Commuting - Chrome vs Timbuk2

I'm considering getting my first real messenger bag for school and for commuting after college. I plan on using this thing all the time for years to come. What I would like to know is your opinions on each bag. I'll probably be getting the medium or large size of whichever i choose. I would like know which one feels better on your back, durability, stability on your back. Just the general stuff. I was leaning towards Chrome but the shape of the timbuk2's looks like it would be more stable and fit your back better.

Dunno I like my Specialized messenger bag but that's me.

You might want to go take a look at http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=50375

Chrome is way better IMO. I've tried both.

You might want to go take a look at http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=50375

Chrome is way better IMO. I've tried both.

Thank you. I'm going to talk to the guy in my lit class about his timbuk2 but I was leaning towards Chrome anyway.

You're welcome. I've had a lot more fail on the Timbuktu, but so far the Chrome is treating me well. I haven't had the Chrome too long, but just looking at it, I am sure it will last longer.

To think I have actualy promoted Timbuktoo makes me really wonder about my knowledge...

I would like to throw my support behind Chrome as well after having just waffled back and forth on this same issue. After reading everything here and then hitting my LBS to check out both products in person, I just felt more confident about the Chrome's construction and how it fit me. I have to say even after expecting a fair amount from the bag I am still amazed through my first two weeks of commuting how well it hugs my back and the amount of stuff I can fit in it.

That reminds me, in terms of size I went with the metropolis and was slightly fearful it would be much too large, but I think it is a great size for commuting and certainly is not ungainly and I make use of every last inch of it. Only caveat I'll offer is that I am 6'1" so if you are a somewhat vertically challenged individual it might be more of an issue. Hope this was helpful and good luck on your purchase.

Riley

I also have a Chrome Metropolis, but have yet to make a bike commute. I previously had a backpack made by Eastpak, that was made to carry a laptop. I have a laptop with a 17" lcd, and it was a tight fit in the Eastpak. The Metropolis swallows that and still has room for seconds! I really love this bag over my backpack. It seems much more comfortable, and it looks a whole lot cooler too.

Commuters, what has been your experience with the Chrome bags and sweat on your back? Does it create a large sweat spot? I just got my first 'real' bike, and hope to begin commuting 1-3 days a week, about 6 miles each way. I do not have a 'technical' shirt (one that helps evaporate sweat quickly) yet, and will be releying on the old standard white undershirt. I don't mean to thread-jack, but just want to know how the Chrome bag treats your backside!

hey 2rodies - is you 2 people or whadd??
if you are gonna shell out for a good bag. please get a bag made by messengers. you get the real stuff .. and you support someone, that is not spending half of what you pay, on ads, and gadgets in stores etc..
i have won 5 timbuk2s in mess. races, and a chrome(thank you sponsors)..but i will still direct you to reload, push the envelope, pac, or the good people at :under the weather..all of which make solid bags that nobody in your area has seen before.. /m

frankly, you should get a backpack, not a messenger bag. the chrome website lists some. a messenger bag is for couriers who are constantly taking their bags on and off, and thus the shoulder strap. if your commute is of any length at all then you want a bag that distributes the load equally on your back and shoulders: that's a backpack. let messengers get messenger bags. you're not a messenger, you dont' get paid to abuse your body so that you can deliver packages. you're a commuter, so treat your body to something less strenuous.

i use a MEC bookbag, i'm sure your local REI/outdoors store has similarly good bags.

sd

hey 2rodies - is you 2 people or whadd??
if you are gonna shell out for a good bag. please get a bag made by messengers. you get the real stuff .. and you support someone, that is not spending half of what you pay, on ads, and gadgets in stores etc..
i have won 5 timbuk2s in mess. races, and a chrome(thank you sponsors)..but i will still direct you to reload, push the envelope, pac, or the good people at :under the weather..all of which make solid bags that nobody in your area has seen before.. /m
I'll check those out. Thanks for the input

I think the Chrome bags are too heavy. The Timbuk2 bags seem pretty nice, but they have no outside pockets. I need pockets for keys, cardkeys, watch, wallet etc. I use panniers and stuff a cheapo messenger bag into one of the panniers. I just don't like the look of taking a backpack to work. My messenger bag looks a bit more business like.

Manhattan Portage also makes nice messenger bags if you want to go that direction. Ebags sells them. They are basically the same as Manhattan Portage (Timbuk2 copied them) but I think they have more pockets.

