Bike to work with a Buzz

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08-04-2009, 09:55 PM
Siv

Bike to work with a Buzz

I'm biking to work as often as I can these days and I'm looking for a replacement for my current company issue backpack. I think the Buzz would be perfect but I have a few of questions:

1, I'm cycling in Houston in temps sometimes >90F which means I sweat lots and lots and lots. How is the back of the Buzz going to handle the sweat? Will it soak in and leave nice salt stains?

2, Coming home from work I usually bring back my laptop (a small Dell) and the clothes I wore that day (shirt and trousers). I leave my shoes, belt etc at work. Will I be able to fit a business shirt and slacks in the Buzz with my laptop (they are put straight in the wash so I don't need to wory about creases)?

3, I tried using a messenger bag and it slid all over the place and didn't feel secure to me so I want to stick with a backpack. How well will the Buzz sit on my back when I'm biking, leaning over the handlebars etc?

Many thanks for your help!
08-05-2009, 02:44 AM
dsmking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siv

I'm biking to work as often as I can these days and I'm looking for a replacement for my current company issue backpack. I think the Buzz would be perfect but I have a few of questions:

1, I'm cycling in Houston in temps sometimes >90F which means I sweat lots and lots and lots. How is the back of the Buzz going to handle the sweat? Will it soak in and leave nice salt stains?

2, Coming home from work I usually bring back my laptop (a small Dell) and the clothes I wore that day (shirt and trousers). I leave my shoes, belt etc at work. Will I be able to fit a business shirt and slacks in the Buzz with my laptop (they are put straight in the wash so I don't need to wory about creases)?

3, I tried using a messenger bag and it slid all over the place and didn't feel secure to me so I want to stick with a backpack. How well will the Buzz sit on my back when I'm biking, leaning over the handlebars etc?

Many thanks for your help!

I have used the Buzz for a bike to the train station + commuter rail ride probably 30-40 times in the last 14 months mainly in the summer. It does a great job on the bike ride but I did recently switch to a Cafe Bag because I don't carry the laptop anymore and can use a smaller bag for crowded trains.

1) Boston isn't as hot and sticky as Houston most of the time (though we do get >90F in the summer at times) but I have not seen any stains on my pack (though YMMV). The back material is black on all colors which probably helps. One trick I use on smooth stretches is tighten the waist strap and loosen the shoulder strap so I get a little airflow to my back.

2) It depends on what else you want to carry. If it is mainly the laptop and clothes you should be fine assuming the laptop is not thick.

3) The Buzz does not shift around. Part of my bike ride is through the town forest and I've done it without the waist strap before without any problems.

I hope this helps.

David
08-11-2009, 10:37 PM
moriond

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siv

I'm biking to work as often as I can these days and I'm looking for a replacement for my current company issue backpack. I think the Buzz would be perfect but I have a few of questions:

3, I tried using a messenger bag and it slid all over the place and didn't feel secure to me so I want to stick with a backpack. How well will the Buzz sit on my back when I'm biking, leaning over the handlebars etc?

If your messenger bag was a Tom Bihn bag, did you try using the Quick Adjust Messenger Strap?

Actually, the Buzz may be a pretty good choice for you, with an option to also use the waist straps (if needed). See, for example, this post:

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabergnc

I just got a Buzz less than a week ago and I am using it for a cross country trip (by air). Carrying a 13 in Macbook - fit is OK - a little loose when the bag is not being worn but the pouch is well padded and I have no real concerns about the little movement. Also carrying a Kindle, 4 TB clear pouches (medium sized), pens, a few file folders, cell phone, and some other stuff. There's room for other things - I was carrying a folded newspaper for a while and the bagg had lots more room. I do like the sling aspect. Other messenger type bags I have tried slide all around my side and back (I am not a fan of the stability straps that come with some). The Buzz stays put (I don't use the waist strap provided). I really cannot use a backpack because of shoulder issues on one side (fortunately my right side is fine as that's how the bag is worn.) As a travell bag, the Buzz is great - have not used it as a daily bag yet but will try it when I get back.