The D-Lux Messenger is Timbuk2's top of the line messenger bag meant in some way for cycling. I say this because they also make the Command messenger and the Commute series, which are more suited for travelling and laptop commuting, respectively. The D-Lux, while it can definitely carry out both of these tasks with competence, has those small touches that optimize it for use on the bike.
Simply put, the D-Lux messenger has nearly every feature that Timbuk2 has ever put on a messenger bag, and some that it has never used. They are all quite well thought out, but the confluence of all of these features somewhat detracts from the overall functionality of the bag. More on that below.
The most noticeable structural improvement that Timbuk2 has added to this bag is a different velcro placement on the inside front face of the bag (the part that attaches to the flap. There is large strip of velcro on the flap, and two parallel strips on the inside front face. Normal bags usually use four matched strips on velcro. The advantage of the new system is that you don't necessarily have to reset the flap perfectly to have a secure closure. Because the two strips don't match up, you can slant the velcro interface without compromising the hold.
Two other cool features are the compression straps on the bottom and the quick release cam buckle. These two incredibly clever innovations greatly add to the usability of the bag. The compression straps, for example, basically provides you with a bag that is infinitely scalable. You make the bag as deep as you need it to be. The quick release cam buckle also aids in scalability. You can greatly increase the amount of material you can comfortably carry without straining your neck taking the bag off. Instead, you just disengage the buckle and use the extra strap length to make it over your neck.
A feature that comes with good intentions but I feel could have been better designed is the internal strap system for accessories. The basic idea is identical to the on-strap accessory hardpoints, but inside the bag. Timbuk2 includes a rigid organizer and pen pocket insert with the bag, but they also encourage you to use your own accessories. They attach to the inside just as they attach to the strap: using a velcro flap that clamps around the webbing.
The problem with this system is that it is REALLY heavy. Timbuk2's rigid webbing is great for the strap, but it weighs the front of the bag inward, especially with accessories attached. This makes loading the bag tricky, especially if you load alot of rigid flat items (like larger boxes). Furthermore, the suspended nature of the accessories unnecessarily takes up interior space.
I feel the same way about the LoveGlove laptop sleeve. It is an amazing laptop protection system, but its fixed location at the back of the bag and the inherent volume of such a system means it takes up alot of space that could otherwise be used for other items.
That leads me to my conclusion that the bag has amazing features, but just too many of them. Although it is a "medium" size, the compression straps and general design of the bag make it feel much larger than it actually is. Thus, one is tempted to overload the bag, and then frustrated when the extras get in the way. I ended up not even using the accessory straps, and putting books and flat objects in the laptop sleeve.
That critique aside, I feel that this bag would be simply amazing for commuters that carry a laptop and alot of flat objects (magazines, books, etc), which I, admittedly, am not. The relatively shallow but wide design of the bag makes it less useful for soft objects such as clothes, which expand and take up important volume, whereas deeper bags let you stack soft items on top of harder items.
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