Jandd and Ortleib also make messenger bags. I use a Timbuk2, and I like it fine. I don't like to load up too much w/ books and other heavy crap, though. Shoulder bags just don't have the balance and support for that, so I usually carry my lunch, rain and emergency bike gear, and maybe some paperwork, plus misc stuff like phone, sunscreen, etc. and it's plenty heavy...but it's sweaty on your back in hot or humid weather, and a cross-strap of some type is essential to keep the bag from shifting...I'd either go with a backpack or panniers for heavier loads like lots of books... :)

I'll only be taking maybe two textbooks to class at a time and any other time I'll use it I'll be carrying misc. stuff.

I have had great success with my Timbuktu for the past few years, and when it is not on a bike I use as my laptop case ad a general carry around bag. I have not had any problems with it as yet.

Go Chrome. It's a great bag and great small company.

http://www.baileyworks.com/

Everyone I know swears by them. I don't know if it's just a New England thing or what, but they are really popular in the Boston area.

if you must have a messenger bag go with the pac designs brand and have the x-strap option put on the bag.

if you don't need to carry your laundry or get groceries with the bag, buy the chrome backbone.


(you will carry that heavy load someday... without two straps it will be awful.)

I've basically decided on Timbuk2. What I'm now wondering is about its pockets. I've heard about a stash pocket in the chrome bags. Is there something similar to it in Timbuk's bags? Also, I've read that one or the other has poor outside pockets. I dont remember which one it was said about.

anyone know of any good cheap (like $60 or less) backpacks?

www.campmor.com

I've basically decided on Timbuk2. What I'm now wondering is about its pockets. I've heard about a stash pocket in the chrome bags. Is there something similar to it in Timbuk's bags? Also, I've read that one or the other has poor outside pockets. I dont remember which one it was said about.

The Timbuk2 doesn't have outside pockets. It has some inside pockets, but they aren't really good for much of anything. They don't have the stash pocket. The liner is also thinner. There is no padding on the strap, and it doesn't fit as well on your back. The stitching and fabric on the chrome are also better.

I've had two Timbuk2s and I won't have another. I'm only a couple of months into my chrome, but I think it's going to be with me for a long time...

And it holds more beer.

I've got a Timbuk2 bag, had it for about 7 years now. I don't wear it as a bag on my back, I strap it onto my back rack with bungee cords. It's a great bag. There's a pocket and zipper in front that I put my keys and wallet in. It's a medium sized one, big enough to take a change of clothes and my lunch. It's held up pretty well, and has rubber on the inside to keep the rain out (or in, depending on what you need it for.)

I dont' use it on my back cause it kept slipping around to the front. And i think those bags are built for guys, if you know what I mean.

If you are considering Timbuk2, I just received this 10% off coupon from them:
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Choose your own colors at www.timbuk2.com, and you'll have a new custom bag in days!

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Enter the following promotion code on the checkout screen and get 10% off your order:

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Act soon. Offer expires at mid-night September 6th.

Feel free to forward this offer to your friends.

Thanks for shopping Timbuk2.com, and good luck in school!

Darn, that sounds an awful lot like...a shameless promotion! :eek: ;) :D

I hate my timbuk2 bag. One of the first times I rode with it, the crimper that holds the main strap failed under the load of two bottles of wine. What really aggravates me is that the inner pockets are on the outside of the bag and always collapse if there is anything heavy in them. I like pockets as there are a lot of things I keep in my bag for specific occasions, i.e. lights, glasses, change, etc. The bag seems well made and waterproof, but the pockets seem to be a major design problem. I'm going to look around and sell my timbuk2. One guys opinion.

Who wouldn't fail after 2 bottles of wine?

I just got a Soma Folsom messenger bag from Nashbar... link here. (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=66&subcategory=1237&brand=&sku=13171&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=)

I HAVE to have a messenger bag, backpacks are much more sweaty for me, to the point where it's a disaster in the summer. I would prefer better weight distribution, but I can deal with what I've got - not with the massive sweat mark that made me switch after years of using backpacks. I might try to rig it to my Voyageurs rack when it's not raining.

Panniers would be great, but inconvenient for carrying. I'm going to be in school full time and working full time next year, and I really don't want to carrying panniers around.

I've got two Timbuk2 messenger bags - a medium and a large - and I like them a lot. I haven't used a Chrome bag but I've heard really good things about them. If you go with Timbuk2 get the large not the medium. You'll be glad you did. The reason that I have two is because I started with a medium and then sized up to the large because I wanted more room. I'd also recommend going the "custom" route and ordering your bag from the website. This way, not only can you pick your own colors, you can add the center divider pocket, which I don't think comes in any of the stock bags. It's worth the extra $10 (or however much it was). The large bag has plenty of pockets on the inside for separating your stuff, especially if you add the center divider.

