Gift Guide - Bags

Bags. They're one of those things that you use a version of at a borderline absurd frequency without even realizing it. Getting groceries, picking up takeout, commuting with your laptop... there's a bag for that. Coming from someone who rides for transportation year round I can tell you that there are a lot of different riding scenarios you need a bag for. Having the right tool for the job is the difference between feeling like your bag is a good old friend and constantly adjusting and fiddling grumpily while you're riding uncomfortably. There are many styles and brands to choose from, but these few are the best at what they do.

- Traveling Light -
Fabric Horse Halfbelt - $89 (in stock only)

For a second let's just pretend this utility belt isn't the most fun portage option available and just talk about how insanely useful it is. With a u-lock holster sewn in, a cell phone pocket, a flat pocket for cards/IDs and a large pocket for various smallish items, it's absolutely perfect for riding around town when you don't need much with you. The large pocket is the perfect size for two cans of beer (they just fit!), or your lights, a small book to read by the river, a little something to hide in the geocache you're hunting for... the list of silly one off items you could build an adventure around goes on and on. It's also a good option when you're going to be riding to someplace crowded like a show or a bar, no need to make enemies of the people around you with a big unwieldy pack or messenger bag. Another benefit of carrying on you hips? No sweaty back in the summer, or strap tan lines. The whole thing is lined with vinyl so it's waterproof and they come in several sizes and colors varying from neutral to acid trip rainbow. Plus they're made in Philly, pretty cool.

- Everyday Medium Loads -
Chrome Industries Citizen Messenger - $140

The Chrome Industries Citizen messenger bag is by far our most popular messenger bag, and with a hardcore waterproof interior and Chrome's signature quick release seatbelt buckle it's no surprise. This bag can carry up to a 17" laptop and even has internal fasteners so you can secure Chrome's laptop sleeves in place. It also has straps for attaching accessories like cellphone holsters , reflective straps for added visibility and a nice little organizer pocket. As if this all wasn't enough, it comes in a ton of colors, both left and right swing shoulder straps and is made in the USA.

- Your Bike as an SUV -
R.E.Load Midpack - $250

So you have to pick up a 50lb bag of dog food on your way home, or grocery shop for three weeks at once, or you're going to a clothing swap and want to get rid of everything you own... this bag is the one to do the dirty work. The main compartment has a flat pocket that can hold a laptop in a case and an interior organizer pocket that's perfect for multi-tool, flat repair, pens, etc. The large outer pocket is great for carrying anything you don't want buried under your 50lbs of dogfood and the side pockets have mesh bottoms so you don't have puddles from rain or condensation. They're made with 1000D Cordura and some even have Ballistic nylon bottoms to be extra tough, so no need to worry about beating on this bag, that's what it was built for. Lastly, the whole bag is lined with vinyl coated nylon so it's waterproof.  *Also of similar size and hardcore-ness is the medium Flight Pack, who's little sibling is reviewed here.*

- Inconspicuous Portage -
Fabric Horse Weekend BD Tote -  $120

While it's really nice to have a tough as nails cycling bag, sometimes what you need is a tough as nails bag that looks a little less, well, athletic. Have no fear, we have just the right bag for you. This tote is made of waxed canvas so it's classy looking, but also weather resistant which is always a good thing if you're out in the elements, plus it has a waterproof vinyl lining. It comes with a removable cross body shoulder strap, has four interior pockets, one exterior pocket and a D-ring for attaching a carabiner. Zip this baby closed, put it in your Wald front rack and ride off into the sunset.

Gift Guide - Rescue Roll!

If there's one thing all cyclists dread, it's being caught out and stranded by a flat tire. The second you realize that sound you hear is all the air rushing out of your tube it's like a punch in the gut every time. It blows, literally and figuratively. As much as I myself don't like getting flats, you know who likes the idea of me getting a flat somewhere weird even less?

My Mom.

If my mom went into a bike shop trying to find something to get me, I'd like to think whoever was working would help her build this little rescue kit for me, the girl who's never going to be anything but a silly 8 year old in her eyes. This is a gift that both the gift giver and the gift getter get something from; some self sufficiency on the road for the gift getter, and a little peace of mind for Mom/you.

To get that tire and rotten tube off the bike, fixed up and back on the bike you're going to need a few tools...

Tire Levers - 2 for $3 -
Here at the shop our favorites are the Pedro's plastic composite tire levers. They're super cheap, super sturdy and come in 4 fun colors.

Hand Pump or CO2 Inflator - $22 and $25 -
The Crank Brothers Power Pump Ultra is a good hand pump because it's pretty small, it works with both Schrader and Presta valves (so you can't get the wrong thing) and it can switch between high volume and high pressure which is really helpful. Then there's the PDW Shiny Object CO2 inflator. It's cool because it's smaller and less laborious to use than a hand pump, and it comes with a cartridge in a reuseable leather sheath so you can be fancy. The cartridges are single use though so it produces more waste and they're $3-$4 each. It depends on what you're into but both are definitely good options.

Patch Kit or Replacement Tube - $3 to $6 -
If you know the size tire your daughter's/friend's/dad's bike has, getting a tube is the way to go. They can always patch the damaged tube later in the comfort of their own home. However, if you're not so sure, a patch kit is definitely always a safe bet. Really, even if you know what tube they use it's always good to have a patch kit handy.

Now that you've got all the rad stuff you need for your loved one to rescue themselves, you need something to put it in that will always be with the bike right? Enter the R.E.Load Saddle Roll.

