Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2007
Strengths: durable, weather proof, big capacity (largest size), comfortable, stable and secure on back
Weaknesses: none - just need to get used to good packing techniques, and be careful that the extra shoulder strap loop doesn't catch a wingmirror
Bottom Line:
I bought it when a friend celebrated his bags's 8th birthday, mine is now 10yrs old. I use it everyday on the bike, always enough space and sits very snugly/comfortably. Easy to access without taking it off, quick to put on and tighten, and it will, without a doubt, last a very long time.
Mine's old school waxed canvas so looks weathered with charactor. It has worn holes in it's creases and the velcro is wearing but it still keeps everything perfectly dry - you could transport toilet paper in a monsoon and be fine!
The original messenger bag that's been designed by riders and built by people with ethics. Don't by these because they're trendy, buy these bags because you want a bag for life that is well designed (especially for urban riders). I would also highly recommend the strap pouch for keys and loose change, but wouldn't bother with the strap pad as the strap is wide and comfortable when bag is tight to your back.
Similar Products Used: 2 strap backpacks, and have tried other peoples messenger bags out of curiousity
Bike Setup: On-One SS Inbred with slicks
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Williamsburg, VA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Strengths: Literally lasts forever!!! Waterproof, stylish, and custom-made.
Weaknesses: If there is one, I haven't noticed it.
Bottom Line:
Best bag for the money; it's that simple. I bought mine in 1997, and still use it daily. My bag has lived through the following:
Working for a dotcom in NYC in the late 90's - I lived out of this bag while reading my Palm Pilot on the subway. Very hip, urban, and comfortable walking around Manhattan.
Working as a freelance journalist in the early 00's - I lived out of this bag while traveling the country for interviews. It's a great briefcase.
Studying as an MBA student in VA - I lived out of this bag while carrying a laptop, textbooks, and other junk college students need.
The bag still takes a beating, and I still get compliments on it. It's still waterproof, the velcro still works, and there are no rips or tears. None. I've had mine for 8 years, my wife's has had hers for 3, and my brother (who uses his when cycling to work each day), also has had his for 8 years.
Timbuk2 may be more expensive than other messenger bags, but it's the best you can get - hands down.
Bike Setup: Old School: 2000 Univega Alpine w/upgrades (Hey, it's a good frame.)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2005
Strengths: functionality, durability(!!!), comfort, looks...did i mention durability?
Weaknesses: a little trendy now
Bottom Line:
i just happened across this product in the Hall of Fame and wanted to up its status a bit. I bought my bag in 1999 (or maybe it was 98?). i was drawn to Timbuk2 because of the quality of the product and their manufacturing methods. I'm a little disheartened by their recent move to use off-shore manufacturing on some bags - I suppose their popularity forced this. i guess its kind of a drag they are so popular now - but with good reason - these bags are awesome.
anyway - i use this bag every single day. i use it to commute on and off the bike. i use it in my car. its travelled all across the country, and to Mexico. i've hauled my laptop in it. i've used it as a lone travel bag, stuffed with shirts and drawers. basically - it does whatever i ask of it - with no complaints. its tough (TOUGH!) - mine has the ballistic bottom - and i have abused it - not even the SLIGHTEST signs of wear. mine is pimped out with a shoulder pad, phone case and misc pouch. i love this bag so much, i've bought 2 as gifts for other people! and they use their's everyday as well! i think the price tag is steep for a casual user, or if you are a trendy buyer. but - $100 well spent if you are going to get a bunch of years out of it. i've used mine for 6 or 7 years and see no reason why it wont last that many more again, if not MORE.
Strengths: Lasts forever. I've been using my Timbuk2 bag for about 5 years now, maybe more. I use it just about every single day, its really where I keep everything important. Its been in the rain, snow, wind, sun, you name it. And it looks like its new. No tears, rips, loose threads, nothing. I can't think of much else that lasts like this thing, and I've been through plenty of backpacks in my life.
Weaknesses: none.
Bottom Line:
I've gone through half a dozen bikes, moved 3 or 4 times, had 2 or 3 cars, handfull of jobs, and have used this bag almost every day during that. Worth twice what I paid.
Similar Products Used: Backpacks from jansport, the north face, etc.
Bike Setup: outlasted many.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Mike McAloon
a Racer
from houston, tx, usa
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2003
Strengths: good looks, big size, weather proof, good pockets, cross strap holds bag on your back when you sprint out of the saddle, all the straps are adjustable with one hand so you can ride and adjust a the same time. reflector tails are REALLY bright.
Weaknesses: shoulder strap sucks with out the extra ($10) strap. some of the smallest pockets are too small to be practical. uncomfortable at the end of the day
Bottom Line:
this bag is huge! i carry maps, toolset, tubes, camera, pens, notebooks, markers, clif bars, a sweatshirt, bike lock, frame pump, wallet, anything i need. it's big enough to put a 12 pack, probably even a 24 pack.
if you are in and out of your bag all day long you need a messenger bag. it's the only kind of bag you can get into with out stopping your bike.
i thought these bags where expensive, but after riding with one for a few months i've got plenty of use out of it... plus it looks so good i wear it everywhere.
Strengths: tough, waterproof, fits well, colorful, many options, great design, great workmanship.
