Question about messenger bag back position
01-15-10 | 01:58 AM
#26
Larger Chainring
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 1
From: Corvallis, Oregon
Bikes: 1988 Schwinn Circuit. Bike-Boom-Puegeot. First "real bike" Trek 720 Hybrid in gross disrepair.
Too bad Botto doesn't really post in the commuting forum, he'd enjoy clowning on your self-portraits.
01-15-10 | 07:37 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Here's my set up:
I have a small timbuk2 bag (i'm a pretty small guy as well) and I wear it quite low. This has always been the most comfortable position for me when riding or walking. With it low on my back, it is quite easy to swing it around and open it up very quickly. For support on the ride, I keep a carabiner (sp?) attached to one of the plastic loops on the bag, and then clip it onto my left-side belt buckle. It is easy to clip on and off, I don't notice it when I'm not using it, and it works perfectly to keep my bag situated exactly where I want it on my back. Just a bit of a different way of doing things than from what I've seen, you might want to give it a try.
I can't think of a single thing I would change about this set-up, it works perfectly and is comfortable forever.
I have a small timbuk2 bag (i'm a pretty small guy as well) and I wear it quite low. This has always been the most comfortable position for me when riding or walking. With it low on my back, it is quite easy to swing it around and open it up very quickly. For support on the ride, I keep a carabiner (sp?) attached to one of the plastic loops on the bag, and then clip it onto my left-side belt buckle. It is easy to clip on and off, I don't notice it when I'm not using it, and it works perfectly to keep my bag situated exactly where I want it on my back. Just a bit of a different way of doing things than from what I've seen, you might want to give it a try.
I can't think of a single thing I would change about this set-up, it works perfectly and is comfortable forever.
01-15-10 | 07:57 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
this makes me real glad i grabbed my chrome metropolis. dead simple to loosen and cinch in a flash. sure I feel like a poseur... but i feel like a well-equipped poseur 
fyi, it fits perfectly as carry-on for flights. as such, it has come in *real* handy in a variety of situations for me
fyi, it fits perfectly as carry-on for flights. as such, it has come in *real* handy in a variety of situations for me
01-15-10 | 08:54 AM
#30
.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 40,377
Likes: 50
01-15-10 | 11:43 AM
#31
Bikes, Biology, Breakfast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Istanbul
Bikes: 1980s Raleigh, new Masi 1x9 commuter, newer raleigh single-speed
01-18-10 | 05:11 PM
#32
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Anyone have the problem of the timbuk2 bag poking into their back when its raised high? The corner of the bag closest to the cambuckle constantly jabs into my back when its cinced up high.... anyone else have this issue?
01-18-10 | 11:30 PM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 171
Likes: 1
From: Northern Wisconsin, USA
Bikes: '80's vintage Dutch framed(Gazelle), Japanese components,set up for city riding and light touring...fenders, rack and bags.
bill
01-20-10 | 05:36 AM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
May want to also check how the strap is connected to the bag on that section and if you have a bulky item sitting on that lower end of the bag. If you are not over tightening the strap around your torso, the bag/strap should simply "hug you" without poking you uncomfortable anywhere.
01-20-10 | 06:37 AM
#35
Giftless Amateur
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,319
Likes: 844
From: MD / metro DC
Bikes: Cross-Check/Nexus commuter. Several others for various forms of play.
I used to wear my messenger bag very low, still do on the rare occasions I'm not using a rack / panniers. I find no difference in the comfort of it high or low, other than sweat in the summer. I HATE wearing a backpack while riding because of the extra sweat. Messenger-high is slightly better but not great. (I have the large PVC North Face bag). Messenger-low is OK. A heavy load I'll put in the small of my back, a light load maybe even a little lower. I guess my butt doesn't sweat as much as my back - perhaps a blessing? 
Low down I can swing it around all I want to. May have to loosen the hip strap, but not the shoulder strap. Which is fine with me, because I haven't mastered one-handed operation with it. Thanks for those vids.
Low down I can swing it around all I want to. May have to loosen the hip strap, but not the shoulder strap. Which is fine with me, because I haven't mastered one-handed operation with it. Thanks for those vids.
01-25-10 | 03:13 AM
#36
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Honestly, i dont think anyone can use the cambuckle with 1 hand, i dont think its possible!
I used to wear my messenger bag very low, still do on the rare occasions I'm not using a rack / panniers. I find no difference in the comfort of it high or low, other than sweat in the summer. I HATE wearing a backpack while riding because of the extra sweat. Messenger-high is slightly better but not great. (I have the large PVC North Face bag). Messenger-low is OK. A heavy load I'll put in the small of my back, a light load maybe even a little lower. I guess my butt doesn't sweat as much as my back - perhaps a blessing?
Low down I can swing it around all I want to. May have to loosen the hip strap, but not the shoulder strap. Which is fine with me, because I haven't mastered one-handed operation with it. Thanks for those vids.
Low down I can swing it around all I want to. May have to loosen the hip strap, but not the shoulder strap. Which is fine with me, because I haven't mastered one-handed operation with it. Thanks for those vids.
01-27-10 | 09:10 AM
#37
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 777
Likes: 5
From: Hot-Lanta
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Tarmac (sold) 2009 Specialized Hardrock (sold), 2014 Rivendell Sam Hillborne (sold), 2025 BMC Roadmachine 01 Two
I have a medium Bailey Works Super Pro bag which is amazingly comfortable and rides high on the shoulder. I use it every day to commute to work whether on my bike or walking to the train station. I have no problems swinging it around and getting items out of the bag. I also like the fact that you can change the strap on the bag from left to right depending on your preference. I also like the buckle which I use when I don't want to take it over my head. Great bag overall, I’m very happy with it.