I'm considering getting my first real messenger bag for school and for commuting after college. I plan on using this thing all the time for years to come. What I would like to know is your opinions on each bag. I'll probably be getting the medium or large size of whichever i choose. I would like know which one feels better on your back, durability, stability on your back. Just the general stuff. I was leaning towards Chrome but the shape of the timbuk2's looks like it would be more stable and fit your back better.


first choice - http://www.pacdesigns.com/oversize.htm

2nd choice - chrome

3rd choice - timbuk2

i'd recommend Pac Designs (http://www.pacdesigns.com). many messenger bags, incl timbuk2 and chrome have a tendency to 'flatten' out on your back when you put oversized items into it, due to the positioning of the straps at the ends of the bag. the Pac Design bag is designed to curve around your body, and it never feels weird with any sized items in it. one of my friends bought the Pac bag, and i tried it and i've been riding for years with a timbuk2, and it was like heaven. the Pac unfortunately is significantly pricier than most messenger bags but if u have the money u won't be disappointed. it doesn't really have a lot of the 'flash' of the chrome or timbuk2s but it's a solidly constructed, extremely practical bag.

aloha,
matt

first choice - http://www.pacdesigns.com/oversize.htm

2nd choice - chrome

3rd choice - timbuk2

I looked at the Pac Designs bags before I bought my second Timbuk2. They look REALLY nice! But at roughly three times the price of the Timbuk2 there was just no damn way!

I've never used a Chrome, but after riding fall, winter, and spring I have no complaints about my timbuk2. My strap has never slipped. It fits well. I do get a sweaty back, but I don't think that can be avoided.

to everyone who b!tches about heavy loads and messenger bags...

have you ever tired it??? i loaded all my usual crap in my bag this morning then strapped my mountainbikes back wheel to the outside and rode in just like i noramlly do.

15 miles, no discomfort. in fact, i never even noticed the extra weight of the wheel....

messenger bags can carry tons of *****, comfortably, over longer distances, if you have a good one and set it up on your back properly.

mines a crumpler (they are good too) though if i had to do it again i'd get an RELoad i didn't know there was a local bag maker to support at the time.

I use a Timbuk2 'Commute' messenger style bag. It is really more like a soft briefcase than a classic messenger bag design. It has a padded laptop compartment and lots of internal and external pockets - perfect for keys, pens, business cards, folder files, checkbook, sunglasses, electronic accessories and lots more.

I bought and use it for the reason it is like a briefcase which works for work much better than a backpack would - especially days I fly or travel/walk to meetings, etc.

It works great with zero discomfort for taking my laptop to/from work as well for a 9mi ride each way - I know somewhat longer would be OK as well. The strap is padded and I use a x-strap as well for stability.

No reliabilty or wear issues after over one year and 3500 miles on my back.

Al

It's a tie. I could go for both. I just like my Timbuk 2s because they have cool designs. But I wouldn't turn either down if someone gave me one.

Koffee

Hint!!!

I've had a Timbuk2 for several months now, and I've been happy with it. It's the laptop messenger bag. I've noticed that the keys to riding comfortably with it are to 1) properly place it on the back (make sure it's horizontal) and 2) adjust the strap that goes around your waist so it's comfortably cinched in. I've ridden with it loose, and the bag will tend to work its way off to one side and generally feel heavier. I also purchased the extra $10 pad for the shoulder strap. I rode home in the rain with it for the first time last week, and it kept everything perfectly dry.

I have a chrome metropolis. I love it & have never been dissapointed in it. My only problem with it is that I'll sometimes find I accidentally overpack, because it's so damn big & I can fit so much stuff in it.

2) adjust the strap that goes around your waist so it's comfortably cinched in. I've ridden with it loose, and the bag will tend to work its way off to one side and generally feel heavier. .
I called tb2 and asked for a x-strap attachment. They sent me the attachment and an extra strap. I then used the x-strap instead of the waist for a while and it was better. Then I tried using both and no matter what I do (bunny hop, etc.) or how the bag is loaded the bad doesn't move at all.

