Commuting - Timbuk2 bags for commuting

Does anyone out there use the messenger bag for commuting? How does it work versus a pannier. I would just be carrying a change of clothes and some lunch. I don't like to use a backpack. I commute 40 miles round trip and sometimes I want to use my road bike for which I don't have a rack.

Thanks!

I use the laptop version with the padded laptop compartment. I find it very fine for a 20mi RT commute. I can't think that double would be a problem. I too put lunch and change of clothes in it and 50% the laptop. It has lots of extra mini compartments and pockets that are great for office needs too.

I choose it over a backpack as I needed something that worked/looked like a briefcase for around the office.

It comes with a waist stabilization strap, but I like the chest stabilization better. I wrote to Timbuk2 and they gladly sent me the strap attachment and an extra strap for chest stabilization. I now use both so the bag stays tight on me for hops, etc. with zero shifting.

Al

I have the large (23 inch) bag, and it easily accomodates a change of clothes and still has room for plenty more. You can really load them up. Sits on the back pretty good, though I haven't done a 20 mile ride with it on. Works well so far.

If you get one, make sure to get yourself the pad for the strap too.

If you don't like using a backpack, I'm not sure a messenger bag is a good option. I use one for a 6 mile RT commute, but even on that short ride it's uncomfortable if heavily loaded, and sweaty in hot weather. I use it 'cause it's more convenient than panniers off the bike, but in general I'm in favor of letting my bike carry the load, and not my back.

A cross strap is essential for keeping a messinger bag from shifting while riding. The Timbuk2s and most other brands have this feature.

I don't use panniers because I use all my bikes for commuting depending on the weather. Only one has a rack and I don't have any panniers. My commute's only 10 mi round trip but I think it's just fine with a shoulder bag.

I can't speak to the Timbuk2 as I have a Bailey Works bag (gotta support us New Englanders dontcha know) but I do know that the straps are one of the most important part of any bag. In that department I'm not really impressed with T2. Sure, they've gotta a padded sleeve on some of their straps, but they don't have the nice split strap system and I like Bailey's padding design better.

Having said that, a change of clothes and lunch ain't much to carry, so it's not really a big deal one way or the other I suppose.

btw, I've taken mine on a 65 mi ride before without any problems.

From what i hear, the new Timbuk2 bags aren't made nearly as well as they used to be.
Try www.chromebags.com
I love my bright orange/black Citizen. :)

A month ago, I rode from Madison WI to Milwaukee (90 mile trip) with a Timbuk2 messenger bag loaded with a change of clothes of other supplies, and I was not uncomfortable at all. For bonus, it was on a hybrid bike with front shocks.

I have the large (23 inch) bag, and it easily accomodates a change of clothes and still has room for plenty more. You can really load them up. Sits on the back pretty good, though I haven't done a 20 mile ride with it on. Works well so far.

If you get one, make sure to get yourself the pad for the strap too.

I have a medium and it fits a change of clothes for me. I thought about getting the pad and a holster for my cellphone and mp3 player. Does the pad really help?

The pad made a significant difference for me.

gotta support us New Englanders dontcha know
Or get a Crumpler Bag and support the Aussies. Best source for the price that I've found:

http://www.bagselect.com/search_4.cfm?product_type=Messengers&CFID=1403073&CFTOKEN=59d3a43babb52c0-68684BBB-2BFC-CB4E-4C987B86263A027C&finishlimit=true&manulimit=true&manufacturer=Crumpler

Crumpler's got a really cool web site, too: http://www.crumplerbags.com/home.php

I'll put my $0.02 in for the RELoad bag. Just got a courier model from them, and I love it. It is comfortable, sits well, fits a bunch. Be sure to get a shoulder strap pad too.

www.reloadbags.com

I'm partial to panniers. I borrowed a large Timbuk2 laptop bag from a friend yesterday, and I did not have much in it (clothes, pump, wallet, waterbottle) and it was very heavy and cumbersome. I can't imagine it with a laptop, too. I'm 5'6" and 130lbs, so if you're bigger you may not have the same problem. My commute is 12 miles each way (bike 12 miles in am, metro in pm). After about 4 miles, I was uncomfortable.

