Messenger bags are terrible!
07-24-10 | 06:12 PM
#52
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Joined: Jun 2009
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In the past decade, I've gone through 2 timbuk2 bags, 2 chrome bags, a crumpler bag, and a marmot backpack over... 30-40000 miles of riding? I think one year I rode like 15k, more than my first car.
In my experience, the messenger bags are best if you have to open and close your bag frequently. The chrome bags fit better on the bike while the timbuk2 fits better off. The crumpler bag fit horribly but the back was some really tough material that tore up my jerseys like sandpaper but kept it from moving around too much. Like the others say, they have to be cinched real tight and ride pretty far up your back in order to fit well and be stable. Best bag I ever used was the marmot. It's basically a backpack with a suspension that lifted almost the entire pack off your bag. Once cinched up, it hugged my body and everything stayed tight while at the same time allowing my back to breathe.
Your mileage may vary...
In my experience, the messenger bags are best if you have to open and close your bag frequently. The chrome bags fit better on the bike while the timbuk2 fits better off. The crumpler bag fit horribly but the back was some really tough material that tore up my jerseys like sandpaper but kept it from moving around too much. Like the others say, they have to be cinched real tight and ride pretty far up your back in order to fit well and be stable. Best bag I ever used was the marmot. It's basically a backpack with a suspension that lifted almost the entire pack off your bag. Once cinched up, it hugged my body and everything stayed tight while at the same time allowing my back to breathe.
Your mileage may vary...
07-24-10 | 06:24 PM
#53
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 15,762
Likes: 5
From: NYC
Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ghlight=marmot
Someone else recommended the osprey stratos, very similar design.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ht=marmot+mesh
In hindsight I should've gotten the osprey, it packs down a lot better and is more aerodynamic.
07-24-10 | 10:08 PM
#55
Marmot zephyr.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ghlight=marmot
Someone else recommended the osprey stratos, very similar design.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ht=marmot+mesh
In hindsight I should've gotten the osprey, it packs down a lot better and is more aerodynamic.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ghlight=marmot
Someone else recommended the osprey stratos, very similar design.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ht=marmot+mesh
In hindsight I should've gotten the osprey, it packs down a lot better and is more aerodynamic.
https://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/RaptorSeries/
07-25-10 | 12:12 AM
#56
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 15,762
Likes: 5
From: NYC
Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp
The raptor's nice but it's still just foam (with ridges in it and mesh on top) touching your back. The marmot (and i think the other osprey, though I haven't tried it) actually has a suspension with aluminium stays that keeps most of the pack completely off your back so air can circulate even when cinched down. Plus it has more storage, I'm not sure if even the largest raptor pack is large enough for a commuter at only 18 liters.
07-25-10 | 12:33 AM
#57
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: louisville ky
Bikes: bianchi trofeo
i know right. i got one for christmas a couple years ago. the thing is hell on my back. recently i went into a bike shop and the guy was like o you have a trek bag, i didn't know, i knew that it said trek on it but he said that it was also their logo. the thing was obviously meant for riding and it sucks big ones.
07-25-10 | 02:05 AM
#58
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 872
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From: Central Illinois
Bikes: 2008 Dawes Haymaker 20XX Leader LD515 TotoCycling Road Bike
I had one messenger bag that was absolutely horrible as it would never stay on my back and fully loaded the fold over flap would not close properly and just flap in the wind. I now have a 70s style messenger bag which is perfect in every regard for what I need from it. Needless to say all bags are not created equal.
07-25-10 | 09:37 AM
#59
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 18
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From: Bakersfield, CA, USA
Bikes: BMC Superstroke, Marin Stinson, Trek 1000c, Electra Beach Cruiser, Trek 3700
I sniped a Trager messenger bag off e-bay for 10 dollars. I like it okay, fits good and is pretty handy. I also have an Ultimate Direction backpack. Very comfortable, more than the messenger, and holds more, but not near as handy. When i'm goin downtown doing some shopping or going to the bookstore I take the messenger. When I am doing heavier hauls and am on and off the bike I use the backpack.
The summer in Bakersfield, California changes everything though. At over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during my commute I dislike anything on my back. I use my Axiom Lasalle panniers for everything. Not as handy as the messenger but my back stays alot cooler!
The summer in Bakersfield, California changes everything though. At over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during my commute I dislike anything on my back. I use my Axiom Lasalle panniers for everything. Not as handy as the messenger but my back stays alot cooler!
07-25-10 | 10:00 AM
#60
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,914
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From: Houston we have a problem
i know right. i got one for christmas a couple years ago. the thing is hell on my back. recently i went into a bike shop and the guy was like o you have a trek bag, i didn't know, i knew that it said trek on it but he said that it was also their logo. the thing was obviously meant for riding and it sucks big ones.
