is a bento box worth the 12 dollars?

Yes.

x2

I think it is simply for its accessiblity. Being able to get at it fast even when moving is a real help (as opposed to trying to get it out of your saddle bag, or possibly a jersey pocket)

Xwhatever

YES!!!

Not to me.  I think they are pointless as everything you need can be carried in your pocket or taken from the course (unless you have some sort of medical condition that requires medicine/inhaler or something like that which won't fit in pockets or bike bags).

In races I don't use one

In training... I use it on long rides to carry an extra tube or a sandwich or my phone, also for holding the battery for my light on pre dawn rides.  They are also convenient when the ride starts at 45 degrees and ends at 70 degrees, can stash gloves in there (only used for cold), and once the jacket/arm warmers come off, can't comfortably fit all that + tubes + phone etc in pockets without making the jersey too tight

ETA - merely to show the OP that the bento box can be pretty versatile....

Edited by ChrisM 2009-04-07 12:05 PM

I prefer the one with a zipper (Profile Design makes one).  Although my jersey may fit what I am carrying, if I have nutrition, it's easier to have it in front of me.  You tend not to forget it if it's right in front of you (same with the AeroDrink).

Plus my tri top usually only has one pocket, so not much fits.

Not sure if you have a REI around, but a few weeks ago they had the Profile Designs one for about $4.50.  I use mine for stashing the phone and cliff bars and it was definately worth the $5 I paid.

I love mine and would be lost without it.

anything is usefull if you actually use it...  so yes

I don't keep mine on my bike but will put it on for certain rides,, usually in the summer when I'll just toss on a dry fit shirt since I don't have a lot of cycling tops with pockets

I use mine to carry an extra tube and some tools.  I don't have a seat bag that fits my new bike yet.  I'll probably use it to carry gummy bears when I start doing longer rides though...

Darn it, I keep forgetting to pick one of these up when I'm at the bike shop.  I'm a bit over cautious with taking plenty of stuff out on rides but that's because I'm single, ride alone a lot and don't have someone to come get me if I have a catostrophic failure either mechanically or with nutrition or what not.  It would get removed and I rely on solely the saddle bag for races. 

I liked it when I was into GU and shot blocks or whatever I was using at the time...  But after I realize I do best without solids, I took it off the bike and only cary water bottles.

I keep the phone or cash/credit cards for a training ride in my jersey pocket...

Yes. Use mine for gu's, pb+j bagel. I think they're great. No weight to them, easy to get to.

That's one of the things I've got for it as well. The vast majority of my shirts I bike in do not have pockets and I don't look for pockets in a shirt I'm buying for biking. Don't have to, I've got the Profile Design box to put stuff in

I use mine a lot. It stays on my bike all the time...I never remove it. Sometimes it's used for food, and sometimes it holds my phone, keys, or whatever...depends on how long the ride is.

If anyone is interested...I have 1 bento box that was a "freebie" in my goodie bag from my last tri. It has an advertisement on it, but if that doesn't bother you...I'd be willing to send it out to the first person that asks. PM me if you're interested.