This handy little accessory is for people who don't like digging into their bags every time their cell phone rings. Holster fits on the shoulder strap of the Timbuk2 Bolo, Dee Dog and El Ocho bags; not compatible with Pee Wee or commuter bags. Features a quick Velcro7reg; fastener, plus belt loops to strap onto your shoulder strap or belt. Made of sturdy Cordura® nylon.
Submitted by
Sprocketeer
a Cross Country Rider
from Narashino, Chiba, Japan (native of New York) Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The one under my tires.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Seo Cycle, LalaPort Tokyo Bay shopping mall.
Strengths:
It has the courier bag durability which is eternally appreciated.
Weaknesses:
It's not waterproof and Just like with most real courier bags, the velcro wears out making it easy for your cell phone, GPS, or whatever it is to fall out when you put your bag down or bounce out on a bump. When it's upright, on a shoulder strap, riding on smooth roads, it's fine though. I have a little bungie laniard attached to my cell phone which has saved it from many possible times of the phone slipping out and getting damaged or left behind. (Incidentally, though it didn't happen with this product, I destroyed a previous cell phone when it bouced out of a somewhat loose sleeve in my bag, fell into a pool of water on the road, then was run over by a truck while I was cycling in a typhoon.)
Similar Products Used:
I have another cell phone holder on my CamelBak which is my bag for serious riding, I forget the brand, which uses webbing, a waterproof lid, and bungies on the outside that works really well and is totally dependable, but I still use the Tim Buk II on my courier bag because it's easier to take out when I'm just out shopping and such. I don't even answer my cell phone when I'm out riding with the CamelBak so having it more secure and protected, though less easily accessible is not a bad thing.
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000, 2002 model. Stock so far, except for Egg Beater pedals and a lot of bells and whistles such as cycling computer, climbing bars and such.
Bottom Line:
I don't think anything will ever replace the super durability of traditional courier bags and all the stuff they make for them--such as this product.
Timbuk II does a great job of improving courier bags without doing away with the original design and materials. Which is why I wish they would get in gear redesigning this product.
It works great, easy access to the phone, good size, colors are nice and all, so I still use it for urban riding in dry weather conditions, but as soon as it starts to rain or snow heavily I can't help thinking water is going to get into my cell phone and so I put it in a nice water resistant pocket in my jacket--which is not good.
I don't trust it enough to protect my cell phone when I'm off-road, so I have a completely different cell phone holder for my CamelBak.
If I took a fall or even a hard bump with the Timbuk II, my cell phone would very likely bounce right out of it.
Make it with a better, more long lasting and dependable closure, and make it waterproof, and I'll give it a better rating.
Though I use it, and will continue to use it, I can't give it any more than a mediocre rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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