My winter commuting bike is a folder, and I don't currently have a rack and panniers on it. The rack would have to be a seatpost rack, and the panniers would need to be portable on the Metro--have a shoulder strap or something. I'm in the process of figuring out a workable solution. The Arkel Bug is an option--pannier while on the bike, backpack while on the Metro (bike folded). Not cheap, though. If I wait long enough, it will be light enough in the evenings to ride home. Then the point will be moot--I'll switch back to my Jamis Coda with it's rack and panniers and ride both ways.

I have a medium and it fits a change of clothes for me. I thought about getting the pad and a holster for my cellphone and mp3 player. Does the pad really help?
I could not imagine using such a bad with no shoulder pad. Mine came with one, but they can be had for $10.
Al

Does anyone out there use the messenger bag for commuting? How does it work versus a pannier. I would just be carrying a change of clothes and some lunch. I don't like to use a backpack. I commute 40 miles round trip and sometimes I want to use my road bike for which I don't have a rack.

Thanks!

If you're riding 40 miles round trip I would personally use a rack/panniers. A messenger bag is uncomfortable (IMHO). I personally prefer a backpack, you can get the Deuter pack that has ventilation for your back.

They do make really nice and expensive messenger bags (like Chrome and Bailey, i think) that have buckles to keep the messenger bag from sliding around back and forth, but if you don't like backpacks I doubt if you'll like messenger bags.

Go for a rack, but remember that panniers cost more than a good messenger bag or backpack.

Use what you like. I personally like to use both panniers and a Chrome bag. I like the way the super padded shoulder strap holds my cell phone and i feel more secure wearing a bag of clothing on my back. Also the seatbelt adjustment on the chrome pulls it nice and tight conforming the bag to the shape of my back, rather than hanging and bouncing around.
I hardly know its there.

You know it's funny. I feel the same way about my bag. It's like armor or something. Without it I feel much more vulnerable. Before I wore a helmet I used to feel the same about wearing a ball cap. If I went out w/o my trusty Bruins hat my head felt at-risk. (That was actually one of the reasons I decided to wear a helmet. I figured if the psychological protection was really that important to me than I should get on board with some physical protection.)

You know it's funny. I feel the same way about my bag. It's like armor or something. Without it I feel much more vulnerable. Before I wore a helmet I used to feel the same about wearing a ball cap. If I went out w/o my trusty Bruins hat my head felt at-risk. (That was actually one of the reasons I decided to wear a helmet. I figured if the psychological protection was really that important to me than I should get on board with some physical protection.)

haha, yup. I know exactly what you mean... that's why i posted this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=80258) not long ago...

I have a medium and it fits a change of clothes for me. I thought about getting the pad and a holster for my cellphone and mp3 player. Does the pad really help?


yeah, for me it helped. When loaded down, that strap was cuttin right into me neck/shoulder area, so I went to the store and picked one up for 10 bucks.

[QUOTE=randya]Or get a Crumpler Bag and support the Aussies. Best source for the price that I've found:

http://www.bagselect.com/search_4.cfm?product_type=Messengers&CFID=1403073&CFTOKEN=59d3a43babb52c0-68684BBB-2BFC-CB4E-4C987B86263A027C&finishlimit=true&manulimit=true&manufacturer=Crumpler

]

please NEVER EVER buy from bagselect.com. in fact, don't ever buy anything from ste 100, 2107 forest ave in chico, ca. check out their user ratings, BBB feedback, etc.

i highly recommend the crumpler tho. stabiliser strap included on most models.

i use the crumpler seedy three last week i put my juicer in and rode 13 miles with it and had no problems i love it heres a link from were i ordered it from the guy who owens this place is super cool


http://www.criticalmasscyclery.com/bin/category.asp?category=19

Or get a Crumpler Bag and support the Aussies. Best source for the price that I've found:


Support the Aussies? Crumpler hasn't been made down under for awhile now. Unless down under is also Vietnam where they are all made now. It's nice that they're helping to bolster the asian economy by supporting the sweatshops but it aint an aussie thing no more.

Plus they quit using the heavy duty materials whish is even more wrong even if you don't mind the misrepresented aussie product thing. They make they're bags out of a material they proudly label "Chickentex" (no joke) which is polyester based not nylon, much cheaper, not as tough, only water resistant (they took "waterproof" off the label) and why I switched...polyester holds a scent something awful next to nylon and your bag gets sweaty where it's on your back..fail to wash it and one day you'll be riding/walking along...wondering what stinks..and it's you, or rather your bag! Then it's too late, a wash only keeps it back temporary like.
Search the SS/Fixie forum for info on messenger bags, find one of the cool makers.

