I'm going to NYC in April for a week to visit my sister, and I'm taking my bike with me. I typically ride with a CamelBak, but I don't want to mess with taking a backpack off when I need to access my camera, etc.

I figured a messenger bag would work best, but there are too many options, and it's hard to figure out what I want just by looking at pics online. I don't have any real options locally, so let's hear some suggestions.

So far, Timbuk2's small classic seems like a decent bag, but I'd rather spend less money on one if possible.

lol

As usual, you've been a huge help, operator.

But what does this thread have to do with single speed and fixed gear bikes?

Doesn't really, but if this was asked in Commuting, the OP would have a bunch of people telling him to get a rack and panniers.

The OP should check out FGG's archived mess bag comparo.

Man, google: messenger bag reviews

You will get a lot more info that way. The info you will get here will depend on who's logged-in at the time. Most bags out there will do most of what you need. The best advice is to hit up your local shops and try some on, if you can, as bags are a personal thing.

I've owned at least a 1/2 dozen bags. I like Chrome. I don't like Timbuk2.

Honestly, I advise using a backpack. Lots more choices with lots more options all with much lower prices. But, that's my 2 cents.

Not much, other than I figured I'd get better help here. Same ask asking about leg shaving in the roadie forums, ya know?

I'm going to NYC and want to look cool. What fashion accessories do you recommend?

That's the response I wanted to give, initially. Then I remembered how butt-hurt I get when people tease me, so I figured that I would try and be nice. So here, try this: You're buying a messenger bag to use for one week, to put your camera in. It doesn't really matter. Get one that you like.

All jokes aside, actually a fanny pack would probably be better.

EDIT:
As well as
- smaller
- cheaper
- easier to use than a backpack OR a messenger bag
- All-in-all more practical


No one will dis you if you are using it while riding your bike. It's the tourists that walk around with them that get poked at

I completely agree with the fanny/hip pack. I love mine.

I ordered a Timbuk2. I'll only be using it for a week in NY, but I'll have other uses for it later. My wife and I went to the Chicago Auto Show last week, and we got tired of f'ing around with a backpack the whole time. This would have been perfect.

Thanks for the help, sarcasm, and general *****iness.

Look for used Timbuk2 stuff on eBay. I always see some pretty killer deals.

I did, but none of the deals were as good as eBags.com. I paid $70, shipped, using a coupon.

Dude, you gave it all of 2 hours. The first post was at 1:59PM and the "I ordered a Timbuk2" post was 4:15PM.

How much input did you think you would receive in 2 hours?

Cheap doesn't mean good.

You will find that higher quality "industry grade" bags have a lot of work put into the straps which are ergonomically shaped for comfort and utility. Timbuk2 pretty much just uses a wide nylon strap that doesn't fit well. The optional pad seems like an afterthought.

Hey carleton - all of your recent posts have been doubled up.

can I take the thread over now?

I've been thinking about getting a mess bag. Unsure of what size, though. I've got a couple of backpacks and the reasons I bought them are no longer really applicable (school). I've been pairing the stuff down that I carry in my "man purse" for a while now.

Just need to be able to carry my lunch/snacks and some clothes. I've been off the bike and using a Knog sling bag which is working just fine, but it lacks the volume that will be needed for a change of clothes/layering.

And, yeah, I know I'm gonna get flamed for shopping for a mess bag when I'm not a messenger

Dude...just buy a damn bag.

People flame because they're too dumb to help. I'd say check out the Timbuk2, read reviews, etc. I did, and they seem to fit my purpose. carleton mentioned Chrome bags, and those have good reviews, as well, but I didn't feel like paying twice as much for one.

I'm not trying to "flame", nor am I "too dumb to help". It's just that there have been how many threads about messenger bags? I offered a suggestion and you even managed to answer your own question. Now this other guy comes along basically asking the same question. It's really not that hard to pick out a bag.

What do you guys do when you have to order lunch?

I've checked out the TB2's in person. Didn't really like 'em- bit too floppish and they charge extra for a strap pad. Of course, I have no experience with mess bags, so the floppishness may go with the territory.

I've seen a couple that has piqued my interest, though: One is the Seagull Black bag and the other is Bontrager logo'd bag that the Trek store in town has.

Hey, I'm just trying to learn what to look for. I know next to nothing as to design/quality, but I am aware that prolly fully 85% of the stuff marketed as "messenger bag" on the interwebz aren't, and I have my doubts if they would hold up to the abuse I put my stuff through.

*flicks operator in the forehead*

Actually, I found your comment helpful. I was referring to some others who wasted their time posting w/o offering any help.

no1mad: I found a really, really short review right here.... https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...MBUK2-a-review

My medium is rather small, the small must be tiny.