Timbuk2 Especial Messenger

With the Especial series Timbuk2 set out to showcase their best materials and workmanship, and the Especial Messenger bag may very well be the best bag they’ve ever created.

As you might imagine, Timbuk2 went with tried and true Cordura ripstop nylon construction. They also made significant use of thermoplastic polyurethane laminate (TPU) inside and out. The result of the black on black textiles is both subtle and striking. What’s more, the entire bag is highlighted with black reflective trim and like all other Timbuk2 bags carries a lifetime warranty.

The Especial Messenger is available in two sizes, and I had a chance to try out both the $179 small and the pictured $199 medium. The small bag measures just under 14 x 16 in, and is a great size for a laptop bag, airline travel, etc. It will work as a commuter bag, but I definitely prefer more cargo capacity. At 18.5 x 16.1 in, the medium bag suits my needs pretty much perfectly. I can fit a change of clothes, shoes, tools, spares, etc. It’s big enough to handle light grocery shopping, and yes, it can hold a case of beer cans.

Some of the most obvious features are the magnetic buckles on the flap. They aren’t as big of an improvement as they are when used on a bike helmet, but they’re pretty cool. On the more elemental side, the flap has nice gussets and the main compartment is topped with a unique stiffener that helps make the closure extra water resistant. There are a number of external pockets with waterproof zippers, a handful of internal organization pockets and a padded laptop compartment. Like most good bags, the liner is fully floating, so you can ride in the rain with confidence.

The main strap is reversible for left or right shoulder, and the angle is adjustable thanks to some slick use of Velcro on the back of the bag. The main strap features an pad that extends well beyond the upper connection for superior comfort. And Timbuk2 took pains to provide various clips and such to keep the excess straps from flapping around erratically.

My only real criticism is actually more of a suggestion: There should be a size large, and maybe an extra large. No professional bike messenger would use a small or medium sized bag. And if I could only own one bag, I would want one that’s larger for true grocery shopping and such. But as I said earlier, for daily use, the medium size suits my needs just fine.
www.timbuk2.com

Crank Brothers
Sterling S and Gem S Pumps

In my experience, short pumps are fine for pumping up mountain bike tires, but they’re all but useless for higher pressure 700c tires. So imagine my surprise when I managed to adequately inflate a pair of 28 mm tires without breaking a terrible sweat. I can’t say it was a quick affair, but both the Sterling S and Gem S managed to get the job done. Sure, it takes a lot of pumping to achieve 90 psi, but it’s a matter of patience, not upper body strength.

Both pumps feature a knob that switches between high volume and high pressure. In high pressure mode the pump is remarkably easy to operate, even as the tire reaches the appropriate pressure.

Of the two pumps, of course the Sterling S is the nicer one. It’s a hair shorter (171 mm), a bit lighter (116 g) and at $35, more expensive. It also feels a bit more powerful and boasts a sleeker design with a CNC machined body. Its universal head works with both presta and Schrader valves with no need to adjust the pump head.

The Gem S pump is an exercise in value. At $22 it’s a good looking, affordable pump that will get you home after a puncture without taking up a ton of space in your bag. The Gem S measures 176 mm and weighs 128 g. The head is reversible to accommodate presta or Schrader valves. Both pumps carry a five year warranty. www.crankbrothers.com

BiKASE DRiKASE

The DRiKASE is a simple yet well-executed design that holds your smart phone on top of your stem for times when you may want to have better access to your mobile device while riding. The case protects from moisture, shock, and vibration and fits most phones even with protective cases, with an XL in the works. The urethane window is touchscreen compatible, and besides additional glare in some situations doesn’t interfere with phone use. Claimed to be “nearly waterproof,” I imagine it would take a storm of biblical proportion for rain to get inside though it is not submersible.

The $30 DRiKASE held my phone safely and securely, even on rough city streets. I don’t envision using this for every ride, but I’ll definitely feel comfortable using it when I’m looking for a specific address or riding in another city. It’s also nice to note that the mounting strap is removable, so you can use the DRiKASE off the bike. www.alt-gear.com