messenger bags? - Page 3 - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

01-28-2005, 09:36 AM

maxo wrote in part:

> I've got a HUGE Timbuk bag from when I actually messengered and it's
> amazing how much they can hold and how durable they are, but I think
a
> well made regular back pack is more comfy and better for your back if
you
> insist on that route.

The Timbuk bags have a fatal design flaw--the side
which slides around against your back is 3-piece
instead of one solid sheet. This causes the bags to
come apart at the seams long before the rest of the
bag is toast. Trying to sew or otherwise shore up
the seams is ultimately a lost cause.

In general, backpacks are superior to messenger
bags unless you're an actual messenger. I've
heard great things about the deuter (sp?) packs
although I've never tried one.

> The Timbuk bag is good if I for some reason want to
> carry a 17" monitor on my back--it'll fit. LOL *ouch*
If you get the big bag, don't tell the dispatcher.

R

01-28-2005, 09:36 AM

maxo wrote in part:

> I've got a HUGE Timbuk bag from when I actually messengered and it's
> amazing how much they can hold and how durable they are, but I think
a
> well made regular back pack is more comfy and better for your back if
you
> insist on that route.

The Timbuk bags have a fatal design flaw--the side
which slides around against your back is 3-piece
instead of one solid sheet. This causes the bags to
come apart at the seams long before the rest of the
bag is toast. Trying to sew or otherwise shore up
the seams is ultimately a lost cause.

In general, backpacks are superior to messenger
bags unless you're an actual messenger. I've
heard great things about the deuter (sp?) packs
although I've never tried one.

> The Timbuk bag is good if I for some reason want to
> carry a 17" monitor on my back--it'll fit. LOL *ouch*
If you get the big bag, don't tell the dispatcher.

R

01-28-2005, 10:04 AM

On Fri, 28 Jan 2005 09:36:41 -0800, r15757 wrote:

> The Timbuk bags have a fatal design flaw--the side
> which slides around against your back is 3-piece
> instead of one solid sheet. This causes the bags to
> come apart at the seams long before the rest of the
> bag is toast. Trying to sew or otherwise shore up
> the seams is ultimately a lost cause.

I'm sure there are much better bags than the Timbuks, but I've never seen
such a failure. Mine is six years old and so well used that the colors are
bleached grey by the sun, but shows no other wear at all. If indeed it did
split at the seam, just drop into a reputable dry cleaner that offers
alterations, they'll be able to lock stitch it with some strong-ass thread
for a couple bucks.

People forget that there are folks with needle and thread out there that
are vastly more talented than the rest of us. Use them. Support your local
cobblers as well--there's nothing like a fresh set of "cat paw" heels on a
pair of vintage boots.

01-28-2005, 10:04 AM

On Fri, 28 Jan 2005 09:36:41 -0800, r15757 wrote:

> The Timbuk bags have a fatal design flaw--the side
> which slides around against your back is 3-piece
> instead of one solid sheet. This causes the bags to
> come apart at the seams long before the rest of the
> bag is toast. Trying to sew or otherwise shore up
> the seams is ultimately a lost cause.

I'm sure there are much better bags than the Timbuks, but I've never seen
such a failure. Mine is six years old and so well used that the colors are
bleached grey by the sun, but shows no other wear at all. If indeed it did
split at the seam, just drop into a reputable dry cleaner that offers
alterations, they'll be able to lock stitch it with some strong-ass thread
for a couple bucks.

People forget that there are folks with needle and thread out there that
are vastly more talented than the rest of us. Use them. Support your local
cobblers as well--there's nothing like a fresh set of "cat paw" heels on a
pair of vintage boots.

01-28-2005, 10:04 AM

On Fri, 28 Jan 2005 09:36:41 -0800, r15757 wrote:

> The Timbuk bags have a fatal design flaw--the side
> which slides around against your back is 3-piece
> instead of one solid sheet. This causes the bags to
> come apart at the seams long before the rest of the
> bag is toast. Trying to sew or otherwise shore up
> the seams is ultimately a lost cause.

I'm sure there are much better bags than the Timbuks, but I've never seen
such a failure. Mine is six years old and so well used that the colors are
bleached grey by the sun, but shows no other wear at all. If indeed it did
split at the seam, just drop into a reputable dry cleaner that offers
alterations, they'll be able to lock stitch it with some strong-ass thread
for a couple bucks.

People forget that there are folks with needle and thread out there that
are vastly more talented than the rest of us. Use them. Support your local
cobblers as well--there's nothing like a fresh set of "cat paw" heels on a
pair of vintage boots.

01-28-2005, 07:45 PM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>, Pat <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
wrote:

> I have to go someplace where I could use a messenger-type bag. I thought of
> using a backpack, but I was wondering if someone has a favorite
> shoulder-type messenger bag that they particularly like. I don't want to put
> a rear rack on the bike because it's a beater bike.
>
> thanks,
>
> Pat in TX
>
>

A local Toronto outfit <http://www.pushtheenvelope.com/> made--and
subsequently customized--my messenger bag. And although I recommend it,
I urge you to reconsider using rack and panniers or, perhaps, a
Carradice saddlebag for long(er) hauls. A well designed messenger bag
is more comfortable than a standard backpack for cycling, but, where
comfort is a priority, removing the burden from your back and onto the
bicycle is preferable.

luke

01-28-2005, 07:45 PM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>, Pat <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
wrote:

> I have to go someplace where I could use a messenger-type bag. I thought of
> using a backpack, but I was wondering if someone has a favorite
> shoulder-type messenger bag that they particularly like. I don't want to put
> a rear rack on the bike because it's a beater bike.
>
> thanks,
>
> Pat in TX
>
>

