Originally posted by Duncan Have you tried crimping the zipper thingo I took my bag to have the zip replaced at a shoe repairer, the guy too it and played for about a minute, gave it back and said he'd fixed i for free. He'd done what I'd tried to do myself a couple of times whic is squish the edges of the slider thing back together so the zip teet don't misalign
On my bag, the zip actually pulls apart at the top, it's not that th zipper bit doesn't work properly, but once zipped it doesn't hol together too well
Quoted message said:
I use a camelback blowfish, had it for almost five years and use i nearly every day
I have the M.U.L.E. but it is way too small for my clothes and anythin else I choose to carry
I wonder if anyone has used a courier bag and backpack and could compar the two for me? ~25k each way commute carrying clothes, sometimes shoes diary, phone, wallet and some other little bits (and sometimes big bits but there's always the train ;-))
Mountain Designs have their own packs as well as Deuter packs
The best one for me 'appeared' to be the Deuter "Quasar" which als turned out to be the most expensive I looked at, at $189!! Damn! Anothe good looking Deuter was the.. . damn.. can't remember
None of them appeared to have zips on them that were any better than m Caribee backpacks :
Checking their website I can't find them which leads me to believe tha they are old models or named differently here to overseas
The zips on another backpack are dying... I'll need a replacement asap. I've seen a Deuter backpack that is designed especially for cycling with. It had an external frame that pushed the backpack away from the rider - aiming to reduce the huge sweat patch that typically forms there 🙂 I don't remember if it had other cycling-related features but I'm checking out their website now so I'll find out soon enough... Does anyone else here use a backpack for commuting? Any suggestions on a good one? I've used ~$40 Caribee backpacks for the last 5+ years and they do the job, but get quite stinky/wet on the straps and back and the zips die eventually. Thanks! hippy P.S. I've tried the pannier option and it's not for me.
I use an STM sports pack - designed for cycling although it doesn' totally eliminate the back wetpatch. Space for a laptop, some papers an a change of clothes and a compartment for my iPod! Comfortable, robus and relatively affordable. You can buy them from Apple (computer) shops
I bought a Roman with the suspension/air flow back for $80 for City Disposals and it's s***. The opening is too small, therefore I can't get even my lunchbox in it.
I would go for the Caribee next time, it was $5 more.
Does anyone here use a Crumpler bag when riding? What sort of distances and what sort of loads? They have some advantages over a backpack but I've never used one and wonder how they'd go for a 25k commute? Looking at the Fux Deluxe or Seedy Three. So, anyone who does a bit of riding with one wanna let me know how good/bad they are?? cheers! hippy
I used to use one, now I commute (30km total) with my STM - mor comfort, more space, fits the laptop in more securely. I still have it it's sitting in the cupboard unused:-
Thanks very much for eveyone's input - it was all considered. I finall decided on a Crumpler Fux Deluxe messenger bag rather than a backpac for a few reasons
. When people ask what it is, I can say "FUX Deluxe"... ; 1. I liked the idea of no zips on the main pocket 2. I like how they look 3. The zips on the Deuter packs were very similar to my Caribee packs 5 times the price for the same longevity? I don't think so 4. They hold a full slab of bee 5. This one is one of the older models with TWO reflective stripes on i 6. A change is as good as a holiday 7. Crumpler will fix anything on it that breaks - for its ENTIRE LIF 8. If it sucks, I'm sure I can sell it 9. I'm bored now, I'll just show the drunken pix I took of i last night..
Update... after a couple of weeks riding with the FUX..
Best things about the bag - Allows me to semi-fulfil my courier fantasies - Holds my stuff and keeps it dry
Worst things about the bag - The large amount of excess strap gets in the way if I forget to wra it around the shoulder strap or tuck it into the bag - I wish it didn't have to get dirty..
I just want the next one I buy to have some kind of "Never Gets Dirty" guarantee. Maybe dirt-repelling scotch guard? Some kind of dirt magnet that can then have its poles reversed...
I don't mind getting dirty.. but please, please don't take the shine off my FUX! ;-)
