kind of cheesy. They're not especially waterproof, the hardware's fragile, and i freakin' -hate- the weird cam buckle thing.

I had one back when they were made locally and called 'scumbags', and i didn't like it back then either.

You need to get exotic. Get a Crumpler.

http://www.crumpler.com.au

Personally, I don't use my courier bag much. Actually I'm waiting for the flood of litigation from couriers that have spinal problems from carrying loads on one shoulder.

Should be a hoot.

Just goit a crumpler yesterday. Very nice features and very light weight compared to my other bag. I got this one for smaller loads around the city. So far, so good.

I personally love my TB2 bags but they are both over 5 years old. They were both hand made here (or at least I thought they were). Sad to hear the company has gone the way of big business, I actually respected them for a while. When and if these bags ever die I will go for a chrome.

Just goit a crumpler yesterday. Very nice features and very light weight compared to my other bag. I got this one for smaller loads around the city. So far, so good.

Yeah, they're pretty cool huh. They're actually just down the street froom me here in Melbourne. Apparently, next month their starting up their Custom Shop again so you can get custom designs and embroidery done. I'm eyeing off a burnt orange backpack with my customary Tassie Tiger stripes embroided down the back. Sweeeeet.

is this the same as the kremlin?
http://chromebags.com/kozmo.html

it's the same size.

chromes reply = You got it, the same patern cut only lacking the secret stash pocket; it has
a silver liner instead of pvc----no seatbelt buckle--we put a male-female
closure system which allows the same process for easy take off.

Thanks

Chrome



--------------------------------------ya'll think it's a good buy at only $60??-------------------------

is this the same as the kremlin?
http://chromebags.com/kozmo.html

it's the same size.

chromes reply = You got it, the same patern cut only lacking the secret stash pocket; it has
a silver liner instead of pvc----no seatbelt buckle--we put a male-female
closure system which allows the same process for easy take off.

Thanks

Chrome



--------------------------------------ya'll think it's a good buy at only $60??-------------------------


I know this isn't the politics forum but here goes anyways:

Vote nader? Are you unsane? You want W back in again? It is possible, you know. Why f**king vote for the pie in the sky guy, and believe me Nader IS pie in the sky, and we'll be shooting our f**king feet clear off, again. Nade may have some good ideas, but let's at least get this simpleton out of office before we worry about go for high ideals.

OK, I am through, for now.

I have tested a used Baileys for the past week or so...I like my Chrome best. Like a glove for me. The fit on the Chrome is better for me than any other bag out there.

mmmmm.... Prada...

http://www.girlytreasures.com/gt-store/prods/PRSMB.html

mmmmm.... Prada...



awsome. comes w/ dustbag too.
i used to have a pair of prada boots. sexiest boots i've ever seen. even on my smelly feet.

should i go with a crome kozmo or kremlin?

i used to have a pair of prada boots. sexiest boots i've ever seen.
Damn dude, I was kidding. Prada can blow me. :eek:

should i go with a crome kozmo or kremlin?

Kremilin. I'v had 16 bottles of wine and a dozen airmail envelopes in it at the same time.

Plastic buckles. They wear out in a year or so

Also: they claim to be able to handle a washing but the threading starting to come undone on mine as a result.

Damn dude, I was kidding. Prada can blow me. :eek:

i do of course realize you were kidding about the bag. i may be slow witted, but, well, cmon...

Also: they claim to be able to handle a washing but the threading starting to come undone on mine as a result.
Wrong way to wash a cycling bag used for urban commuting:
1. Put in laundry machine.
2. Watch "Everyone Loves Raymond" re-runs.
3. Take bag out of washing machine; place in dryer.
4. Use TiVo to replay Fox's "The Swan" while bag is drying
5. Take bag out of laundry machine and expect all to be well

Machines exert force on materials that is probably over the top. Whether or not the bags says "Machine Washable," I would personally avoid doing so.

[165] washing method:
1. Get lawn chair.
2. Place bag on pavement/cement.
3. Crack beer open.
4. Grab garden hose
5. Sit in chair, drinking beer, using water to spray bag clean (or as clean as possible).
6. Give finger to neighbor who gives you strange looks.
7. Fall asleep in chair (DO NOT SPILL BEER)
8. Wake up and turn off hose.
9. Hang bag off porch/in shower.

Hope this helps.

Question: Why would you want to wash your bag? I still have blood spots on my timbuk2 from my faceplant three years ago. You can still sort of see them... but they faded to the point where it didn't really seem important. Now, I have had a cat pee on another bag, and cat pee is probably the one smell that I cannot abide...

cat pee issues deserve a washing. I only wash mine when the salt builds up on the shoulder strap

']cat pee issues deserve a washing. I only wash mine when the salt builds up on the shoulder strap


To remove the smell of Cat Pee, use "Nature's Miracle", really. It will get that smell out, and the smell of skunk as well.

William "took an unwilling cat home in my bag once" Karstens

riderx - thanks for those timbuk2 articles. totally interesting.

if the bag's are good, and the workers are treated right?...what's the big deal?
I guess if its for American-pride than that's cool and all. But I'm all for international commerce. rock.

riderx - thanks for those timbuk2 articles. totally interesting.

if the bag's are good, and the workers are treated right?...what's the big deal?
I guess if its for American-pride than that's cool and all. But I'm all for international commerce. rock.I have no problem with international commerce (hell, I ride a pair of Surlys). What bothers me is that back when I bought my bag the "Made by local workers" part was one of their points of pride and a selling point. Now, it seems the investors aren't happy with a successful business making money, but must always continue to grow (I see nothing wrong with maintaining a consistent, profitable business) and the way to do this is farm things out. I *am* glad to hear they seem to be concerned with fair wages and good working conditions. But the article seems to indicate they have changed the company philosophy. I could go on, but don't really have the time. Just disappointed in the route they have chosen.

The articles both say that only the newer laptop bags and accessories are made abroad. The classic messenger and their older products are still made local. Thus you shouldn't have a problem, no?

The articles both say that only the newer laptop bags and accessories are made abroad. The classic messenger and their older products are still made local. Thus you shouldn't have a problem, no?I understand that, but still don't like it. In fact it highlights what I see as an issue: they can't make the laptop bags here profitably, so they go overseas. To that I say: Why make them then? The other products are making money, why move into an area where you now need to set up shop overseas? Why not focus on products you can do successfully here?

This quote from the Newsweek article spoke volumes to me:

Timbuk2's founder, onetime bike messenger Rob Honeycutt, did have rigid beliefs when it came to overseas labor. He regarded it skeptically, thinking it would give him less control over quality. In 2001, with Timbuk2's growth flagging, investors replaced him with Dwight, a Cisco marketing executive.

To remove the smell of Cat Pee, use "Nature's Miracle", really. It will get that smell out, and the smell of skunk as well.

William "took an unwilling cat home in my bag once" Karstens

the hell were ya doing forcing a cat in yer bag? reminds me of when i was two years old... i put this cat in a tool box and threw it in the kiddie pool... the cat was mean after that... i also remember pooing in the flower bed... but i was two... what the crap is yer excuse, man?! :D


oh..and yup.. i'm going with the kremlin.. all $130 of it... gotta start savin.