View Full Version : Timbuk2 Messenger Bag Question
Keith A
08-22-2007, 04:44 PM
Now that I have been commuting regularly, there are times that my small Timbuk2 messenger bag isn't quite big enough and so I'm considering getting a medium one as well. I was looking over their website (http://www.timbuk2.com) and see that they have two different materials for their classic styled bag...the ballistic nylon and the Cordura.
I'm pretty sure that I have the Cordura version and I wanted to find out what is the difference between the two materials. Are there any real advantages of one material over the other?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Now that I have been commuting regularly, there are times that my small Timbuk2 messenger bag isn't quite big enough and so I'm considering getting a medium one as well. I was looking over their website (http://www.timbuk2.com) and see that they have two different materials for their classic styled bag...the ballistic nylon and the Cordura.
I'm pretty sure that I have the Cordura version and I wanted to find out what is the difference between the two materials. Are there any real advantages of one material over the other?
Thanks in advance for your help.
I don't know the difference between the two types of nylon, but I'll answer a question you didn't ask. I had a fairly large Timbuk2 for many years and never had any problems with it. But I recently got a larger Chrome and, I'll tell you, for carrying larger loads, the Chrome kicks the tar out of the Timbuk2. Carries it with more stability, less shifting, a better position on your back, and the straps and buckles work lots better for getting the bag on and off and adjusted. I think the prices are similar or close enough to be worth the difference.
So, if you're open to different options, you might want to check it out. I've heard that PAC bags are the best out there, but they also cost about twice as much as the Chrome or Timbuk2, so that's probably more than you want to spend if you're not spending hours a day hauling stuff.
-Ray
Keith A
08-22-2007, 05:07 PM
Ray -- I'll certainly check them (http://www.chromebags.com/) out!
Not to stir up a can o' worms, but I just paid rei-outlet 42 bucks for a Timbuk2 in a size large (they were marked down to about 52 and there was a 20 percent off deal). It's worth looking there and sierratradingpost if you don't already have a shop in mind.
Fixed
08-22-2007, 06:52 PM
i have a jandd hurricane it's ok it's kinda large and i have a small timbuk2 that perfect for my macbook i carry the small bag to work then use the large one at work , carry small one home .i think most cats are just as well off with a good back pac for cyclist .imho
cheers it's time for :beer:
Keith A
08-22-2007, 07:38 PM
Fixed -- I really like my small Timbuk2...I like the way it fits on my back better than a backpack. So I'm looking at getting one a little larger when I need to carry a few more things with me. I can get my work clothes and lunch inside the small Timbuk2 -- but only flip flops will fit in there for shoes.
Fixed
08-22-2007, 07:42 PM
med will hold shoes and clothes bro
cheers these are cool bacpax
http://www.chromebags.com/products/bags/rolltop/
CNY rider
08-22-2007, 07:53 PM
Keith if you're looking at other options make sure you check out Bailey Works.
I've commuted with a small sized Courier bag for over 2 years, including winter commuting.
It fits well, has never leaked, and is quite durable. Still looks like it's new.
Bailey works (http://www.baileyworks.com/)
Bill D
08-22-2007, 09:06 PM
At the risk of going info overload on you, the Fixed Gear Gallery website has reviews of lots of messenger bags and backpacks, including an occasional roundup of lots of different bags in a comparo. You may not be interested in other brands, in which case you can feel free to disregard this altogether. :)
Fixed Gear Gallery (http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/)
-bd
chakatrain
08-23-2007, 12:17 AM
...for commuting, but I have to say I have strong mixed feelings. On the positive side, it holds a ton o' stuff, which for me is my shoes, socks, pants, shirts, towel, toiletries, and helmet without much complaint. On the negative side, it tends to slide around a bit on my back, even with the secondary strap tightened up well. I now commute with a backpack (North Face Recon II), which I strongly prefer, even if the cc isn't quite a large.
Sorry to hijack the thread. If it helps, my back is cordura, which I love.
Fixed
08-23-2007, 05:52 AM
mess bags are good for getting into without taking it off .imho cheers
...for commuting, but I have to say I have strong mixed feelings. On the positive side, it holds a ton o' stuff, which for me is my shoes, socks, pants, shirts, towel, toiletries, and helmet without much complaint. On the negative side, it tends to slide around a bit on my back, even with the secondary strap tightened up well. I now commute with a backpack (North Face Recon II), which I strongly prefer, even if the cc isn't quite a large.
