I have 2 Tkimbuk2's, their made well and take a beating. I also had a Bailyworks.......great bag, but I brought a size to large for my needs. If I need to carry alot of stuff.....like groceries, then I'll user a pannier.

To clear up the how many beers will the bag hold debate, check out this site.

http://velospace.org/6pc

I had a Bailey Works Pro and a Chrome Metropolis and sold the Bailey Works. Both are great quality materials and workmanship but I found the strap on the Chrome much more comfortable.

I've got a couple bags from Timbuk2(Med/Lrg),Baileyworks(Lrg),and Courierware(Sm). The T2's are nice for small to medium loads,have a great organizer,and can be gotten for reasonable off eBay. The Baileyworks has the best strap system out there,works great for big loads,and has many pockets. The Courierware has nice pockets,but they don't have any flaps/zippers,and they only have the one strap(main one,no second strap).

So,if you're going to carry smaller loads(lunch,couple books) Courierware and T2 are good. Bigger loads(change of clothes,tools) T2 or Bailey. Big loads(groceries) Bailey all the way.

chrome metropolis
 

Get the Chrome Metropolis. It seems kinda expensive at first and then you realize that after the bomb hits it will still be here and you wont. Just cochroaches and chromebags.

I think I'm the only one on all of BikeForums that has a Jannd Gabriel messenger bag. Jannd quality is great and they have lots of styles/sizes to choose from. If you go to their site they usually have a lot of bags on sale, 2nds, and discontinued colors. I like the waist belt on my Jannd because it's independent of the shoulder strap. Two of my friends have Timbuk2s and it just looks uncomfortable how the crossbody strap attaches to a slider on the shoulder strap.

+1

Reload are also worth checking out.

Im probably gonna go for one of them in the next few weeks. Apparently they are a bit deeper than the chrome. Or I may go a chrome.

But Ive got a few more weeks until the strap rips completely off my old bag.

This is whats in my chrome metropolis right now: 3 inch 3 ring binder filled w/paper, 100 index cards, 8 floppy disks, one of those organizer/planner thingies, multi tool, spoke wrench, chain tool, leatherman, patch kit, spare tube, pocket thesaurus, wallet, 2 pairs of socks, bandanna, bike gloves, rice crispy treat, 48 cents, pen, 2 sticks of deoderant, hair gel, and I still have room for my bike lock and a change of clothes, keys, smokes(ironic, i know), and 3 cans of soda. Hopefully this gives you an idea of what 2000 ci fits. Ive never said, "this bag is too big", it fits great, and holds everything.

+1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I listen to all of the people who have 2,3,or 4 different ones....the chrome owners have 1-the metropolis. Is this a coincidence? I'm not knocking any other messenger bag, since I havent tried any others, since there is absolutely no need to since I have my metro.

And Twinkies :D

You guys load the heck out of your bags. If I am going to carry that much crap I wear one of my hiking backpacks. I fight with what feels like a pinched nerve in my neck area, and heavy messenger bags really exacerbate the issue.

Probably from so many years of wearing heavy messenger bags :rolleyes:

So, what's a comparable backpack then?

PS - I owned an older Timbuk2 that was OK, and currently own a Chrome Citizen that rocks.

I tried on a Crumpler backpack a few weeks ago, it was huge, had a laptop slot, and was very comfortable. I bet other companies make them, too.

I actually wear an old early 90's Lowe Alpine hiking pack when I'm packing heavy. It works great. No laptop slot, tho, and it's a bit beat up.

Here's another idea for you:

Two weeks ago, I was coming home from the dentist, not on my bike but on public transit as the humidity was super-gross that day and the poor ol' dentist has a bad enough time putting his hands in folks mouths all day without having to smell my stinky ass too. I was to be hosting my non-profit group's meeting that night and as such had to pick up a cheap case of beer on the way home. I had my Metropolis on me as it's the only bag I own. Wouldn't you know it: I leave the grocery and get about two blocks down the road when the 30-pack just rips clear open and beer cans start rolling out all over the sidewalk.

All 30 cans fit into my Metropolis, along with the novel I was reading and some work papers, and with room to friggin' SPARE. I never would've gotten all those cans the remaining six blocks home without that miraculous bag.

I have a Timbuk2 Classic Messenger, I think it's a "large" size. Amazing bag. Big enough to hold a home theater reciever, and a few extra items inside of it. I've carried large paintings, multiple 6-packs of bottles, an entire thanksgiving day turkey, 5-disc DVD changer, and other crazy loads in it.

The bag is rather vanilla though as far as messenger bags go. It's tough as nails, and inexpensive, that's about it. Most other bag makers offer better comfort, ergonomics, etc....but at a price.

Chrome for BOMBPROOF COMFORT!!!
 

I second chrome bags!!!
h2o proof, super durable, and the padded "seatbelt" makes even the heaviest load feel like a bag o' pillows.
I got mine when Kozmo went out of business and threw them all in the dumpster, It's too large for a lot of trips, but I always have it close at hand for haulin' tha bomb loads!!!Like a case of beer or week's groceries.

Anyone have experience with Manhattan Portage bags? I really like the looks of their waxed canvas bag

Falling apart will never happen with "Courierware" bags. Never heard of them?? I'm not suprized as
they are a very small company that still makes all bags by hand the old fashioned way. When you buy
one of their bags you're set 'till you need a different size.

I have two of these bags both bought used from Courierware (their bags are so good they let folk's
trade them back for larger bags). I washed them both up and ,except for a couple of use stains, they
are every bit as tough and useful as a new bag. Quality like this is really hard to find today.

So if you really want a one time expense for a tough as nails bag give "Courierware" a call. You
will not be sorry.


http://www.courierwareusa.com/

I have a cheap LeMond bag (less than $20 depending where you buy it).

It is my first *trial* bag, has been with me for 2 years now. I’ve had the thought to replace it (maybe a Timbuk2) as soon as something fails but it’s just not happening.
It is built with heavy cordura ballistic fabric & x-tough seams. I beat the crap out of it & after a wash looks like new. It’s not a bad looking bag either.
Drawbacks: only one size (+- 17”x6”) which is not too big but big enough for most of my needs.
It is water resistant, not waterproof .

I picked up a Patagonia Critical Mass bag a few weeks ago and I love it. The lots of separate pockets and the strap can be used under the arm or around the waist. It is perfect for a loptop and change of clothes. Like all Patagonia gear it is guaranteed for life.

http://www.usoutdoorstore.com/outlet...-48275!708.jpg