There are a lot of beautiful and finely detailed rando-style bags out there to be had. And we’re not trying to be the finest or most finished in that genre. Our goal is a handsome, functional, durable, and affordable bag. I love the look of leather-on-canvas bags like Gilles Berthoud, but we don’t use leather. The Berthoud bags are really beautiful and the gold standard, but I’d probably feel self-conscious having one perched on the front of my bicycle. I’d be afraid to get it dirty. I guess I’m a casualty of Midwestern sensibilities that are more machine-shop than fashion fop.
As you may note from the pictures, we ended up going back to a bag that will open to the front with no side pockets. There are no pockets because we’ve added side straps to secure the bag to a front rack. We are hoping to have the first batch ready in a month if all goes as planned. Email me if you must, but we'll be sure to make an announcement here when they're ready for sale.
In other news, Elly Blue, Joe Biel and Joshua Ploeg brought their traveling show, “Dinner and Bikes”, to Iowa City last night. Be sure to check them out if they travel to your town!