Straws

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.

Raiyn

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

HereNT

You might want to go take a look at https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/50375-chrome-bags-vs-bailey-works.html

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

Straws

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

HereNT

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...

Riley

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

wogdog

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!

cphfxt

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

shaq-d

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

Straws

I'll check those out. Thanks for the input

bsyptak

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.

randya

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...

Straws

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.

phillybill

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.

The Wanderer

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

bobot

https://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.

Straws

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.

TeleJohn

www.campmor.com

HereNT

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.

coney

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.

bhchdh 

If you are considering Timbuk2, I just received this 10% off coupon from them:
Timbuk2 Messenger Bags are the must-have fashion item for the new school year.

Choose your own colors at www.timbuk2.com, and you'll have a new custom bag in days!

Timbuk2.com also has:
New Colors for Custom Messenger Bags
New Laptop Carrying Cases
iPod Accessories, and More!

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

pencil

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!

randya

Darn, that sounds an awful lot like...a shameless promotion!

mattista

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.

Roody

Who wouldn't fail after 2 bottles of wine?

Boogs

I just got a Soma Folsom messenger bag from Nashbar... link here.

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.