bcasperson

Hi, I'm looking for some opinions on messenger bags. I deliver sandwiches around campus/downtown here, and have been using my North Face bookbag up until now but I am beginning to find it cumbersome. I don't like the way it sits on my entire back while riding, and it's annoying having to take it off every time I want to access my stuff. I'm looking for something that can hold a couple of small parcels (think the size of a small shoebox?), in addition to a pump, U-Lock, ect. Also need this bag to be able to last, I'm pretty rough on my gear and don't want to continuously drop money on bags. One of my co-workers uses a Chrome bag and likes it, but I'd rather find something different.

Any suggestions? I was considering a medium Timbuk2 Classic Messenger, what is the verdict on those?

roastbeef

r.e.load, seagull, freight.

all make good bags.

DRietz

I have a medium Timbuk2 and I adore it. It's like my baby, almost seven years old now.

spaceballs

Timbuk2 bags feel weird when they get towards being full. I would get a large.

There are probably better bags out there, but I have tried a few [Chrome, Seagull] and for a do-everything bag, I liked the Timbuk2 best.

dayvan cowboy

Well, i'm bored, so I just did loaded a shoe box(rather large shoe box from my size 13 road shoes), my lock, and a few books into my medium Seagull Black bag. I already had all of my tools in there(i carry a 3 inch folding knife, a bike multi tool, a chain tool, adjustable wrench, flashlight, and a lighter).

Everything fit in the main pocket just fine, although when i put it on, the shoebox was poking my back, but that's because it barely fit in it.

I recommend the black bag from seagull incredibly highly. its very solidly built and even though i only have the medium size i can still haul a decent amount of stuff(groceries, mostly). The longest ride i've taken with it so far is about 20 miles and i didn't have any problems with it then, other than my back being completely soaked in sweat.

if you've got the money, I'd suggest getting a custom bag from seagull or one of their premade semi-custom ones.

The company is great, turn around may be a little slow(its like a 5 man operation) but its worth the wait.

the_don

Royal Mail bags are great!



They are tuff, strong, simple, big and were made for deliveries.

Although it is illegal to have one and not be a postman in the UK. The cops will stop you!
But you can buy them as the manufacturers branded bag Linnell's Messenger (or Mailroom) Bag

DRietz

It's like breaking in a Brooks saddle. You need to ride with it for a long time and it will soon be the most comfortable thing in the world to you.

jim-bob

I can't imagine a timbuk2 bag ever being comfortable to me.. and that strap buckle cam thing is the freakin' worst.

If it's not Zo, it's faux..

DRietz

To each their own, I suppose. My Timbuk2 is quite comfortable to me. Most of the time, I forget it's there until I get asked why my bag is blue, yellow, and red.

RoboIsGod

+1 for Seagull bags. I received my Med Black Bag a few weeks ago and love it. dayvan cowboy pretty acurately summed up just how much it can carry. i've yet to carry anything that this bag can't handle. if you think your going to have a TUN of stuff, you can always go for the size Large. The Medium is a little over $100 but i'm not sure how much the large is. oh and its really good in the rain and very durable.

c0urt

Blicksbags
https://blicksbags.com/
I dont know what her wait is like right now

hairnet

The medium Timbuk2 is rather small...

It didn't take a lot of stuff to make mine feel cramped. Plus it wasn't very comfortable to me, it always leaned a bit to one side or the other and made my lower back strain.

kyselad

I wouldn't go Timbuk2 for what you describe. I rode with one for years and thought it worked well enough. Then I tried out a Chrome Metropols, and I never looked back. They may be trendy now, but Chromes are comfy and well designed. So are several of those other bags mentioned by others. Problem with Timbuk2 is the strap, which just kinda loops directly over the top of the bag. That's fine (and even preferable) for walking around with the bag over your shoulder, but if you use it primarily to ride, get something that wraps around your back.

RooNYC

I like backpack style Ortlieb dry bag (roll top, 30 L of space, bright ass yellow, totally waterproof, double shoulder straps with belt clip)

dcdude

those bags have always intrigued me. which model do you have? i'm looking at the Velocity but I have no idea what shops around would stock them and I can't really get a feel for how big they are on the internet

tall&lanky

I got a timbuk2 messenger, and while it works just fine and I like it, I also wish I had done more research and gotten something nicer. Like he said, the strap isn't angled, so it can kind of dig into you. plus it only has a tiny pad (which is an extra accesory) vs. fully padded straps on other bags. R.E.Load, Freight Baggage, Seagull, etc... Chrome are nice, but everybody has one (if you care about that sort of thing...)

beeftech

If your deleivering food, get a frieght backpack (reinforced back so food doesnt get smashed, and sits upright) or a small wald basket.

Messenger bags SUCK for food delivery.
or just man up and carry that **** in one hand.

the_don

Or better yet, get one of these!

It is sprung and hanging, so the food never spills and doesn't get knocked around.

shubonker

I love using my timbuk2 medium bag. I use it to commute and the size is perfect. If i were to ever need to load a lot of stuff into it for a short distance, i'd get a large. Actually, i think i rather have a large than a medium. The XL on the other hand could probably fit Gandhi in there.

I see the chrome bags everywehre now and am not sure how well they work. At 100+ a bag, all i see is a shiny buckle. Regardless, i still want to try one for a ride.

xray1978

How about a Manhattan Portage bag? Good stuff with a good price.

Boss Ross

Chrome bags are worth the money. guaranteed for life, waterproof, comfortable, easy on and off. Drop the $160 on a citizen or pick up one in the clearance for cheaper.

spcialzdspksman

How do people buy those Zo bags? I can never find a place where they sell them.

hairnet

I felt the same way, so I waited until something to my taste appeared on their backdoor sale

bicyclejade

I'd avoid the Chrome. #1 reason being every single ******* on campus has one (even the fatsos you KNOW are not riding bicycles).

Dr Fu Manchu

You must be crazy if you want to use a messenger bag for carrying stuff. Just get a basket and get it over with.