I am a proud owner of Timbuk2 and ortlieb bags. The ortliebs tend to be above 100 but are AMAZING bags. Lets just say, almost every single day on a bike with the same ortlieb "sling-it" bag for 7 years in almost every type of weather imaginable. Nuff said.

But for under 100 I say timbuk2 classic messenger. Its simple, cheap, waterproof, comes in lots of varieties and sizes, has reflector tabs, adjustable sling and tough sewn straps.

I would stay away from chromes. Although they are very reliable and cool looking. They have a three pound buckle with a quick-release. Lets just say the last thing i want is to accidently "quick-release" my bag while in city traffic. (friends and I used to mess with people on alleycats by pushing the "red button of death" right before starts, we weren't very nice)

A Seagull bag should be more comfortable than a timbuk2 bag simply because of the padded strap. I don't know how the two brands compare with regards to the comfort of bag on your back, but you can always leave a t-shirt in the bag between your back and whatever you're carrying.

You can fit a mini U nicely on the main strap under the seat belt material just above the buckle.

nevermind, i decided to get a freight baggage backpack instead. I carry massive heavy stuff so a mess. bag wouldn't be to good for me and my eff'ed up back

been carrying around one of these for a while now.
totally love it.
more comfy than a messenger bag (i had a very serious shoulder/collarbone injury a year and a half ago) on my shoulder and back.
holds everything.....
if you carry a laptop, a messenger bag might not be the best idea.
it just turns a mess bag into a hard rectangle on your back that just sits there and doesnt conform to the curve of your back and shoulder....a backpack is much better.
i carried a classsic messenger from timbuk2 for several years, but once i started carrying around my macbook and camera full time, i knew it was time for a backpack.

The Seagull MED actually has more room than both the Timbuk2 MED and LARGE.

SEAGULL BLACK BAG (Medium): 24" x 13.5" x 8.5"; 2754 cubic inches (16x 13.5 x 8.5 raw) $105
TIMBUK2 (Medium): 1474 cubic inches
TIMBUK2 (Large): 2149 cubic inches

Commuter mini. I've got them listed at $120, but I sell them $90 each for BFSSFG.

Do you have a BFSSFG discount on your normal-sized Commuter?

Yeah, if you just want a simple gray/black commuter with recovered vinyl interior I'd make one for $120. But this is the under $100 thread.

I need to take sewing classes.

i haven't seen a mp bag with any kind of strap i'd want to use with a load. i have a cocotte i love, the smaller ones may be under 100, i got mine from a teammate.

lol @ three layers

so you won't see when your vinyl wears out and cracks

looks well made though

out of sight, out of mind lol. it's a bit of a different shape then a chrome, more wedgey? it doesn't sit as high/wrappy as a chrome either and the quick release is a push together one hidden by the main strap pull. easy to use one handed to tighten and loosen. little foamy jam on the back so it doesn't poke you as well. also, blinky strap thing doesn't work very well for a drop bar bike.

on the left


https://www.cocotte-equip.com/english/items/alfredo.html
Size 38 x 30 x 30 cm

Weight 1,2 kg

Volume 34 litres

Shell
1000 deniers Cordura®

Webbing and thread
Nylon

Lining
420 deniers PU
coated Nylon

Inner lining
Heavy duty truck tarp

Shoulder pad
Évazote

• Waterproof (separately sewn lining)
• Reversible (can be worn on left or right shoulder)
• Fast adaptable padded shoulder strap
• Compression straps to adapt size to content
• Large inner pocket with pen compartment
• Sternum strap to stabilise the bag
• Padded back for comfort
• 4 ply re-enforced bottom
• 3M reflective bands and strap for Vistalite

pick up some foundation sewing for fashion industry textboots if you want to do some patternmaking

Your(you guys') bags are pretty awesome.

Blick, do your straps buckle in a way like the chrome bags do? you know, so you can take it off and on without having to pull it over your head?

It doesn't have to be a seat buckle.

My problem with messenger bags is this: I like to wear it close to my body, this way there is less stress on my shoulder, but this also means the strap and bag does not leave a lot of wiggle room, which is great when I am on the road (especially with the cross strap), but when ever I am taking it on and off, it is a pain.

So my next back is a MUST for some sort of strap buckle.

I'm just now moving into making multiples (just finished 20 bags for the Cleveland International Film Fest), but it's still all made to order. If you wanted a side release buckles, I've got a bunch of Delrin (it's like plastic but strong like steel) ones. For the stock stuff I'm making, I figure the little bags don't really need 'em. The bigger Commuter and Courier models, of course, need a buckle that releases, or else it would be mega awkward taking on and off!

Pic of the buckle:



Sorry these images are so big...idk why the forum system here doesn't automatically resize them into clickable thumbnails.

Blicks those bags look nice! I may be taking them into consideration soon. Thanks for the links


Anyways I'm about to put up an ad on the marketplace with two different small commuter / laptop bags that I'm getting rid of in order to get a single, larger one.

One Timbuk2, one Crumpler

Just in case anyone's interested.

Hey Blick,

I'm really interested in a commuter. Should I contact you via your website for one? and can you do the $120?

this is the same kind of buckle on my bag and it works well. honestly though, with the d-ring pull to loosen the strap like on blicks, it's super easy to just loose the strap with one hand easy peasy to take on and off. that's what i do. i only use the buckle when the bag is so stuffed its almost near the end of the strap tightened down.

I have one of these:


Got it for like 50 bucks.

I'm actually pretty damn good at sewing, I just don't know how to make correct patterns. I started using a sewing awl because I don't have the money for an industrial machine.

Thanks for the tip Blick!

I got this one not too long ago. Love it.

I got my timbuk2 medium for meeega cheap ($36) and I reaaally like it.

If I was looking for a commuter-worthy bag, I would spend a little more than $100, support one of our own, and talk to our friend BLICKS here.

I've been a working courier for a while, and his are some of the best looking non "big brand" bags around.

I was looking at the Seagull small bag (cause close to size of timbuk2 medium.. I don't need larger), but it doesn't have all the features the larger seagulls do. Don't quote me, but less pockets, different buckle are the main things that pop into my head). By the time I added what i wanted to it, the price starts to go up very quickly. That was part of the reason I ordered one from Blicks. She's super chill to work with... bag is in progress so no details though