Jersey Bin
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HOT!
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NOT!
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Sizes: Trim Bin, 3.75 x 7 in. (9.5 x 17.8 cm); Big Bin, 4.75 x 7 in. (12.1 x 17.8 cm) |
I've used a JerseyBin since 2009. It has worked exactly as promised, keeping contents safe and dry. For years, like so many other roadies, I carried my expensive smart phone in a plastic sandwich bag. I entrusted an item that cost a couple cents, and was made of thin, non-durable plastic, to protect my phone, which cost several hundred dollars, from sweat, rain, and other ride-related insults.
When I read about the JerseyBin for the first time (in RBR, no less), I immediately bought a couple, and I've used them ever since.
In addition to the original version, called the "Trim Bin," the Big Bin (above) is an inch (2.5 cm) taller -- both are 7 in. (17.8 cm) long.
Durability Plus
After several hundred rides, my Trim Bin is still in like-new condition. I typically carry my iPhone and some business cards, sealed up tight. I've ridden in rain and sleet, and more often in hot, humid weather with sweat pouring down my back -- but the JerseyBin has kept my phone completely dry and safe, ride after ride.
Like with baggies, the Bin seals tight with a zip-lock top. But any similarities end there. The thick 8-gauge vinyl is like carbon fiber compared to the flimsy plastic in a sandwich bag. And the zip-lock is tighter than two coats of paint.
Because of that, opening a Bin isn't overly easy. There's no sliding tab, so you need to dig your thumbs into the channel to pry the sides apart. This can actually take a few seconds, particularly when the Bin is wet or fingers are cold. And if you're wearing long-finger gloves you'll need to remove them.
On the plus side, the seal is strong, watertight and almost impossible to pop open accidentally. All the closing/opening of my Bin hasn't worn the zip-lock channels in the least. And the thick material is not at all prone to the small holes that appear in baggies after a few uses (the kind you usually find after a rainstorm).
When wearing fingerless gloves, you can actually use a touch-screen mobile phone while it's locked safely inside the bag, keeping it dry and tidy. However, in the winter when you're wearing full-fingered gloves, you'll have to take them off to use your phone. In certain conditions, this can be quite unpleasant. But your phone remains protected, no matter what.
Size Selection
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If you use a Big Bin for its extra capacity and find that it's a bit too wide for a jersey pocket (unlikely), the closure side is hinged to easily fold over. As for length, the 7 inches (17.8 cm) typically allows the Bin to fall just below the top of a pocket.
If a Bin fills the width of the pocket, it may reduce the chance of accidental ejections. I've experienced a couple of those with the Trim Bin. One happened while I was stopped and was grabbing a gel packet from a side pocket. I tugged on the bottom of my jersey, and the force cause the Bin to "squirt" out of the pocket and fall. No harm done.
As the photos show, a Blackberry will fit in either Bin -- as will an iPhone, probably most Androids, etc . You won't have room for much else in the Trim version, but an ID card and some money would fit.
Whatever you carry, it'll fit flush. There is room for other items in the pocket you use for a Bin.
Other Uses
- One inspiration for creating this product, says Rob Kortus, the company founder, was to have a place to store empty energy gel packets. A Bin would hold a bunch, keeping the sticky mess contained. You can stuff food wrappers into one to keep them from littering the roadside.
- During a ride with cue sheets or other paperwork, a Bin will ensure that they won't become wet and unreadable. You could use a CueClip to hold the Bin on the handlebar.
Annoyed by things that rattle? Use a Bin for your keys, loose change and small tools to keep them in one place and reduce the racket.- Bike shops, clubs and events can special order JerseyBins printed with their logo, advertising or other message. Kortus sent the examples pictured here. The printing looks sharp and seems unlikely to wear off. RBR has its own logoed version on sale in the RBR Marketplace.
- And you don't need to be on a bike to use a JerseyBin. It'll work for water sports and snow sports too, particularly when you want to safeguard a cell phone, digital camera, iPod or other electronic device.
Bottom Line
It's nice to find a product that's practical, durable, inexpensive and does what it promises. The JerseyBin fills the bill. It's great peace-of-mind protection for today's expensive smart phones. Some riders may find that bigger is better, but the Trim Bin has always worked perfectly for me. Just be careful of accidentally ejecting either Bin when rearranging your shorts or jersey.
If you need a secure, waterproof way to carry ID, smart phones, electronics and small personal items on rides, a JerseyBin beats a baggie bigtime.