Office max messenger bags for Pedal bikers

I wasn't quite sure where this went but didn't want to put it in the main thread simply because its a very specific topic that would get lost in the main thread. I've been using an old HP laptop backpack for pedaling to/from school with 40mi being on the high range for a days ride. I've been wanting to convert over to a messenger bag but simply haven't had the money. This week with the rewards thing ending up making them cheap I'm trying to look over the bags they have and see if any will be decent for biking.

Anybody have some suggestions or should I just keep waiting and saving my cash for one of the bigger known biking bags?

Messenger bags get a lot of punishment, it might be better to wait until you have enough money to buy a good quality bag. Otherwise you'll wind up having to buy another one much sooner and wind up spending more money in the long run.

DH really likes the Timbuck2 bags. He's used the same Timbuck2 messenger bag every weekday for four years and it looks great still and nothing has broken or torn on it or shown signs of wear.

yeah timbuk2's hold up well and I can find slightly used ones in the $40 range from time to time in great shape still. I was thinking about holding out for a chrome.

My thoughts were basically pick something out of the available ones at OM and buy it using past rewards and if it only works well for me for 6mnths that gets me to a point where I hopefully have more money available.

I second the vote for timbuk2. I got one from the Best Buy sale for ~$40 a while ago, and it's an amazing bag.

bump for boobies

Messenger bag? Shouldn't rayzac be the best to give advice on this topic?

Main thing I need is to hold a couple school books at a time so timbuk2 smalls are what I'm lookin at quite a bit. I plan on buying an ultrabook soon but haven't found the right price on a 13" screen that weighs 2.5lbs. Planned is like 2 books, paper pad and an ultrabook (lock of course) Even completely empty except like keys, wallet and lock my backpack is just too hot.

I went to a couple different stores checking out different bags they had and there was a nice ful for like $140 but thanks to the timbuk2 ebay outlet I'm getting the bag I wanted for about $50 out of pocket after using the last of my ebay bucks.

I don't know if you ever go to thrift stores, but I have found some great computer bags that were brand new. I found a messenger bag that had a padded 'puter section, plus an additional section plus pockets for pens, disks, etc. I also found a backpack with an inflatable cushion to protect your laptop when the bag sits on the floor. Both were under $5.

another vote for timbuk2. Have been using the same bag for 7-8 years. Mine has been to many countries and see many things.

It might be worth springing for it brand-new if you don't find a used one.



I've seen a lot of people use the ones where the buckle is like a seat belt buckle. I don't know the brand of it.

Quote from boobies_rule : I went to a couple different stores checking out different bags they had and there was a nice ful for like $140 but thanks to the timbuk2 ebay outlet I'm getting the bag I wanted for about $50 out of pocket after using the last of my ebay bucks.

Which tb2 did you wind up going with?

I bought a skooba laptop bag about two years ago, I've been very happy with it, it's held up completely rock solid, it still seems new. I don't expect any of the seams to ever let go I would say that the main compartment doesn't expand as much as might be useful - I can get my laptop (15" widescreen) in and maybe a small book or my portfolio with a notebook, but not much more.

Quote from nutter218 : another vote for timbuk2. Have been using the same bag for 7-8 years. Mine has been to many countries and see many things. It might be worth springing for it brand-new if you don't find a used one. I've seen a lot of people use the ones where the buckle is like a seat belt buckle. I don't know the brand of it.

those are the chrome brand. You wont find them used often because well people hold onto them forever. They are honestly my first choice but I just cant justify paying twice as much for one over a timbuk2

timbuk2's ebay outlet you can buy brand new medium sized bags in the $60 range. The extra smalls are under $40

Quote from thearteest : I don't know if you ever go to thrift stores, but I have found some great computer bags that were brand new. I found a messenger bag that had a padded 'puter section, plus an additional section plus pockets for pens, disks, etc. I also found a backpack with an inflatable cushion to protect your laptop when the bag sits on the floor. Both were under $5.

I dont usually go to them so driving around town HOPING for something decent just doesn't sound like a good idea. I'm looking for a higher end one for biking around 100 miles a week with it on my back with school books and often enough a laptop if I can find something light enough for the right price. The reason I dont bother with them is because every single one I've been in around here has been packed to the rafters with absolute trash.

Quote from PaintTheSkyGrey : Which tb2 did you wind up going with?

haven't ordered yet. I've been waiting for a credit card payment to clear but most likely the classic messenger but putting some thought into paying extra for the command.