07-25-10 | 10:40 AM
#61
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Joined: Jun 2009
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Well, ordered a marmot alpha 25 backpack. My current backpack is almost...ten years old now, and too often when it rains the insides get wet.
I use my messenger bag basically as a grocery-getter, since it's easier to have a separate bag for groceries, with grocery bags in them, than it is to empty out my backpack every time.
I use my messenger bag basically as a grocery-getter, since it's easier to have a separate bag for groceries, with grocery bags in them, than it is to empty out my backpack every time.
07-25-10 | 11:31 AM
#62
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Joined: Apr 2010
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KJ,
Do you know which UltDir pack you use? I love their bags but have never used any of mine for cycling. Just curious as to which one you use, as it seems to work well for you. Mine are older and somewhat overbuilt for cycling, but some of their newer packs look like they might work great (like the Stinger).
Do you know which UltDir pack you use? I love their bags but have never used any of mine for cycling. Just curious as to which one you use, as it seems to work well for you. Mine are older and somewhat overbuilt for cycling, but some of their newer packs look like they might work great (like the Stinger).
07-25-10 | 06:54 PM
#63
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,098
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From: Toronto, Canada
07-25-10 | 07:02 PM
#64
Single-serving poster
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,098
Likes: 3
From: Toronto, Canada
Well, ordered a marmot alpha 25 backpack. My current backpack is almost...ten years old now, and too often when it rains the insides get wet.
I use my messenger bag basically as a grocery-getter, [B]since it's easier to have a separate bag for groceries, with grocery bags in them, than it is to empty out my backpack every time.
I use my messenger bag basically as a grocery-getter, [B]since it's easier to have a separate bag for groceries, with grocery bags in them, than it is to empty out my backpack every time.
loosen cam-buckle, loosen flap, stuff or remove x items, clip flap, tighten cambuckle and then get on with it. The only thing easier is tossing stuff in a basket or pannier.
07-25-10 | 07:19 PM
#65
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 18
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From: Bakersfield, CA, USA
Bikes: BMC Superstroke, Marin Stinson, Trek 1000c, Electra Beach Cruiser, Trek 3700
KJ,
Do you know which UltDir pack you use? I love their bags but have never used any of mine for cycling. Just curious as to which one you use, as it seems to work well for you. Mine are older and somewhat overbuilt for cycling, but some of their newer packs look like they might work great (like the Stinger).
Do you know which UltDir pack you use? I love their bags but have never used any of mine for cycling. Just curious as to which one you use, as it seems to work well for you. Mine are older and somewhat overbuilt for cycling, but some of their newer packs look like they might work great (like the Stinger).
07-25-10 | 11:12 PM
#66
You missed the context of spock's post. It was a good joke in response to my fine sarcasm.
07-26-10 | 06:06 AM
#67
The Legitimiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,849
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From: Southampton, UK
Bikes: Gazelle Trim Trophy, EG Bates Track Bike, HR Bates Cantiflex bike, Nigel Dean fixed gear conversion, Raleigh Royal, Falcon Westminster.
I have a backpack, panniers, and a messenger bag. I like them all. The messenger bag I wear lower down than most are suggesting, so that my back is cooler (my least favourite thing about the backpack is sweaty back), and it covers perhaps a 3rd the amount of my back that the backpack does. It's comfortable, easy to swing round and get into, but when the stabiliser is done up it stays in place, even worn low. It's ok if you dont like them though.
07-26-10 | 12:52 PM
#69
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From: Toronto, Canada
07-26-10 | 03:36 PM
#70
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: NE OK
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
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07-27-10 | 04:53 AM
#72
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that's complete crap. The first messenger bags were like $20 affairs.
07-27-10 | 08:15 AM
#73
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Houston we have a problem
First of all, that means nothing. The first car was pretty darn cheap too. Think it compares to the same cars today?
Second, you already proved to yourself that a cheap mess bag sucks and is uncomfortable.
What I would like to know though is what makes REload $100 better than Chrome. I took a look at their website and you can't tell by the pics.
Second, you already proved to yourself that a cheap mess bag sucks and is uncomfortable.
What I would like to know though is what makes REload $100 better than Chrome. I took a look at their website and you can't tell by the pics.
07-27-10 | 03:49 PM
#74
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you know i sure dont know the model. I bought it about 7 years ago at a LBS, tri-shop. I never see it when i search for it online. It is long and storage is square shaped tube. it is set up for a hydration bladder in the main compartment but i dont use one. it also has small pockets for quick access to keys and wallet. i should wash it and take a pic to put up here for you.
