Ok, I am a total noob to commuting. One issue I have is that the shoulder strap for my Timbuk2 bag is soaked through with sweat by the time I get there. Even the strap pad. Does any one have any ideas to remedy this. A pannier isn't really an option because this is my only bike and is used for much more than commuting. (i'm not showing up to the trails with a rack )

Anyway, this has to be a problem that other commuters have encountered so I thought I'd ask.

Really only two ways to avoid a sweat soaked strap- 1) don't use it in excessive heat or 2) don't use it all. You can choose to live with it or reconsider your cargo management solution. You don't need a rack and pannier(s) to get load off of your back- Carradice comes to mind.

From what I've heard, Texas gets mighty hot, so #1 might not work. How about a quick release seatpost rack? Or one of the many other bags that doesn't require a permanent mount on your bike. Buy some Bikepacking style bags, that way when you hit the trail you look even cooler. Everyone loves a bike camper (My experience at least).

Pletscher makes a quick release rack that can be removed in a few seconds. good for commuting and then quick remove for the trail rides on the weekends and evenings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXdzrd6Ct1U

^^That looks interesting, but since the vid was taken at Interbike in '08, why hasn't that rack gotten more buzz here?

It seems that the Pletscher rack is discontinued. Only knock offs around.

A rack is (normally) held on by 4 bolts...I can remove/install my rack about as quick as you can check the air pressure in your tires. I say go for the rack, and spend the 2 minutes removing it before you hit the trail.

I just ditched a backpack in favor of a rack and detachable trunk bag for my 29er. I'll never go back. I would rather spend five minutes, if I took my time, pulling off the rack than deal with a sweaty backpack every day. I wouldn't think twice about using the bag on a trail with extra water/food/tools in there.

I believe timbuktu bags are washable. The main strap wasn't removable on my bag but maybe yours is and you wouldn't have to wash the whole thing. The pad could certainly be washed on its own.

It's really no different than helmet straps or pads. In fact it's a good idea to at least rinse out the pads now and then or you may find the salt from your sweat draining into your eyes during the next downpour.

No kidding, a rack is like so totally uncool.

I also have a multi-use bike, and have a "road" setup with rack (fenders if necessary) and 50mm slicks, then I throw the 2.4 ardents on for trail duty. The rack is 4 hex bolts - literally a minute or two to install/remove. If your bike has the requisite mounting eyelets, it is easy as pie. If not, a seatpost/quick release rack might be an option.

I use a Carradice saddlebag.

Lots of seat post beam racks from many brands, out there ..
look in shops, test fit them,
some have quicker-release mounts ,
but bolts are not locking things on, either..