I would love if they (or anybody) did a retrofitting service: I love the X-strap type setup, but I already have a baileyworks, so I don't want to drop three hundo on another bag just because it will feel better on longer rides. Convenience of a messenger bag, comfort of a backpack, why can't you be mine? For a reasonable price?

There are a bunch of people on the board who make bags - I'm sure one of them would be more than up for the challenge.

m.

I got my Ultimate about 5 years ago. I use the X-Strap all the time because my back has been going bad. I've never run out of space - once delivered some dude's monster of a Mac G4 desktop computer down to CompUSA for repairs. Now I commute to work with it -shoes, pants, shirts, lunch, etc. Every once in a while I think about getting a smaller bag, but with all the compression options, I don't really see the point. I've been super happy with it.

double post

I've had my ultimate for ~a month now. It's replacing a chrome metropolis, which i rode with for ~5 years (still in pretty good shape- anyone interested?).

I agree with most of what folks have been saying here- the pac is huge, with almost 2X the working capacity of the chrome. Fewer little pockets to organize stuff, no really good place to put pens. All the straps can be pretty confusing at first, although the velcro patches help keep things organized.

The pac fits me much better- i'm scrawny, with narrow shoulders, and the chrome had a tendency to creep off my shoulder if it was empty or really full.

The x-strap rocks- 95% of the functionality of a backpack, once you figure out how to adjust the straps.

One i didn't think i would like, but actually find really useful for large loads is the waist strap. Like the waist strap on hiking packs, it shifts a good portion of heavy loads off your back onto your hips.

if i could find someone to do reliable retro-work on bags i would be so happy.
i want a u-lock holster and a few inner pockets on my timbuk2... maybe i'll just wait until i go to my grandmother's house and use her sewing machine.

If you have time, just get some heavy-duty thread and a needle. Hand sewing is relaxing as ****.

haha yeah i sew all the time, but i cringe at the idea of sewing something on tight through endura and a layer of truck tarp.

don't sew through the tarp! your bag will leak like crazy. get a curved needle and sew onto just the the canvas layer of the bag.

Their bags look awesome, and I love the pump carrier idea. I also like the number and quality of pictures they put up. Baileyworks needs to take a lesson. By the time I added all of the cool options, even the regular ultimate looks like it would be close to $400. ouch.

i've had my ultimate for a few years now, and the prices seem to be going up on these bags. if you're not a messenger i would just go for the large street scene. same size as the deluxe/ultimate without all the unnecessary bells and whistles for tooling aroun town.

It'll leak a bit more, but I'm not so sure about "like crazy." You might notice that area of the bag gets a little moist in the rain, but you probably won't have a river running though it into a lake at the bottom of your bag or anything. Also, you could treat it with some sealant.

Either way, if you can avoid it, don't sew through the liner.