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Raid The PiggyBank, Timbuk2’s Raider Backpack May Be Your Next Buy

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Well sure you could use that old Jansport from your grad-school days, but would you really want to? Besides, with a lifetime guarantee and being co-designed by the Mission Cycling Club of San Francisco the new Especial Raider Backpack by Timbuk2 is the sheer epitome of a cycling specific, highly designed, specialty piece that you either own or really wish you owned. Hit the break to see why something seemingly humble as a backpack could engender such desire…

Timbuk2_Raider_Target_Audience_Road_Commute

The target audience here are passionate cyclists relegated to 9to5 office work (you know who you are). How else are you gonna fit in that pre/post office ride? Cram in the requisite white oxford, blue tie, and wingtips, sling it over your back and take off – nothing but unadulterated blacktop between you and your cubical, but you can take the long route today.

Timbuk2_Raider_Backpack_Loaded_With_Helmet

With room for a full change of clothes and a unique shoes pocket that “quarantines” your cleats, plus the essential zippered small pockets for keys, wallet and phone, the Especial Raider Pack is the quintessential “everything you need nothing you don’t.” Additionally, a well thought-out removable folding board will keep your starched shirts crisp and ready for the board meeting.

Timbuk2_Raider_Backpack_Loaded_With_Change_Of_Clothes

At $79 that Raider is one of Timbuk2’s most accessible pieces.

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26 Comments
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Thomas
Thomas
10 years ago

meh, it’s too long, can’t get to the rear jersey pockets.

frank
frank
10 years ago

I’m not being snarky here, I seriously want to know. Why would anyone choose a heavy, sweaty backpack over a rack and pannier for commuting? I ditched the backpack in college and I’m never going back!

James S
James S
10 years ago

I guess Americans never look down because they seem totally oblivious to how dirty the bottom of your shoes can get. I see people wearing shoes in their homes, putting them on their furniture, etc. all the time. It’s disgusting. The shoes need to be in a completely separate section of the backpack. Timbuk2 should know better – they are based in San Francisco where the streets are covered in human and animal feces and other nasty things.

Peter R
10 years ago

@ Frank, for those who commute on their race bike or other such bike that they don’t want to toss a rack/bags on.

I go back and forth with my Salsa Fargo and a rear rack. The last 12 months have been backpack because I was taking it off road so much to do Sub24 camping with it and in those situations, I use a Revelate Designs seat and frame bags, again, no need for a rear rack.

c.
c.
10 years ago

@frank: because a backpack is more aero for roadies; and your rack/pannier is normally as heavy as a backpack. i prefer a backpack, as i dont have to release the bag from the rack when leaving the bike.

but yes, this one looks good, but its too long, covering the jearsy pockets!

chasejj
chasejj
10 years ago

James- Nailed it.

ve
ve
10 years ago

I just throw a backpack in a milk crate on a rack. Bungee if needed.

Thomas
Thomas
10 years ago

Seems fairly large and where is the reflective stripe … 5/10
No mention of how waterproof it is.

Der_kruscher
Der_kruscher
10 years ago

What backpack with any reasonable capacity doesn’t cover your jersey pockets? Particularly if it also doesn’t bump the back of your helmet if you ride with your bars lower than your saddle? My current backpack covers the tops of my pockets but is still narrow enough to allow access to my two side pockets. It looks like this pack might be similarly narrow and also allow some access? The only reason I ever need access to pockets on my commute is to stash gloves or arm warmers – otherwise, it’s in the pack. I’ll have to take a look at this one in the shop.

Der_kruscher
Der_kruscher
10 years ago

…oh yeah, the pockets on the sides of the pack may also be accessible while riding. And to James S’s comment: I would hardly recommend to anyone that they position their toothbrush so close to the bottom of their shoe, as shown in the picture! I have a dedicated shoe bag that my shoes travel in if I’m commuting with them.

Ben
Ben
10 years ago

@James

Put your shoes in a plastic bag – CRISIS AVERTED!!

Mr. P
10 years ago

@Ben Nailed it! lol!

The backpack could be good for multi-day credit card touring on the fast bike.

P

bbb
bbb
10 years ago

The most comfortable backpacks I’ve used for commuting are/were NON cycle specific ones, e.g. Karrimor.

Yetiman
Yetiman
10 years ago

Buy a Deuter with air comfort system. It is the best backpack!

NASH
NASH
10 years ago

Its not really for road cycling if its black. It should have integrated light strips and be red or some bright color. It should also have a system of air cooling so your back doesnt feel like a horse pissed on it after ten minutes. Also a speaker for a phone would be cool some where on the straps.

Stoker
Stoker
10 years ago

Geez people you are all so snarky! Its not like this is a Budnitz bike. Its a pretty well thought out if you ask me, and its less than 90 bucks. It does a good job at hitting the roadie commuter market. For the record, I wont be buying this pack I ride a Big Dummy to work.

Psi Squared
Psi Squared
10 years ago

When I commuted, I left my work shoes at work. That’s a second solution to a non-existent problem. I can’t, however, carry a backpack that slings over one shoulder (or a messenger bag for that matter). The asymmetric loading doesn’t play nice with my neck.

J. Tomac
J. Tomac
10 years ago

What is that saddle?

CXisfun
CXisfun
10 years ago

@ J. Tomac: More importantly, why is that rider running a set-back seatpost then slamming their saddle forward on the rails?

willik
willik
10 years ago

@CXisfun:maybe that is what came on his bike and he hasn’t purchased one without setback…

patrik
patrik
10 years ago

I really don’t see how this pack solves any problems better or different than other packs. My kid’s JanSport school backpack has similar functionality without the “Made in the Mission District” hipster surcharge.

Rickridesalot
Rickridesalot
10 years ago

Looks like good fair weather commute bag. Capacity might be insufficient anything more than a set of clothes. Needs hip straps to stabalize the load for out of the seat climbing. I always put my shoes in first, heels down, soles against my back. This puts the heaviest item thems flat against my back. I’ll stick with my Camelback Octane 8+ and Deuter Superbike for now.

Darren
Darren
10 years ago

I use a Wingnut bag that I have customized. It totally covers the rear pockets, and that totally great since the bag then sits lower on your back, and with the “wings” you can have access to pockets while you ride. I used to do a rack and bags, but if you have the right bag, the bike stays a nice ride. My old Atala is great as a fixie but when it was a geared bike with racks was heavy spaghetti with the rear rack and bags flopping around.

travis
travis
10 years ago

No suspension system to keep the backpack off your back, no sale… I’ll stick with my Deuter Race EXP Air…

Colin
Colin
10 years ago

The main benefit to this backpack based on my experience checking it our in our shop is that it is very light but still retains a nice shape on your back. Certainly not the bag for me but If I were riding a road bike to work with minimal carrying load I’d consider it.

Oleg
Oleg
10 years ago

Nice! But I think it is comparable to Osprey Daylite pack.Which is also super-light, similar size to raider pack – not a large sized, but perfect for carrying small lunch, change of clothes etc., and conforms to the back while riding very nicely.
https://www.google.com/search?q=osprey+daylite&tbm=shop

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