Neil Hendin
Verified Buyer
I've owned several bike messenger bags, and this is with out a doubt the best one I've ever used.
I got the Large Zero in Black with Orange binding (the trim along the edges) so it looks great.
I wanted additional waterproofing, as I intend to use this all season, and they suggested the X-PAC fabric, but I liked the look of the Cordura better, so one of their employees, Joe, suggested they might be able to add a layer of X-PAC underneath the cordura for the top flap (where the rain would hit it). There was a small extra cost for this, and a very small weight increase ( a few ounces at most), but it works great so far. It seems they now have this as a standard option "the Stay Dry Liner".
I added the 15 inch laptop sleeve and the large interior drop pocket for pens and such, and it's a great bag overall.
The "ears" that you can see on the side where the strap exits the bag on each side, are a key unique feature of this bag, that I have not seen on any other messenger bag. They sort of hug each side of the user slightly when wearing the bag in the normal messenger position (bag in back, strap across chest) so it shifts side to side much less than any other bag I've worn. This makes for a more comfortable ride.
I love the ability to customize the Rickshaw bags so you get just what you want, you don't really see that from too many other bag vendors. It makes the product uniquely yours, for only a small price premium over an off the shelf product.
I would without question buy this bag again.
William Webber
When I got my first Rickshaw Zero, I asked, "where are the straps". The owner/designer explained to me that most people used Timbuk2 bags (he ran it for a while a few years back) with one strap buckled, the other unbuckled, for quick access by tearing up a corner of the flap.
In practice, I have discovered that the cleverly modified "single Velcro" strip attachment on all the Rickshaw Zeros is very handy, and quite secure. The scratchy Velcro is on the flap, and isn't too long. The safer, soft Velcro is a LONG strip on the exterior front panel. It's easy to hit the right spot and seal the bag shut just as tight or loose as you need; the "soft" Velcro on the exterior won't snag everything it contacts, or pick up and hold all sorts of crud (the flap side Velcro is less "dangerous" in this regard since it is out of the way).
So why do I recommend accessory straps on the Large? Simply because the front panel area is much wider, but mainly because I will be using my Large as a carryon bag, and want the extra security. Of course this means the straps have the potential to dangle and catch on things, one of the reasons I like Rickshaw's LACK of straps, but in this case the use points to straps not just Velcro.
This is NOT a large bag for carryon luggage, at least if you are used to carrying on a 22" wheelie. You can shove your 3-1-1 TSA pouch in the main compartment, or in a front slot for quicker access, and other toiletries in an Eagle Creek pouch, utility sack, or just plain Ziploc and carry in the main compartment, and fold up some underwear, socks, and maybe spare tee shirt in an oversize Ziploc etc. or bundle roll them, but since I personally also need room for a neck pillow, sweater, netbook, etc., AND I want to keep the weight down, I'm not going to be stuffing spare shoes or thick denim jeans in there as well, anytime soon.
On the other hand, this WILL stow under a seat, or even in the small regional jet overhead compartments, and it WON'T break your back while checking in or through or walking terminals. You won't have to drag a wheelie around or up or down stairs, and unlike a daypack carried single shoulder style, the Zerio won't slide off your shoulder; but at a ticket counter or transit point, you can swing it around to the front for access.
Although this is the "wimp" of "large" category messenger bags, compared to other makers, that means it isn't too big to use as a day bag at destination, and since it has thinner buckles and a thinner (not narrower) cross-body strap, and thinner Cordura as the liner instead of tarp, it can also easily be stuffed into a checked bag on an outbound flight, then pulled out for the return flight to carry back souvenirs and shopping booty, or to offload some clothing from luggage to allow shopping storage there. Not to mention the Large Zero IS an ideal side for an overnight side trip out of town, while leaving heavier luggage at the hotel.
I once thought about taking a SMALL T2 bag in my checked 22" wheelie for destination use. Even a SMALL was so bulky I gave up on the idea. This LARGE Zero is much smaller and lighter, and I can easily stow it in my checked wheelie.
Sometimes "less," well executed, is "more".
Finally, unlike my other ultralight solutions - principally items from Patagonia's excellent "Lightweight" line like their Tote and Duffle - the Zeros aren't questionably thin translucent/transparent Silnylon, but robust double layered Cordura.
A note on the construction of my bag:
I have a Small Zero, reviewed separately, which has XPac on the outside for ease in keeping it clean. For this Large version, I used XPac on the INTERIOR since sometimes I will be using this as a gym bag, and wanted a slick, non-absorbent material for the inside that won't pick up moisture and odors. I used Cordura on the outside for a more conventional travel appearance. So my bag is "inside out" and Rickshaw was happy to reverse the usual materials location to accomodate my request.
Rickshaw Zeros are ten-speeds in a mountain bike messenger bag world. More like the classic Bridgestone CB-0 though, and sometimes "less", cleverly done, is "more."