Support the Aussies? Crumpler hasn't been made down under for awhile now. Unless down under is also Vietnam where they are all made now. It's nice that they're helping to bolster the asian economy by supporting the sweatshops but it aint an aussie thing no more.
I think Timbuk2 has also gone the asian manufacturing route these days...

I prefer a Sling Pack, doesn't seem to shift around as much.
http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/30059620/Images/bp703_lpuprle_front.jpg
Only problem is space limitation but I can usually get a change of clothes, my lunch and a couple cans of soda in without problems.

In crappier weather I still use my backpack for the additional capacity

why is one strap always prefered to two?

Less aerodynamic drag.

Less aerodynamic drag.
Hahaha.. good one :rolleyes:

For me it's because it's more convenient to get into the bag.

I think Timbuk2 has also gone the asian manufacturing route these days...

Actually, on their website they say that the computer bags are mad in China, but the messenger bags are still made in SF.

I have a bladder pack, (vaude) and a courier bag, and I use what I feel like. Both have their pluses and minuses. The big plus of the messenger bags is how much stuff I can put in it from the store, even with my commuting stuff.

why is one strap always prefered to two?
Its not, but one strap bags offer two advantages to me:
1. I can swing my bag to my side and get stuff in/out with two hands free and weight supported on shoulder. I think/guess this is why they became popular with messengers.
2. It looks and handles like a briefcase in the office and when traveling by air for business which I also do

The trade off can be misbalanced loading of shoulders, not something that you notice, but something that could have long term effects on balance of muscles in body. But this is no different a problem than folks having a stronger left or right arm depending on their handedness.

I really don't think there is an aero advantage of one strap.

Al

I think Timbuk2 has also gone the asian manufacturing route these days...

From the official website:

We still make our Classic Messenger Bags and our new Graphic Messenger Bags right here in San Francisco, with a team of 25+ hardworking cutters and sewers. Over the years, we have fine-tuned our messenger bag production line to make it as efficient as possible, while producing the highest-quality messenger bags available. Through a diligent process of continuous improvement, we have resisted the economic pressures to close our factory and move everything to low-cost manufacturing centers outside the United States. As you may be aware, even Levi's closed its last San Francisco factory in 2002, ending a 150-year tradition of local manufacturing. You might think a big company like Levi's would maintain a small factory just for the marketing and PR bragging rights - but they apparently concluded even that was not a wise use of their marketing dollars. We are proud to maintain our manufacturing presence in San Francisco. In fact, the popularity of our new Graphic Messenger Bags has increased the activity in our San Francisco factory, and resulted in the addition of several new production sewers.

This brings us to our Laptop Bags. These bags are much more complex to build, and require substantially more labor, and a variety of very expensive machines we don't have here in our factory. Unfortunately, it is not practical for us to make these new products in our San Francisco factory - the labor cost alone would make the retail price absurdly high. We designed our new computer bags to provide the best possible features, quality, and value at reasonable price points - and we designed them right here in San Francisco. We specified all of the materials and construction details to assure they meet the superior quality standards our customers have come to expect; and, we researched a dozen factories in China before we found one we thought was up to the task. Our factory in China employs a team of hardworking craftspeople earning good wages and an honest living, just like our factory in San Francisco. We visit our China factory on a regular basis every 4 to 8 weeks, to ensure superior quality standards and acceptable working conditions.

So it would seem only the laptop bags are made in China, whether or not that has an impact on quality. For what it's worth, I have a Timbuk2 classic messenger, and beat the living crap out of it. The only signs of wear are: the ribbon that holds the key ring is getting frayed, and the once colorful exterior is approaching brown since I spray it with mud everyday and never clean it, other than dusting off the dried chunks of dirt but for all I know, the colors could still be returned to their former glory with a simple cleaning.

I don't use panniers because I use all my bikes for commuting depending on the weather. Only one has a rack and I don't have any panniers. My commute's only 10 mi round trip but I think it's just fine with a shoulder bag.

