I've got two Timbuk2 messenger bags - a medium and a large - and I like them a lot. I haven't used a Chrome bag but I've heard really good things about them. If you go with Timbuk2 get the large not the medium. You'll be glad you did. The reason that I have two is because I started with a medium and then sized up to the large because I wanted more room. I'd also recommend going the "custom" route and ordering your bag from the website. This way, not only can you pick your own colors, you can add the center divider pocket, which I don't think comes in any of the stock bags. It's worth the extra $10 (or however much it was). The large bag has plenty of pockets on the inside for separating your stuff, especially if you add the center divider.

first choice - https://www.pacdesigns.com/oversize.htm

2nd choice - chrome

3rd choice - timbuk2

i'd recommend Pac Designs. many messenger bags, incl timbuk2 and chrome have a tendency to 'flatten' out on your back when you put oversized items into it, due to the positioning of the straps at the ends of the bag. the Pac Design bag is designed to curve around your body, and it never feels weird with any sized items in it. one of my friends bought the Pac bag, and i tried it and i've been riding for years with a timbuk2, and it was like heaven. the Pac unfortunately is significantly pricier than most messenger bags but if u have the money u won't be disappointed. it doesn't really have a lot of the 'flash' of the chrome or timbuk2s but it's a solidly constructed, extremely practical bag.

aloha,
matt

I looked at the Pac Designs bags before I bought my second Timbuk2. They look REALLY nice! But at roughly three times the price of the Timbuk2 there was just no damn way!

I've never used a Chrome, but after riding fall, winter, and spring I have no complaints about my timbuk2. My strap has never slipped. It fits well. I do get a sweaty back, but I don't think that can be avoided.

to everyone who b!tches about heavy loads and messenger bags...

have you ever tired it??? i loaded all my usual crap in my bag this morning then strapped my mountainbikes back wheel to the outside and rode in just like i noramlly do.

15 miles, no discomfort. in fact, i never even noticed the extra weight of the wheel....

messenger bags can carry tons of *****, comfortably, over longer distances, if you have a good one and set it up on your back properly.

mines a crumpler (they are good too) though if i had to do it again i'd get an RELoad i didn't know there was a local bag maker to support at the time.

I use a Timbuk2 'Commute' messenger style bag. It is really more like a soft briefcase than a classic messenger bag design. It has a padded laptop compartment and lots of internal and external pockets - perfect for keys, pens, business cards, folder files, checkbook, sunglasses, electronic accessories and lots more.

I bought and use it for the reason it is like a briefcase which works for work much better than a backpack would - especially days I fly or travel/walk to meetings, etc.

It works great with zero discomfort for taking my laptop to/from work as well for a 9mi ride each way - I know somewhat longer would be OK as well. The strap is padded and I use a x-strap as well for stability.

No reliabilty or wear issues after over one year and 3500 miles on my back.

Al

It's a tie. I could go for both. I just like my Timbuk 2s because they have cool designs. But I wouldn't turn either down if someone gave me one.

Koffee

Hint!!!

I've had a Timbuk2 for several months now, and I've been happy with it. It's the laptop messenger bag. I've noticed that the keys to riding comfortably with it are to 1) properly place it on the back (make sure it's horizontal) and 2) adjust the strap that goes around your waist so it's comfortably cinched in. I've ridden with it loose, and the bag will tend to work its way off to one side and generally feel heavier. I also purchased the extra $10 pad for the shoulder strap. I rode home in the rain with it for the first time last week, and it kept everything perfectly dry.

I have a chrome metropolis. I love it & have never been dissapointed in it. My only problem with it is that I'll sometimes find I accidentally overpack, because it's so damn big & I can fit so much stuff in it.

I called tb2 and asked for a x-strap attachment. They sent me the attachment and an extra strap. I then used the x-strap instead of the waist for a while and it was better. Then I tried using both and no matter what I do (bunny hop, etc.) or how the bag is loaded the bad doesn't move at all.

