I now have a Chrome Metropolis bag, and I'm finding it a little small sometimes [not deep enough] and sometimes things poke me in the back. I also like the features of Pac like the 3rd layer inside, u lock holder, tube holder, X-strap, and such. Do you think I should spend around $500 [what it will cost me with ALL the extra features, plus taxes and shipping] to get it? I am totally car free.

Also, is the yellow color really bright?

I have a Pac Designs Ultimate. I don't know where you live, but I didn't pay anything close to $500 for it. Nor would I pay that much. That's absurd. That said, they are great bags and I've never had a problem with it. Pat is also very cool to deal with. Great people.

Sure, it's like $310 or something for just the bag, but when you add ALL the options, +tax+shipping, it comes to around $500.

Hmm. I don't see how you get to $500. The bag itself is $315. 3-layer construction and X-strap are included with the Ultimate. So, for the options you've listed: Tube holder $11 and Lock Loop $22, you get $348. Say, $15 for shipping and you get $363 CDN. I don't believe you pay sales tax (I'm probably wrong though). With the current conversion rate, that's $354 USD. Mine also came with a free tool pouch (this was about 5 years ago though). Maybe they were cheaper back then (or the exchange rate was better).

Hmm. Xstrap is an option on the pro bags. On the PAC website it lists all the options:
options check all you'd like to add to your order
Padded Waist Belt - - $27.00 ( ULTIMATE BAGS ONLY)
"X" Strap - $27.00(ONLY WORKS WITH PROFESSIONAL BAGS)
Extra Flap Extender - $27.00
Removable Pouch - $10.00(INCLUDED IN ULTIMATE BAGS)
Tube Holders - $11.00
Accessory Straps - $6.00 ( INCLUDED IN ULTIMATE BAGS)
Lock Loop - $22.00 ( NOT FOR STREET SMALL OR MINI)
Radio Holder - $21.00
Pump Holder - $10.00
Secret Pocket - $34.00 ( ULTIMATE BAGS ONLY)
Tom Binh modification to:
Ultimate / Ultimate O.S. - $23.00 - TOM BIHN MODIFICATION
Deluxe and Street bags - $8.00-TOM BIHN MODIFICATION
--------NEW OPTIONS !!--------
2 inch reflective strip on flap $11
mesh pocket across inside of bag $11 (like Ultimate Bags)
2 mesh pockets on either side of outside pocket $15 (Professional Bags only)

And the extra 7$ for a different interior color.

So for all the available [not included] options for the Ultimate bag without tax/shipping it comes to $505.

The price did go up. First, Pat made some changes to the bags and then the US dollar went to ****. Mine was $200 plus $25 shipping but that was in 2004 and she was moving back to the east coast of Canada from the west coast and things were on sale (a little bit). She also threw in the radio holster for free. The bags are amazing. The tool pouch and flap extender straps at least used to come with the bags. A friend who got the padded waist strap found it uncomfortable and never uses it. Of all my friends who have PACs (like eight or so), only two have the u-lock holsters. Ive always found carrying a U-lock in/on a bag to be uncomfortable and to add too much unnecessary weight to it. Just get the X strap and don't worry about the flap extenders, the lock loop, or the pump holder.

I paid about $400, all said, for my Pac Designs Ultimate a year ago and it was absolutely worth it. I only got the X-strap, Tom Bihn modification and U-lock strap.

I would definitely pay $500 for a Pac with all the trimmings. Save your pennies, her bags are the best I've ever seen or used.

why was this guy banned?

it's worth it to me if you're car free. the price has gone up over the years, but I paid a little over $400 for my Ultimate OS with u lock holder, belt strap, secret pocket, and tube holders a little over a year ago. the u lock holder, flap extender, and belt strap aren't needed but extra strap holders are a must if you plan on doing big things. it's really that awesome of a bag