the elite messengers would take the alleycats. The pros have the training, super light bikes with top notch parts, ect. but a good messenger should know the streets like the backof their hand. They should know the traffic and light patterns from various times of the day, what alleys and parking lots to use, and most of all know when to take risks. I think that in an urban jungle setting the messies would have more heart than a pro rider anyday. Riding in NYC or D.C. during rush hour is no strolling along a bike path or even riding the streets at night or during the weekend (when a majority of folks ride their bikes). Also pro events and events like the sanctioned mess events don't pose the dangers that messies face day in and day out on the job.

Feral
ex messenger D.C. '90-'96