Al

chrome is definitely the most comfortable bag i've ever worn. i tried the messenger style backpacks but they just weren't comfortable. timbuk2 is a good bag but not great. after awhile of riding it got really uncomfortable. also, after a lot of stress is put on the strap retainer it tends to slip. i had to use duck tape to make sure it'd stay tight. the chrome metropolis is so comfortable i cant beleive it. ra ra ra

I'm in the same position as the topic starter, on the one hand Chrome messenger backpack seems nice, but on the other 150USD is a little high...Timbuk2 has some nice stuff too....Anyone have any suggestions for a company that makes both messengers and backpacks? As I'm not sure

Elvish

I've used my timbuk2 for over a year now, holding upwards of 80lbs in it with no issues aside from the strap doing a good number on my neck/chest.

Timbuk2's greatest issue is their strap being stright up, and not at an angle...this causes all kinds of ergonomic issues. I found the strap adjustment clutch to be stong enough...key is to adjust it while there is little tension on the main strap.

As far as pockets, mine has 4 inner pockets, and two outer, although those are hidden by hte flap. One of theouter is a zipper type.

Keep in mind Timbuk2's are mostly custom....you choose how you want it built, and pay accordingly.

Next time around I won't buy Timbuk2 though due to the ergonomic issues alone.

you're right, the price is high. but you pay for what you get at those prices. i will say that the timbuk2 promessenger backpack is more comfortable to me than thier messenger bag. if backpack is the way you want to go, go for the promessenger. its less expensive than the chrome messenger backpacks and it looks like they have the same production values. the chrome messenger is more comfortable than a backpack because of its ergonomic design. the ortlieb messenger pack is good but lacks teh pockets and other acoutrements. reload makes some good bags too. and they have backpacks. the thing with payinga lot for the bags is that they'll last and put up with some trashing and harsh conditions

Enter the Chrome Age. Chrome is much better. More comfy, more stable, longer lasting, the buckles never slip under the heaviest load, and don't forget MADE IN AMERICA. Plus they're used by fewer people, so you won't feel like a tool when you see some 37 year-old soccer mom wearing a timbuk2.
But the stash pocket? Kinda overrated when the bus comes and you're wondering where you put your money whilst at the beach.

Ouch! Good point.

To offer the opposing point of view as Quickbeam, why would I give a crap? (or perhaps he was being ironic) If you are so insecure that seeing someone else using the same bag as you makes you feel like a tool, you should probably be using a designer handbag or the like. My bag is utilitarian, not a fashion statement, so if anything, I make my bag feel like a tool, because it is one. If you're trying to be indy and unique, you can probably do better than Chrome anyway. Hell, I've heard of Chrome, how cool could it be?

You may have valid points about the quality of the construction, etc. I have not used a Chrome bag, and I won't say anything bad about them. For all I know, they are the best bags ever made. But choosing not to use a bag so as just to not be associated with the unwashed masses of soccer moms is pretty damn elitist.

funny you bring this up. i just bought a new bag last nite and two of the ones who mentioned where canidates for my new bag. i had a few others i was checking out as well.
i went to a store where i could try them on and put weights in them like i did my big hiking pack. then the choice was clear for me on which bag i wanted.
i wont' tell you which one i got, but it was one of the two mentioned. i like how it felt and it was easy to walk around with in the store and bike around the store.
the sales clerk kept directing me towards a mirror so i could see what i looked like with the bag on,,,silly boy. i don't need to see that!
i just want to know how it feels.
so maybe go try a few bag on with books in them!

Timbuk2 makes backpacks?

Someone should just cobble together a Chrombuk2 and get it over with...

Just because you "f'ed" up your back doesn't mean that anyone who uses a messneger bag will do the same. In fact I would venture to guess there's thousands of people out there using them on a daily basis that haven't messed-up their backs. I've been using messenger bags for years with no back problems.

Yeah, you're absoutley right. I was at least half serious when I made that remark but it was intended to be interpreted as 'tongue-in-cheek'. What the hell do I care if a "37 year old soccer mom" is sporting the same bag as me when I'm older than she is anyway?

Honestly, no I haven't MERTON. My back doesn't ache at all. And I'm OLD!