Al

chrome is definitely the most comfortable bag i've ever worn. i tried the messenger style backpacks but they just weren't comfortable. timbuk2 is a good bag but not great. after awhile of riding it got really uncomfortable. also, after a lot of stress is put on the strap retainer it tends to slip. i had to use duck tape to make sure it'd stay tight. the chrome metropolis is so comfortable i cant beleive it. ra ra ra

I'm in the same position as the topic starter, on the one hand Chrome messenger backpack seems nice, but on the other 150USD is a little high...Timbuk2 has some nice stuff too....Anyone have any suggestions for a company that makes both messengers and backpacks? As I'm not sure

Elvish

I've used my timbuk2 for over a year now, holding upwards of 80lbs in it with no issues aside from the strap doing a good number on my neck/chest.

Timbuk2's greatest issue is their strap being stright up, and not at an angle...this causes all kinds of ergonomic issues. I found the strap adjustment clutch to be stong enough...key is to adjust it while there is little tension on the main strap.

As far as pockets, mine has 4 inner pockets, and two outer, although those are hidden by hte flap. One of theouter is a zipper type.

Keep in mind Timbuk2's are mostly custom....you choose how you want it built, and pay accordingly.

Next time around I won't buy Timbuk2 though due to the ergonomic issues alone.

I'm in the same position as the topic starter, on the one hand Chrome messenger backpack seems nice, but on the other 150USD is a little high...Timbuk2 has some nice stuff too....Anyone have any suggestions for a company that makes both messengers and backpacks? As I'm not sure

Elvish
you're right, the price is high. but you pay for what you get at those prices. i will say that the timbuk2 promessenger backpack is more comfortable to me than thier messenger bag. if backpack is the way you want to go, go for the promessenger. its less expensive than the chrome messenger backpacks and it looks like they have the same production values. the chrome messenger is more comfortable than a backpack because of its ergonomic design. the ortlieb messenger pack is good but lacks teh pockets and other acoutrements. reload makes some good bags too. and they have backpacks. the thing with payinga lot for the bags is that they'll last and put up with some trashing and harsh conditions

Enter the Chrome Age. Chrome is much better. More comfy, more stable, longer lasting, the buckles never slip under the heaviest load, and don't forget MADE IN AMERICA. Plus they're used by fewer people, so you won't feel like a tool when you see some 37 year-old soccer mom wearing a timbuk2.
But the stash pocket? Kinda overrated when the bus comes and you're wondering where you put your money whilst at the beach.

Plus they're used by fewer people, so you won't feel like a tool when you see some 37 year-old soccer mom wearing a timbuk2.

Ouch! Good point.

Plus they're used by fewer people, so you won't feel like a tool when you see some 37 year-old soccer mom wearing a timbuk2.

To offer the opposing point of view as Quickbeam, why would I give a crap? (or perhaps he was being ironic) If you are so insecure that seeing someone else using the same bag as you makes you feel like a tool, you should probably be using a designer handbag or the like. My bag is utilitarian, not a fashion statement, so if anything, I make my bag feel like a tool, because it is one. If you're trying to be indy and unique, you can probably do better than Chrome anyway. Hell, I've heard of Chrome, how cool could it be?

You may have valid points about the quality of the construction, etc. I have not used a Chrome bag, and I won't say anything bad about them. For all I know, they are the best bags ever made. But choosing not to use a bag so as just to not be associated with the unwashed masses of soccer moms is pretty damn elitist.

funny you bring this up. i just bought a new bag last nite and two of the ones who mentioned where canidates for my new bag. i had a few others i was checking out as well.
i went to a store where i could try them on and put weights in them like i did my big hiking pack. then the choice was clear for me on which bag i wanted.
i wont' tell you which one i got, but it was one of the two mentioned. i like how it felt and it was easy to walk around with in the store and bike around the store.
the sales clerk kept directing me towards a mirror so i could see what i looked like with the bag on,,,silly boy. i don't need to see that!
i just want to know how it feels.
so maybe go try a few bag on with books in them!

you're right, the price is high. but you pay for what you get at those prices. i will say that the timbuk2 promessenger backpack is more comfortable to me than thier messenger bag. if backpack is the way you want to go, go for the promessenger. its less expensive than the chrome messenger backpacks and it looks like they have the same production values. the chrome messenger is more comfortable than a backpack because of its ergonomic design. the ortlieb messenger pack is good but lacks teh pockets and other acoutrements. reload makes some good bags too. and they have backpacks. the thing with payinga lot for the bags is that they'll last and put up with some trashing and harsh conditions


Timbuk2 makes backpacks?

back packs or panniers only. i've got a muscle in my back that's messed up because of one of those stupid messenger bags.

if you still wanna go f up yer back go right ahead.

oh, and i own a chrome kremlin.

Someone should just cobble together a Chrombuk2 and get it over with...