Commuting to work or school by bike means carrying stuff, and while the average bag can be “good enough” for a change of clothes, books and a notepad, the same can’t be said for a notebook computer, tablet PC or other digital gear that most of us tend to make part of our daily grind.
Timbuk2 understand that this gear requires special attention and the company have many upcoming products to ensure the gear-happy cyclist will have a way to carry that spiffy new tablet or portable media player — safely.
Among the upcoming products for later this year, which will be launched just prior to September’s Interbike tradeshow, are a new line of bike friendly backpacks — highlighted by the Amnesia model — as well as new additions to their Q line of electronics protection products. The former is something we’ll be sure to remember as we wait for it to arrive.
The Amnesia pack
The Amnesia (US$89) features a ventilated back panel, while custom-fit straps are said to give a truer, more comfortable fit. The refined weave 840 ballistic nylon pack offers “swing around” side access compartment that can fit a laptop or tablet up to 15in wide, while front organizer pockets are available for your accessories. This bag features an on-strap Timbuk2 bottle opener too. Once you’re off your bike you can use the paired Velcro loops to secure your helmet or headphones – just so you don’t let them slip your mind.
Timbuk2’s Q bag ($99) offers a swing around tricot-lined side access compartment for laptops up to 15in and a ventilated back panel, plus a dedicated pocket for power brick and accessories. This refined weave 840 ballistic nylon bag also offers multiple grab handles so you can tote the bag even when you’re off the bike.
While the bags offer good options for carrying your computer, the folks at Timbuk2 also keep other digital gizmos and gadgets in mind, and have three other new products coming this spring, including the Kickstand Cover and Pop Up Sleeve for iPad and netbooks and the Flak Jacket for Kindle. Prices haven't yet been released for these cases.
The Kickstand Cover is a foam shell designed to protect table PCs, such as the iPad, and netbooks. The case is made of a refined 840 ballistic nylon weave with faux fur lining to keep the device’s screen clean. It offers a prop up for two orientation views, and includes a molded attachment to secure the iPad, along with high-density foam for protection.
The Kickstand Cover for iPad
The Pop Up Sleeve is another option for protecting your iPad or netbook. The padded protective jacket is sleek enough to fit in most bags, and can do double duty as a viewing stand. It features the same ballistic nylon weave and faux fur interior. For those who read with a Kindle, Timbuk2’s Flak Jacket offers similar protection to your eReader. These three device holders, as well as the new bags will be available late summer.