Baileyworks vs Chrome, & Photos

August 1, 2005 12:30 PM

So, I'm getting a messenger bag. I already struck Timbuk2 out of the picture. I'm looking at Chrome or BaileyWorks now.. Chrome has good pictures on their site of their bags. Baileyworks... doesn't. (a) Anyone have one of these bags that could comment? and (b) anyone with a baileyworks bag, could you take a picture?
posted by devilsbrigade to Shopping (13 answers total)

I know you're asking about the Baileyworks and I can't help you there but I'll say that I have a Chrome bag and it is superb. And though their pictures are good, I found that I overestimated the size and bought too small. I got the Mini Metro and shoulda went one larger. Now it's great for hitting the corner store or going to a bbq but it's a little too small for grocery runs and laundry. Just something you might want to consider.
posted by dobbs at 12:41 PM on August 1, 2005

Flickr has a couple of photos.
posted by smackfu at 12:49 PM on August 1, 2005

What about North Face messenger bags - they're pretty hot, although last seasons were hotter if you can find them. Also, I believe all TNF stuff comes with a lifetime warranty, although I have tons of their gear and they're pretty indestructible.
posted by forallmankind at 1:10 PM on August 1, 2005

i love my chrome. indestructible, perfectly weighted. not light, though. i have the citizen (medium) and it's pretty big.
posted by judith at 1:26 PM on August 1, 2005

I love love love my Baileyworks bag. Is there anything specific about it you'd want a picture of? It's a very simple, functional, indestructible bag- there's not a whole lot to picture!
posted by bobot at 1:41 PM on August 1, 2005

i have a baileyworks and it is an amazing bag... and by the way, head over to bikeforums.net and check it out; this discussion has been raging since the beginning of time. i think that chrome, baileyworks make pretty equivalent bags. the question is also about the look: chrome in my opinion is very CHROME -- that seatbelt strap, that lettering, etc. baileyworks is a little bit more discreet and i like that look more, esp. for office, etc. i have the courierpro.
posted by yonation at 1:58 PM on August 1, 2005

oh yeah, and forget about the north face, patagonia, jansport etc bags if you want something really good. those are marketed at a demographic that doesn't really abuse their products, just want the names.
posted by yonation at 1:59 PM on August 1, 2005

Have you looked at Courierware?
posted by Xalf at 2:21 PM on August 1, 2005

if you're looking for additional recommendations, in Boston we see a lot of Courierware bags, and most of my friends who own one love them. Tough bags with good waterproofing and sensible storage.

myself, I'm carrying an Ultimate bag from PAC Designs. It's more money than Timbuk2 or Chrome, but it outclasses either company as a dedicated messenger bag. Totally waterproof (I've carried laptops and DJ equipment through heavy summer storms w/o worry). Heavy padding on your primary carry shoulder, waist strap and second shoulder crossing strap for heavy loads. Compression straps allow you to reduce bulk when you're riding light. It's also got side pull compressors so that you can see over your shoulder. Their one-pull D-ring adjustment strap is pretty frickin' h0tt, too.
posted by bl1nk at 2:27 PM on August 1, 2005

Sorry, no photos, but I love my Bailey Bag, which has served as a bookbag for several years with minimal wear.

Two caveats: as a leftie, I wish I had asked about a custom fit. Like many courier bags, my Bailey Bag is subtly shaped so that it really only rides comfortably on the right hip, or flat on the back of the hips; if I ever need to buy another, I would prefer one that rode on the left hip. Also, I occasionally wish it had more little hidey-hole pockets. Mine has a large main pouch, two gusseted pockets, a flat pocket (document sized), and a zipper pouch running the full length of the inside. Bear in mind this is a 2000 model, so features may well have changed.


[Disclaimer] When I lived in Portsmouth, Jon Bailey was a member of my circle of friends, and we retain a nodding acquaintance.
posted by Elsa at 2:59 PM on August 1, 2005

Crumpler bag?

(that is the most damned annoying site I could find for a commercial operation).
posted by wilful at 10:17 PM on August 1, 2005

I've got to second the Crumpler suggestion - but only consider them if there's a local outlet where you can actually look at the things. I find the quality to be absolutely top notch, but you might not like things like: No carry handle on most (if not all) of them. Colour schemes. Price seems a bit high on some of them (where I am, at least). Etc.
posted by The Monkey at 1:47 AM on August 2, 2005

Response by poster: Went with Chrome. Thanks for all the suggestions. It was a down-to-the-last decision between Chrome & BaileyWorks, and when I asked my friends (definitely not bike messengers) which they preferred, it was again a 50/50 split. I'll go with a BaileyWorks when this one gives out... (which should be a while, judging by what everyone has said).
posted by devilsbrigade at 11:54 AM on August 2, 2005