Sorry to hijack the thread. If it helps, my back is cordura, which I love.
That's what I came to realize about my large Timbuk2 also, but assumed that just came with the territory with messenger bags until I'd tried a Chrome. It never really bothered me much until I'd tried something that DIDN'T do that. The Chrome Metropolis (second largest) is FAR larger than the Timbuk2 I'd been using and carries that much more. Plus it's more stable, doesn't slide around, etc, as I noted earlier. I know that Bailey Works, PAC bags, and others are similarly good, or better.
I still strongly prefer mess bags to backpacks for a couple of reasons. First, most backpacks I've tried ride high enough to block my view behind me with a mirror (sorry Swoop - you're not changing and neither am I!). Second, I do a lot of errands on the bike and the messenger bag is far preferable for getting in and out of without always wrestling with it to get it on and off. Release one buckle, loosen another, swing it around to the front and it's fully accessible and quick to get back into place for riding away again. I guess for a strictly once on, once off commute, that wouldn't be an issue.
-Ray
Too Tall
08-23-2007, 06:06 AM
I have three(!) Timbuk2 bags and all are the orig. fabric which is ballistic coated nylon. The stuff will NOT wear out. From what I can tell and see on the street...the cordura versions of these bags look kinda ratty faster...not that there is anything wrong with that :cool:
Keith A
08-23-2007, 09:37 AM
You guys are great! Lots of good information and I'll certainly check out the reviews on the Fixed Gear site.
Ray -- I looked at Chrome's website for a few minutes and I really liked what I saw. I'm especially pleased to hear that you like their clamping system better than Timbuk2. This is the one minor problem I have had with my small Timbuk2 is that when it is fully packed it tends to move around more than I'd like it to. BTW, I also prefer how a messenger bag sits on my back compared to a backpack.
Thanks again for all the info -- keep it coming.
...for commuting, but I have to say I have strong mixed feelings. On the positive side, it holds a ton o' stuff, which for me is my shoes, socks, pants, shirts, towel, toiletries, and helmet without much complaint. On the negative side, it tends to slide around a bit on my back, even with the secondary strap tightened up well. I now commute with a backpack (North Face Recon II), which I strongly prefer, even if the cc isn't quite a large.
+1. I really like my TibmBuk2 laptop messenger, but I use my NF Recon backpack for daily commuting. It's much more comfortable over longer distances. I wish the mes bag was more comfortable, becasue I like the easy access of it rather than having to pack everything deep into the backpack. Maybe I'll check out the CHrome bags someday, but for now I'm good.
Too Tall
08-23-2007, 09:45 AM
Keef - If someone were to talk me out of my mid size Timbuk2 (hint hint) I would not think twice...RELOAD looks very darn nice.
PeterW
08-23-2007, 10:02 AM
Too Tall,
Do not hesitate re: Reload.
Here's a shot of a custom one they built for me. Their custom gallery is awesome.
OT: TT, are you wearing your Battlin' Barons jersey at d2r2? See you there.
Keith A
08-23-2007, 10:07 AM
Hey TT -- Thanks for the offer...I'll certainly think about it, but that Chrome stuff has me thinking about trying a different brand.
DRZRM
08-23-2007, 10:48 AM
+1 on the RELoad. Love both of my bags from them.
Too Tall,
Do not hesitate re: Reload.
Here's a shot of a custom one they built for me. Their custom gallery is awesome.
OT: TT, are you wearing your Battlin' Barons jersey at d2r2? See you there.
72gmc
08-23-2007, 11:56 AM
My 17" MacBook stretches the seams on my Timbuk 2 and it isn't very comfortable or stable with that load. I'm intrigued by Baileyworks and Crumpler and the backpacks from Chrome and Ortlieb.
crossjunkee
08-23-2007, 02:06 PM
All the east coast guys on here, and nobody mentions.....
http://www.courierwareusa.com/
I've had both Timbuk2's and Chrome's and my favorite by far is the Chrome. The way they attach the strap make's it much more comfortable and secure than the TB2. I get no movement with my Chrome. I also like the way they designed the opening with the corners folding over when closed, no water getting in bag. I occassionally had water get in my TB2 bag if caught in a hard rain.
That said, I went to a backpack design, not sure I'm liking it and have a like new Chrome Citizen orange/black, it's all about being visible, I'm selling.
Let me know if you're interested.
Keith A
08-23-2007, 03:56 PM
Thanks Hoss! Check your PM for my email address.
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