New bag/book bag
 

I need a way to get an outfit to work everyday. usually just pants, dress shirt, sometimes shoes and then some showering suppies (hopefully getting a locker to cut down on this). I just got the 2011 trek 1.5 and dont really want to put a rack on it yet. does anyone have a good suggestion for a bag that would be helpful in my situation. my current bag is just a fox racing book bag that gets sweaty and is really a tight fit. any thoughts? reasonable price if possible. Thanks guys

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/

been using mine for a year sraight now. waterproof, super awesome, and i love it

Just looked into the Origin 8 saddle bag. Though whether you like the looks might vary from person to person.

yokotas13, do you have a messenger or a back pack?


FreddyV, I dont know if thats going to be large enough to keep shoes, pants and a shirt in...

I overlooked the shoes. I'm able to keep nearly everything in my locker, so I apparently didn't think of everything.

i was also looking at the timbuk2 classic... anyone ride with that or any other type of messenger bag?

I do. I have a small and a large. The small is my everyday bag. My 13" MBP does not fit in the slash pocket, but does fit in the main compartment. I don't carry clothes with me, just my rain jacket. I only ride a mile each way and I just bike in work clothes. Sometimes I leave shoes at my office. The large is my grocery run bag. It's big enough to carry a couple of bags of groceries. I like the fact that I can take it into the store with me.

I would not want to try to fit all that you want to carry in the small. The large is very large, but suits my purpose well. I suggest the medium.

I love both bags, they are well made and comfortable to wear.

timbuk2 messenger bags are garbage, trust me. Horrible strap design. And uncomfortable. The strap has no padding at all. You can pay an extra $10 or $15 for a strap pad, but it's even worse with the pad on. Since the pad is the ony contact point all the weight is carried on that small section of your body. Just horrible bags.

If you are looking into messenger bags look into chrome, reload, seagull, chicago wig, bailey works, and pac designs. Based on all the research I have done, pac designs and bailey works are the best. With bailey being the best for the money.

All these companies make backpacks also. Along with mission workshop making a super nice bag. And banjo brothers making a very nicely priced commuter bag too.

Both of mine came with strap pads -- they are standard now. But I don't use them. I do use that large bag for groceries and I don't find it uncomfortable at all.

That said, they are not the only game in town.

Dry Back packs : http://www.ortlieb.de/index_white.ph...e=p-search.php

a rack mounted Briefcase /suitcase : http://www.ortlieb.de/index_white.ph...e=p-search.php

Dry bags from other companies :
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com....cfm/2,31.html

messenger bag
the citizen size
Fits my Military uniform and boots and wash materials no problem

Timbuk2 is nowhere near hte quality or comfort of chrome. i own both. i hated the timbuk 2

Deuter makes a great backpack with space to let air between your back and the pack so no sweat problem

I like the Chrome Citizen. Seems large enough without being too big. Sweat happens with this one though.

yeah, but it doesnt go through the bag becuase of the liners and material. I have yet to own a bag that you dont sweat with. even super duper high tech camelbacks leave you with sweat spots on your back

If you want a timbuk2 bag I will sell you mine for $40, plus you pay shipping. I live in chicago so you can meet me if you live by me.

Custom 2010. The left panel is navy blue, and the other 2 panels are black. Blue interior. Has compression straps, and a black pad. In brand new condition.

I think I paid $140.

I agree, I think all bags you will sweat some in. But some more than others.

If I were you and want a messenger I would invest in a pac, if a little cheaper go bailey works. If you are looking for a backpack then get a mission workshop. You figure that this is something that you will use every single day. Rain or shine. For several years. The quality and comfort will mean a lot. The difference between spending $60 or $200 is nothing.

ugh, i hated my timbuk2. never tight enough, 2nd strap never did what it need to, horrible padding, not very many features for what you pay. all around crappy bag for a bike. for a school kid maybe a good idea, but not a fan.

This seems to be the consensus with people that actually bike and use timbuk2. I like their bags, but can't see them being used for actual cycling. That's what I'm liking about the Chrome bags...I've heard people using those bags for years and years, helps to offset the rather high cost.

I have used a Timbuk2 classic with pad on strap for 3+ years now. I have not found it uncomfortable. I have no comparison, maybe the PAC, chrome, bailey etc are much more comfortable. That I don't know.

You should probably go to the stores and test the bags. Walk around the store for a while with it on. If you have a bike with you all the better.

How tight do you wear the timbuk 2?
If you wear it as tight as it SHOULD be you have two problems. Attachment points dig into your shoulder, and two....its a PITA to get off due to horrible adjustment ability.
it is fantastic for like a 5 minute ride to class on campus or whatever. but do any real biking, with a real load, and you will see it sucks.

just try a chrome bag , and you will see. i can put 30 24oz bottles in it, and not have any discomfort other than it just being heavy. its such an awesome bag. ill get the bigger one when i go back tot he states in feb to bring back with me

I have a Bailey Works Super Pro, medium size. I like it better than the chrome bags because it's got more pockets, and has reflective strips sewn in the back and bottom, which the chrome lacks.

http://baileyworks.com/messenger-bag...r-pro/options/

The T2 bags were redesigned this year. They are not a PITA to adjust anymore. I do use a large with heavy stuff (a gallon of milk + a quart of yogurt + a bag of apples + a lot more last week).

But I have not tried a Chrome bag, either. They may be much better. Definitely try them IRL if you have that option (I don't).

I am waiting for delivery this week of a new Pac designs bag and can't wait to be done with my several year old Timbuk2. My morning commute is just over an hour and the T2 is becoming tiresome. Main strap just sucks (although I haven't tried using a pad on it) and the adjustment doesn't come close to the Pac bag. . . .The Pac ain't cheap but the features, design and build quality seem to be superb. Will report back once I've used it a bit. . .

I ride with a Chrome Citizen bag. Takes everything I've thrown at it so far.

Huh? My Chrome (Citizen) has reflective cinch straps and also the sub strap is the same reflective strap.

Eh? Were they additions? None of the bags on their site, or any i've seen in person have reflective strips... oh wait, I just noticed what you're talking about (looking at chrome site now)...I didn't realize they were reflective, I always just thought they were white strips for decoration.

I still prefer the bigger patch of the Bailey Works (see below) but it's nice to know the Chrome does have some.

http://bhop73.com/pictures/sun.jpg