Whether you’re gearing up for an adventure race, cranking out a casual road loop or lugging the essentials to the office it’s always nice to have a comfortable, convenient way to move your stuff. Since few of us ride without carrying some supplies or tools, it’s good to have practically endless options for packs and bags that accommodate everything from a basic tire repair kit to several days worth of clothing and supplies.
Check out a clever convertible pannier/backpack from Vancouver, B.C’s Two Wheel Gear, a deluxe tool roll from Jet aimed at gravel or adventure riders, and limited edition Brooks releases celebrating their 150th year in business…
TWO WHEEL GEAR
The folks who brought you the perfect suit carrying pannier have just released a new bag that converts to a backpack. Two Wheel Gear’s new Pannier Backpack Convertible uses the KLICKfix rack attachment to hitch a ride or easily pops off to become a multi-purpose backpack, while hiding its mounting hardware.
The 24L pack features a weatherproof 600D polyester shell, padded 15” laptop sleeve, padded sunglass/phone pocket, external U-lock pocket, water bottle pockets on both sides, a reflective rain cover and utility loops for blinkers or other accessories.
The Pannier Backpack Convertible is available at MEC stores across Canada and direct from Two Wheel Gear’s website. It sells for $119-129 USD in Black or Graphite, or $169 for the Black waxed canvas version.
JET
The term ‘Red X’ is a military designation for aircraft that are not mechanically suitable for flight. For that dreaded moment when your bike suddenly gains this status during a race or distant traverse, Jet Roll has created the Red X to hold the essential spare parts and tools that should keep you rolling.
The Red X accommodates a folded tire, spare tubes, a pump, plus other small tools and handy items. The tire pocket can be expanded to hold two 700x25C road tires, or larger MTB tires up to 29×2.10”. Two leather straps keep everything rolled up tightly inside, and two more leather straps secure the roll to the bike (or backpacks, racks, etc.) in various positions. The roll comes with two Jet Roll tube bands and two tire bands included.
It’s made of a “super hi-tech slightly elastic proprietary synthetic fabric” that measures 29″ L x 26.75″ W when laid flat. The Red X is available in Matte Graphite, Ember Orange or Twilight Violet colors, and sells for $210.
BROOKS
I’ll bet you can’t name too many cycling companies that have been around for 150 years, but famed saddle masters Brooks have reached that impressive milestone in 2016. To celebrate, they’ve released a few limited edition black and copper accented products, including the Pickwick Rucksack and 150th anniversary saddles.
The limited edition Pickwick Rucksack comes in black with copper plated rivets, buckles and strap adjusters. The simple-looking 24L roll-top packs feature a hidden pocket and extra compartment on their backsides. They’re handmade in Italy using water-resistant canvas with vegetable-tanned leather detailing and sell for $270.
Brooks has adorned their B17, B67, B33, The Flyer, and The Swallow saddles with copper plated frames and hand-hammered copper rivets to complement their black leather hides. The 150th anniversary saddles will be delivered in special limited edition packaging, and prices range between $160-220. Both the saddles and packs are available online and at the B1866 retail store in London, England.
