Specs -- an overview:
Those who ride a lot -- and do not use panniers -- often find backpacks unsuited to the road. The back of the helmet striking the top of the pack (due to how it sits on your back) is one complant; a feeling of something pulling on your arms by the shoulders is another. This is primarily because most of these backpacks are purchased at department stores or Walmarts or other places which do not stock bicycling-specific goods.
True, some bike gear companies -- Camelback hydration for instance -- manufacture backpacks designed for cyclists, but they A) Look like space man gear, and B), they do not really hold a lot of stuff... often less than a normal knapsack. Into this void walks the messenger bag, which is ideal for bicycle commuters and anyone who runs errands by bicycle that do not require full touring gear to transport...
The Timbuk2 "classic messenger" is made of ballistic nylon. It has a waterproof rubberized inside, and a plethora of small pockets on the interior. In addition to the standard cinches and clips to hold the flap closed there is velcro at several points.
The medium sized "classic" holds as much as a knapsack or backpack but spread the weight differently. It wears lower and at an angle when on the bike so it hjandles better and you don't bang the back of your head on it if you look up whilst riding fast. Timbuk2 has offered a "basic" messenger bag that exceeds most backpacks', and bicylcing packs', capabilities; it doesn't look spacey, it carries a decent amount of stuff comfortably, and it has little features -- detatchable reflective tape and a loop to clip a flashing rear light -- which add to it's usefulness as well as safety.
The cost -- this was last year's model judging by the color combo on the company's website, and the local outfitter I got it from, in my old college town, had only one left -- had to remove it fromt he display window -- was reasonable: $70 retail at 30 percent off! When you factor in that it's proved comfortable and easy to use... well, bicylcing isn't about your equipment, it's about fun. But as anyone who has ever crashed or had a mishap can tell you, dependable gear can make all the difference between all the fun, and all the pain, in the world. Truly it's never been used fully loaded with 50 lbs of paperclips or walnuts, but for everyday use it has room for whatever you need PLUS a light jacket rolled up, etc., which is perfect for the commuter and every day rider.
No need to be a messenger to get the message...
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(THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION - finish it soon, I went out for a ride!)