I can't speak to the Timbuk2 as I have a Bailey Works bag (gotta support us New Englanders dontcha know) but I do know that the straps are one of the most important part of any bag. In that department I'm not really impressed with T2. Sure, they've gotta a padded sleeve on some of their straps, but they don't have the nice split strap system and I like Bailey's padding design better.

Having said that, a change of clothes and lunch ain't much to carry, so it's not really a big deal one way or the other I suppose.

btw, I've taken mine on a 65 mi ride before without any problems.

Did you go 65 miles on a fixie? Where did you go?

A whole lot of nowhere. I was training for a century at the time so I rode up to the Minuteman trail, did that a couple times round trip, and rode home. My century buddy ended up dropping out when he figured out he needed to be training so I never did do it. :rolleyes:

Get a Jandd, the Iniki is a little bigger than the Timbuk 2 large. I have had both and think the Jandd is highly superior to the Timbuk 2. Get last years color and save yourself almost 40 bucks, use the money to get a cell phone pocket and ditty bag for the strap they come in handy. I know I've been all over every messenger bag thread lately touting them but they really are great and at a great price if you get a clearance one. The strap pad is plush to say the least.

I've used both a Timbuk2 and panniers. While others have spoken to the other kinds of messenger bags (and you can do a search in the Fixed forum for a slew of different manufacturers, where Timbuk2 has a bad rep), I'll speak to messenger bag vs. panniers.

In my experience, panniers win for longish commutes that don't require a lot of narrow streets. I got the messenger bag b/c I thought I would only take clothes and lunch. And then a book. And then some water. And then my repair tools, tubes, etc. It got heavy! And I came to hate the commute simply for the bag. When I switched to panniers, it was so much better. You don't have to get an expensive rack and pannier system to carry just clothes and lunch, but if you think you expand that list, you may want to think about. Oh, and for me, the pain wasn't carrying the stuff on my back, it was in my shoulders.

Thanks for all the advice and anecdotes. Maybe I will stay with the slow commuter and use my rack, 5 to 10 minutes isn't that much of time difference.

The Jandd does offer a very good price compared to the other bags, especially if you go the clearance route.

Happy Riding!

Get a Jandd, the Iniki is a little bigger than the Timbuk 2 large. I have had both and think the Jandd is highly superior to the Timbuk 2. Get last years color and save yourself almost 40 bucks, use the money to get a cell phone pocket and ditty bag for the strap they come in handy. I know I've been all over every messenger bag thread lately touting them but they really are great and at a great price if you get a clearance one. The strap pad is plush to say the least.
Do the Jandd bags have a cross-strap, and are they reversible (i.e. can wear on either shoulder, using cross strap)?

Good web link to most messenger bag manufacturers:

http://www.messengers.org/resources/bags.html

Do the Jandd bags have a cross-strap, and are they reversible (i.e. can wear on either shoulder, using cross strap)?

Yes it has a cross strap and yes it is adjustable. It has the loops on both sides for a crossstrap and the main strap is easily unthreaded and reversed.

The main strap is sewn on, if you want to switch shoulders you must learn to use your cam adjustment buckle up on your shoulder, Iniki, Andrew and Beulah are produced left shoulder/right swing only. Also important to note is that those style of bag unlike other Jannd products are not made of nylon Cordura but rather a lighter polyester fabric which is one of many reasons they're so inexpensive. Polyester will hold a scent forever if it ever gets sweaty and you don't wash it in a timely manner. It's also nowhere near as tough abrasion resistance. These bags are ok for commuting and such but it's a "messenger style" bag.
If you need an actual messenger bag that can switch shoulders there is currrently only one producer:
Cocotte Bags (http://wwww.cocotte-equip.com/english.htm)

This is from the Jandd web site. There seems to be a contradiction on materials btwn. the text and the specs. Were the old-style bags made with the 1000 cordura?

The Andrew and Iniki are based on a traditional messenger bag design: simple, spacious (yet lightweight), and ultra-durable. The difference between the Andrew and Iniki is size. The bags are constructed of 600-denier polyester, laminated to a vinyl backing, and sewn to an additional layer of Supertex™ vinyl (the material from which whitewater rafts are made).

