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Old 05-21-10 | 10:16 AM
  #30  
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JeremyZ
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 794
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From: Chicagoland

Bikes: 1997 Schwinn Searcher GS, 2007 Dahon Curve D3

I received the Tom Bihn Super Ego yesterday. It is really nice. Bigger than the pix on the website make it look. It is probably 20% bigger than my Eddie Bauer shoulder bag. I actually carried my Topeak MTX bag home inside it yesterday!

Mine looks just like this:

  • The zippers are splashproof
  • The carry handle is centered instead of being slapped in the back seam, so it balances well when carrying hand-held.
  • There are two options for stabilizing when carrying cross shoulder: waist strap, or the more typical stabilizer strap that comes under the off arm to plug into the main strap. (I got the padded Quick Release Messenger strap)
  • It has an unsecured back pocket that is perfect for documents
  • The main compartment is accessed through a top zipper, the compartment under the main flap is an accessory one, though still very big. It has organizer pockets and a freely rotating key tether clip.
  • The overall construction is superb. All the stitching is rugged and even.
  • The side pockets cinch down when not in use, to keep them out of the wind.
  • It is not as aerodynamic as a rack bag, due to all the straps, but very handy.
  • It is quite big enough to take grocery shopping
  • I will have no problem bringing a laptop, full change of clothes, and probably even shoes in this.
  • I wish the strap had some kind of high friction surface. It is impossible to carry this over one shoulder on a nylon jacket. It just slips right off. With this strap at least, one has to carry it cross-shoulder or by the handle. This is the messenger strap though, after all, I may order a standard strap just to see how that works out.
  • The extra strip was kind of a waste of money. I will probably never change it from the reflective one.
  • The reflective material is protected by a clear plastic layer, so it won't get rubbed off from time or abrasion. It is super-bright; we tested it with a flashlight last night. (some of the other bags recommended in this thread don't have reflective material on them)

I think I'm going to use this as my every day bag, and only put the Eddie Bauer back into service for business trips when I won't be riding. The Eddie Bauer has the smoothest zippers I've ever experienced, and a fold-out laptop sleeve for speedy airport scans.
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