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Messenger bag for biking. (SOLVED. LOCK PLEASE.)

EshEsh Tending bar. FFXIV. Motorcycles.Portland, ORRegistered User regular
edited February 2010 in Help / Advice Forum
I'm breaking down and buying a Masi single speed for my commute to school every morning. With this, I'll need to buy a cycle friendly bag. I have a nice Acme satchel, but I don't see it as being good for riding as it'll swing around on me. I definitely want a satchel/messenger bag. Please do not bother recommending anything "backpacky" to me. I'll just ignore it. I was looking at this Timbuk 2 bag, but I'm not sure how stable it'll be as it doesn't list (as the website does for a couple of other bags) a "Removable cross-strap for stabilization included. A feature coveted by cyclists.". Now, it could just be because of the design of the website, that this wasn't listed due to room constraints, and you would think this bag would have that feature...

Anyway, suggestions? Maybe I don't even need a cross-strap with this kind of bag? Thanks!

Oh, and waterproof is essential. I do live in Portland.

Esh on

Posts

  • JokermanJokerman Registered User regular
    edited February 2010
    http://www.chromebagsstore.com/

    The last bag you will ever need. Mine has seen two gianormous music festivals, Basic training, countless trips to town, being torn through the woods. Anything you can imagine throwing at a bag, i've done to it and it's come back and asked for more. I cannot praise them enough. Ontop of this, they have a lifetime warranty.

    I like lifetime warranties.


    They're a little pricey but they are worth every penny and made specificaly for cyclist.

    Jokerman on
  • RUNN1NGMANRUNN1NGMAN Registered User regular
    edited February 2010
    Pretty sure all the Timbuk2 bags come with a cross strap--at least the messenger bags. You definitely want one because it'll bounce all over the place and slide around if you don't have one. You could always call them and ask--they're a super small company and someone will be able to tell you one way or the other. You could even tweet them your question and they'll answer it.

    I have two of their bags and I love them. They are really well made and very durable. I also enjoy that you can customize the panels and also order one that's set up left-handed (which is a must for me).

    RUNN1NGMAN on
  • EggyToastEggyToast Jersey CityRegistered User regular
    edited February 2010
    I have an REI brand sling backpack that I use for general use and biking, and yeah, I always buckle the seatbelt on the thing so that it doesn't slide around in my way.

    EggyToast on
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  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited February 2010
    I also have a Timbuk2 bag. I like it a lot. I've heard nothing but good things about Chrome, as well.

    I think either of those would suit your needs. If you get the Timbuk2 bag, make sure to get the non-slip strap pad. The regular pad is just okay, but the non-slip one won't move on your shoulder, ever.

    Doc on
  • MrOlettaMrOletta Registered User regular
    edited February 2010
    I refuse to use my Timbuk 2 bag after it whipped around on me while cycling up a hill on my way to work and almost caused me to wipe out. I never kept the thing loose, either. I would usually have it as tight as I could tolerate.

    MrOletta on
    http://olverawoodworks.com
  • RUNN1NGMANRUNN1NGMAN Registered User regular
    edited February 2010
    MrOletta wrote: »
    I refuse to use my Timbuk 2 bag after it whipped around on me while cycling up a hill on my way to work and almost caused me to wipe out. I never kept the thing loose, either. I would usually have it as tight as I could tolerate.

    Were you using the cross strap? I don't see how that would be physically possible if you were.

    RUNN1NGMAN on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited February 2010
    MrOletta wrote: »
    I refuse to use my Timbuk 2 bag after it whipped around on me while cycling up a hill on my way to work and almost caused me to wipe out. I never kept the thing loose, either. I would usually have it as tight as I could tolerate.

    That will happen with any bag if you don't use a cross-strap.

    physics ftl

    Doc on
  • JWashkeJWashke Registered User regular
    edited February 2010
    I have two Timbuk 2s, one messenger and one commute 2.0 for my laptop, I love em both. Very durable great bags. I haven't used a chrome myself but have a friend who swears by them. So I'm sure you'll be good with either one.

    JWashke on
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  • MrOlettaMrOletta Registered User regular
    edited February 2010
    Yes I was wearing the cross strap. Me standing up to pedal squares caused the bag to shift down and subsequently whip around and hit the handle bars.

    MrOletta on
    http://olverawoodworks.com
  • EshEsh Tending bar. FFXIV. Motorcycles. Portland, ORRegistered User regular
    edited February 2010
    Looks like I'm going to go with one of the small Chrome messenger bags. They seem to be as big as the medium Timbuks. Even better, the shop I'm getting my bike at sells them. Thanks!

    Lock it up.

    Esh on
This discussion has been closed.
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