Andrew Specifications:
Volume: 1950 ci/32 ltr
Dimensions: 10.75 x 16 x 7.75 (in)
27.3 x 40.6 x 19.7 (cm)
Weight: 38.1 oz/1.08 kg
Material: Dupont 1000 Dinear Cordura®

Yeah it's cause of the formatting for the site. Almost all of their backpacks and such are Cordura which is why it sez that at the bottom of every product description, for instance the Gabriel is Cordura. These new bags aren't though. Jannd makes good backpacks.

Mine is cordura and I swear the thing is heavier duty than the Timbuk 2 I had. My model may have been a little older as I got it off Ebay.

I really enjoy the timbuk2 large messenger bag. It is a good bag. I have 2 of them.I sometimes carry up to 30 pounds of items in that bag for work and what not.
Most times I only commute 6 miles round trip but sometimes I commute up to 30 miles with it. It is a good bag. You can get a good one ebay new for about $50. And best of all it is made in the U.S. I tried racks and other packs but I still prefer my timbuk2. Have a good night.

I loathe backpacks. The sweat on my back really sucks in the winter when I go to get something out of it and I immediately freeze. If I load more than 10 pounds in one, my back hurts so bad, I'd have to call off the next day @ work. Then there's the balance factor, I find it much easier to balance without a bunch of crap on my shoulders. A messenger bag distributes the weight a lot better and is easier for me to balance with.

Currently, I'm using a Patagonia Critial Mass bag. It's not as big as I'd like, but I've strapped 3 gallon jugs of bleach to it, way over packed it, and it's taken more abuse than it's probably intended to. It's got a handy-dandy top zipper for quick access to things, side pockets for stashing things like a water bottle or a beer in. The best part, which I've yet to see in other bags, is a reflective patch that covers the entire width of the back -- it's huge. I've used this 7 days a week, 365 days a year for over a year. I've also packed 50 pounds of stuff in and on it before, try that with a backpack. Oh yeah, I also transported a disassembled BMX bike on and in it before.

I firmly beleive that the models on all the bag sites are midgets. I'm 6'0" 240 pounds, and I've still yet to find a bag that's as big as I'd like. Even the Chrome Kremlin is a bit smaller than I like. When I see a well made 4000 cubic inch bag, I'll be all about it, but till then, I'll stick with the Patagonia.

If you need an actual messenger bag that can switch shoulders there is currrently only one producer: Cocotte Bags (http://wwww.cocotte-equip.com/english.htm)
So how do you get one of these??? Mfg. doesn't sell retail and the only retailers listed are in Quebec...

If you need an actual messenger bag that can switch shoulders there is currrently only one producer:
Cocotte Bags (http://wwww.cocotte-equip.com/english.htm)

Nice bags. I've almost decided on the Arkel Bug, but I'll consider Cocotte if I can find out how to get one. Quebec must be the place for good bags--Arkels are made there, too. Sounds like a good excuse for a ski trip up there...

If you need an actual messenger bag that can switch shoulders there is currrently only one producer:
Cocotte Bags (http://wwww.cocotte-equip.com/english.htm)

Not true. Bailey's straps are only threaded on to some attached buckles. Unthread and reverse and now you've got a southpaw bag. Rock on.

Yeah it's cause of the formatting for the site. Almost all of their backpacks and such are Cordura which is why it sez that at the bottom of every product description, for instance the Gabriel is Cordura. These new bags aren't though. Jannd makes good backpacks.



I actually e-mailed JannD about this today and this was their reply:




>I notice a discrepancy in the information of the Hurricane Andrew series of Messenger bags.
>
>Are they made from 600-Denier Polyester or 1000 Dinear Cordura, and should this be made clearer,
>or is it just confusing me? :)

The newer series is upgraded. 1000d is better. The web page is just behind..

So it looks like the Huricane series are 1000d Cordura afterall.



Vincent

When I see a well made 4000 cubic inch bag, I'll be all about it, but till then, I'll stick with the Patagonia.

It's 3900 cubic inch, but maybe that's close enough for you:

http://www.pacdesigns.com/oversize.htm

Something that no one is mentioned, I think, is that the timbuk2 bag is considered pretty cool right now. I see a lot of pretty hot babes with them around my campus. So, if the cool factor enters your thinking, definitely go with the fast bike and timbuk2 bag. Then you will be a cool daddy-o and no mistake.

They've been trendy for quite some time. To some of us, the cool factor does not matter. To some of us, having what other people don't yet have is cool. Decide for yourself.