Wednesday, October 28, 2015

New Bar/Saddle Bag Design.

Boxy Bar/Saddle Bag

While I like rolltop designs and traditional randonneur bag closure systems, I've been playing around with zipper closures on bags. I tested out a couple designs and settled on a bag size that is basically the same volume as the mini rando bag I make. It fits nicely under upright bars and most likely would play nice with drop bars with a long stem and non-aero brake cable routing.
What started out as a dedicated front bar bag easily became a saddlebag as well by having straps spaced for Brooks saddles. So it works well up front as a bar bag, or in back as a saddlebag.
This one has side sleeves and premium leather (both options slight upcharges from the base price).

Available as a made to order bag here: 
http://treetop.bigcartel.com/product/boxy-bar-saddle-bag





Sunday, October 11, 2015

Coffeeneuring Ride #2.

Coffeeneuring Ride #2.
Where: Spoken (previously Beans & Bagels) 1812 W Montrose Ave - Chicago, IL
When: Sunday, October 11, 2015 - morning
What: Espresso, coffee in a bike-friendly thermos - bagels for home
The Ride: took mostly side streets - my secret routes to get around areas in my larger neighborhood - and started and finished with a loop around Horner Park - beautifully sunny morning. Spoken, previously Beans & Bagels, serves coffee and bagels, and my new favorite espresso in the city - surprisingly delicious in a city of high end espresso shops. I know the owner, Will, from bike transactions and parts swaps, and he has a vintage race bike on display above shelves of coffee making supplies. They used to, maybe still do, get pastries picked up via bike trailer.
The Bike: '84 Schwinn Voyageur, single speed, setup randonneur style - my commuter
Mileage: 4 miles roundtrip

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Coffeeneuring Ride #1.


Coffeeneuring Ride #1.
Where: First Slice - Andersonville - 5357 N Ashland - Chicago, IL
When: Sunday, October 4, 2015 - afternoon-ish
What: cup o' coffee (and pie for home!)
The Ride: mix of bike-laned roads & side streets. I know this area well, uneventful biking to and from, mixing in a short section of the North Branch Trail on my way home. Bike rack to lock up in front of coffeeshop. Sort of a dreary gray day, felt good to get out for a short ride. Pie slices fit nicely into a new XL saddle wedge I made up. Stopped to take some photos of bike on my way home.
The Bike: Rivendell Redwood (650b conversion) sporting new A23 wheelset
Mileage: 8 miles roundtrip.