Weaknesses: velcro wears out, not Timbuk2's fault.
Bottom Line:
Used this bag for six years and except for the dirt, sweat stains, faded red panel, velcro issues, and the smell, it's as good as new. I have thought about replacing it recently but it's like a friend now...sob...I just can't do it.
All stiching intact. no rips, tears, or holes. this bag kicks butt.
Submitted by
Tihoan Depli
a Weekend Warrior
from Somewhere in Europe
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2002
Strengths: the functionality and quality
Weaknesses: The key ring/strap/whatever doesn't really match the quality feel of the rest. I didn't plan to use this anyway so it doesn't matter though.
Bottom Line:
Somehow they've managed to combine a great timeless design with supreme quality. I've only used mine for a couple of months but I some of my friends have had their bags for many years, they just last... And they're always timbuk2 bags no matter how old they are.
Submitted by
Rommel
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland Heights, OH
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002
Strengths: Strong, Looks good,weatherproof, holds a lot of stuff, comfortable to carry for long periods of time, hardly any wear and I use it everyday
Weaknesses: Expensive
Bottom Line:
This bag is sturdy, good looking and has,thus far surpassed expectations. Order the bag through a local bike shop to avoid the manufacturer problems. Look on the internet at the Timbuk2 web page, set up the bag with what you want, copy the page, take it to your local bike shop give it to them to submit the order for you. It was actually cheaper than the price listed. Used it for over a year everyday and it hasn't worn or faded yet
Submitted by
Willy
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002
Strengths: Well made. You can custom order it with whatever you want on it.
Weaknesses: Expensive
Bottom Line:
I don't think you have to bike to use this bag. I use this bag almost every day for nearly 3 years...but I don't think I have ever used it many times while bicycling. I have used it on my motorcyle lots of times though...if it can do 110mph, it can do 20 on a bike. But its a great bag, had it for years with pretty much no noticable wear, when all my old bags would be dead by now.
Weaknesses: It's gonna cost ya to look cool. This bag ain't cheap! velcro may wear out after prolonged use, but it's something u gotta expect... it's velcro after all!
Bottom Line:
It's a neat and functional bag that pretty much does what it's supposed to. It's large and easy to get into and the small compartments inside make it easy to organise small stuff like keys and such. It's pretty tough too. Banged it around a few times, but still in good shape. It's sits very comfortably when u're on a bike, but only if u fill it up first. It also looks good, especially when u get to swap colours around to match your taste. Only thing is that it costs so darn much! 4 chillis for me.
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco,
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002
Strengths: Somewhat durable, customizable colors, Carries decently when loaded if you use the stabilizer strap
Weaknesses: Velcro started to wear fast on one side, stabilizer strap is to short or slips loose if wearing bulky clothing and have a large load. Cordura apparently will cause wear on Gore-tex jackets
Bottom Line:
Alright bag for the money, carries alot. And will last if you are just putting around town or on campus.
But beware if you don't order exactly what you want or bag has a defect, CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS....They won't tell you if they have received your bag, unless you call repeatedly, then accuse you of making an error. Later, their returns system takes so long it becomes easier to order a new bag. If you are looking for an alright/trendy bag good order, Would have given them 4 chilis if the customer service wasn't so bad.
Strengths: design options offered by timbuk2 leading to pleasing looks because you can custom design or select it yourself. Spacious, very much so. Ergonomic when half or totally full. Doesn't slip around while in transit like other messenger or non-messenger/ courier bags.
Weaknesses: none see thus far seen in the design and construction. The price is a little high, but well worth it if you are looking for a one time buy.
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a bag that is slick as far as asthetics are concerned, yet with high utility, and designed, seemingly, by cyclist for cyclist, this would be the bag to get. Plus its a small independent company with interest in the product they make,as well as, the market to which they are appealing.
Strengths: Very nice bag. Well designed, and very nice looking. Many color choices. I used this bag for hauling groceries the other day. It was wonderful, it stayed secure and did not shift on my back. It holds my laptop and extra stuff. I shopped around a bit for prices on this bag and found a wide range at different stores. Where I bought it, the price was $70. But they met the price at another store and took $20 off. I also had a salesman try and give me a song and dance about why the waxed canvas was more expensive than the nylon. The website, www.timbuk2.com is very good as well.
Weaknesses: I think the bag should come with a shoulder pad as standard equipment, but that is minor. I am curious to see how this thing does in the rain. Also saw one at the store with stitching coming all undone on one of the velcro strips. I looked mine over carefully.
Bottom Line:
Great, slick looking product. Does excactly what it is supposed to do. 5 flamin chilis for making a good looking and functional product. Now I have to buy my daughter one.
Strengths: Wow! Great bag. It holds just enough for what I do, and it looks really cool. This bag is very waterproof even for the cordura facbric. I love this bag and I hope I will be able to keep it for many years.
Weaknesses: Becoming a preppy fashion statement. My girlfriend has one and she packs it so tight with books and stuff. The bag has ripped at the bottom. Get the bigger one if you need to carry alot.
Bottom Line:
Great bag, buy this baby. Buy it if you ride only!!!!!!!!! Although it is now becoming a fashion statement for people to carry around college campuses, we must resurect the original use of the bag and make it truly a bag to be biked with. > Pete