A local Toronto outfit <http://www.pushtheenvelope.com/> made--and
subsequently customized--my messenger bag. And although I recommend it,
I urge you to reconsider using rack and panniers or, perhaps, a
Carradice saddlebag for long(er) hauls. A well designed messenger bag
is more comfortable than a standard backpack for cycling, but, where
comfort is a priority, removing the burden from your back and onto the
bicycle is preferable.

luke

01-28-2005, 08:17 PM

Wow I forgot all about the milkcrates. That brings back memories.
When I was a kid I had a metal steel one bolted to the rear rack.
I used to carry all sorts of stuff with it. they were great.
I think one is pretty hard pressed to beat the practicality of a milk crate.
This person shows how to make up a milk crate as a fancy dog carrier.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Not bad at all, plus they don't stick out enough to be a drag or size
problem.
Nowadays plastic replaces the steel ones of the old days. Lighter, doesn't
rattle like metal, and doesn't rust.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
The RoomStore sells them now
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
in several different colors too.
They sell them too and also a 1/2 milk crate.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Yup, metal ones are collector items now.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

"Tom Keats" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:86nctc.mof1.ln@bud.garden.local...
> In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
> maxo <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> writes:
>> On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 20:23:21 -0600, Earl Bollinger wrote:
>>
>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] has a nice standard rack for only $12.00 new.
>>
>> Yeah, a cheap rack and some of those expandable shopping baskets are the
>> bomb for putzing about.
>
> I've gone through a whole bunch of cheap-o aluminum racks
> that have eventually busted on me. But I never bought
> any of them, they came on 'found' bikes. If I wanted a
> serious rack though, I'd go for steel, like the Nitto one
> or the pricy Tubus.
>
>> I got the nylon baskets a while back on Nashbar for 15 bucks and they're
>> great for a paper bag of groceries.
>
> I've looked at those, and thought a bunch about 'em.
> I like that they carry the load low on the bike.
> But the good ol' milk crate can carry a small or a
> large pizza -- the small ones fit right in, and the
> large ones sit on top. Medium is problematic -- they
> go in at an angle. Tilted pizza is not good. I guess
> it's possible to put some dunnage on top of the milk
> crate, on which to put medium-sized pizzas. But it's
> easier just to pay the extra for a large.
>
>
> cheers,
> Tom
>
> --
> -- Nothing is safe from me.
> Above address is just a spam midden.
> I'm really at: tkeats [curlicue] vcn [point] bc [point] ca

01-28-2005, 08:17 PM

Wow I forgot all about the milkcrates. That brings back memories.
When I was a kid I had a metal steel one bolted to the rear rack.
I used to carry all sorts of stuff with it. they were great.
I think one is pretty hard pressed to beat the practicality of a milk crate.
This person shows how to make up a milk crate as a fancy dog carrier.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Not bad at all, plus they don't stick out enough to be a drag or size
problem.
Nowadays plastic replaces the steel ones of the old days. Lighter, doesn't
rattle like metal, and doesn't rust.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
The RoomStore sells them now
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
in several different colors too.
They sell them too and also a 1/2 milk crate.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Yup, metal ones are collector items now.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

"Tom Keats" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:86nctc.mof1.ln@bud.garden.local...
> In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
> maxo <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> writes:
>> On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 20:23:21 -0600, Earl Bollinger wrote:
>>
>>> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] has a nice standard rack for only $12.00 new.
>>
>> Yeah, a cheap rack and some of those expandable shopping baskets are the
>> bomb for putzing about.
>
> I've gone through a whole bunch of cheap-o aluminum racks
> that have eventually busted on me. But I never bought
> any of them, they came on 'found' bikes. If I wanted a
> serious rack though, I'd go for steel, like the Nitto one
> or the pricy Tubus.
>
>> I got the nylon baskets a while back on Nashbar for 15 bucks and they're
>> great for a paper bag of groceries.
>
> I've looked at those, and thought a bunch about 'em.
> I like that they carry the load low on the bike.
> But the good ol' milk crate can carry a small or a
> large pizza -- the small ones fit right in, and the
> large ones sit on top. Medium is problematic -- they
> go in at an angle. Tilted pizza is not good. I guess
> it's possible to put some dunnage on top of the milk
> crate, on which to put medium-sized pizzas. But it's
> easier just to pay the extra for a large.
>
>
> cheers,
> Tom
>
> --
> -- Nothing is safe from me.
> Above address is just a spam midden.
> I'm really at: tkeats [curlicue] vcn [point] bc [point] ca

01-29-2005, 12:28 AM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
"Earl Bollinger" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> writes:
> Wow I forgot all about the milkcrates. That brings back memories.
> When I was a kid I had a metal steel one bolted to the rear rack.
> I used to carry all sorts of stuff with it. they were great.
> I think one is pretty hard pressed to beat the practicality of a milk crate.
> This person shows how to make up a milk crate as a fancy dog carrier.
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
> Not bad at all, plus they don't stick out enough to be a drag or size
> problem.

The milk crate I've got serves all my needs admirably.
It's size and shape permit carrying a great variety
of stuff.

But some folks prefer cargo carriers more specifically
(and asthetically) designed for bicycles, so there are
bicycle 'rack trunks' on the market, which work like
milk crates, but look better, are easily detachable,
and they have lids. Some of them even more-or-less
convert into backpacks when off the bike.

cheers,
Tom

--
-- Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats [curlicue] vcn [point] bc [point] ca