This saddle roll is legit. Since it's a roll and not a standard saddle bag (which has a very finite amount of space), it can be stuffed super full or cinched down when not carrying as much. In these pics it's wrapped up with all the tools listed up top, it fits everything perfectly. Strap it to the rails under your saddle and you're set. They're made right here in good old Philly, too. $40 and you'll be supporting two small local businesses and getting a really awesome product. Everyone wins.

So there it is, rescue in a roll! If you come in one of us can help you pick out the goods and we can show you even more options than the ones listed here. It's a really easy gift to tailor perfectly to the person you're getting it for, and for $68 to $77 (depending on the options listed here) it's got pretty great bang-for-your-buck factor too. Plus who doesn't like saving the day for their friends and family?

Stuff We Love: R.E.Load Flight Pack

You all know we like to keep you updated on the fresh new items we get in here at the shop, but we decided it would be a cool idea to let you know our personal favorites too. Things we've all used, loved and how they've stood up to our abuse. So instead of "Look! This is new!" it's "Look! We've used this and it's still rad!" So here goes.

I'm sure most of you are familiar with R.E.Load bags, but just in case you're not, they're a custom bag company run out of Philadelphia. All their bags are made in the USA out of super tough materials, are waterproof and R.E.Load will even make certain repairs, not that you'll likely need them. If you look on the backs of cyclists around the city you'll see the familiar R.E.Load tag on a plethora of multicolored bags all over, no surprise.

Here at the shop two of us use the small Flight Pack as our go to two strap bags. On the left is Heather's with the old front pocket and on the right mine with the newer front pocket design. They may be the smallest of the three sizes, but you can fit a borderline absurd amount of stuff into one. The roll top allows you to over stuff it or put some really weird shaped things in there with no problem. I've fit two full bags of groceries in the main compartment, a wine bottle in one side pocket and a baguette in the other (yes roll your eyes, but dinner was delicious). The bags are designed to be cinched down when carrying a light load, and easily expanded for when you need the space, which is really useful. Lucky for me, the cinching straps are in the perfect place to secure the tops of tall things in the side pockets ie; 750s of wine/water/plasma, or baguettes, maybe even a bouquet for your girl, your boy or your dog. The front pocket is perfect for small things like shades, lip balm, wallet. The interior has a cool multi-pocket thing going on that's great for flat repair stuff, reusable grocery bags, pens... things you want to have with you but don't need mixed in with your easy access front pocket stuff. Generally I use my pack for adventuring/camping, to grocery shop and to ride to work. It does a great job with all three. The side pocket fits my u-lock so it's really easy to get to and the other usually has a pint jar with my Cuppow jar lid and something weird in it.

(please note the handy wine/baguette securing straps)

The back is pretty rad too, it's padded so you can get away with just tossing stuff in there and you won't be jabbing yourself while riding. The straps have an adjustable chest strap to keep the bag secure and some very useful accessory attachment straps. I have a cell phone holster (also R.E.Load, also awesome) so I can whip my phone out to take pictures of the varied and sometimes amusing, othertimes kind of horrifying road debris around the city.

Lastly, what is a bag post without a nice "what's in my bag" pic? Terrible, that's what. This is what I happened to have in my bag today and during these pics.

That's a lot of stuff and there was room to spare. Not sure what the weather is going to be like when you leave where you're going? Just bring everything. Winter coat, two different wool scarves, extra wool mid-layer. It's no prob and you'll even have space for things you pick up along the way like a bottle of *insert your favorite drink here* or a sweet new headlight (score).

So there it is, my big fat seal of approval. This definitely passes the daily use test and does it with style. Want to check one out? Feel free to come in to see what we've got and I might even let you look through mine. Thanks for killing it with this one R.E.Load!

New R.E.Load Saddle Rolls, In Stock Now!

Local heroes R.E.Load have done it again!  Their new Saddle Roll wraps all the durability and smarts we've come to expect from their bags and accessories into a stable little tool pouch you can clip under your saddle.  They are easy to use and roomy enough for all that you might need for a long ride.  We've got a couple in the shop now in some really zesty color combinations!  Come check them out.

Marco! Fast Forward Winner, nice job bro.

Way to show them how it is done, on a fixed gear. Have fun in SF!

Fast Forward: Saturday July 17th

RE Load is hosting the Fast Forward event for Cadence and DVS this Saturday. If you are feeling FAST then try your luck for the big cash prize and qualify for the series final in San Francisco. Side events after the main race at "Water ST" and after party shennanigans at T-Moms.

More info HERE

The Maypril Fools Bicycle Revolutions Boutique Checkpoint!

What a great weekend! Thanks to RE Load for putting together another successful event. The Boutique hosted a checkpoint, we managed to get quite a few Fools in looking for POINTS! The deal was you had to draw a portrait of your bicycle in crayon. The our panel of judges would critique your portrait and decide if you got 20, 40 or 60 points. Those who were most creative and had the most colors and elements to their portrait got the most points.

Mr. Houser got maximum points for his use of elements and the added Haiku, even though it was plagiarized. He went on to win the overall big prize! Congrats Brett.

This Foolish racer, Darian, got max points as well. His bike was in the woods, for real. He went on to get the second Big Prize of the day! Congrats to him, enjoy the orange wheels.

Andy Zalen was in town looking for points as well. I have known this dude for the better part of two decades. Damn I'm getting old. He is the poster boy for DC Couriers, and international messenger super star. He is definitely one of the people keeping the dream alive. Check him out, he is making it happen.

And then Brutaltron arrived. Thanks for bringing all of your friends Ralph...

And of course we were very happy to see some of our BRevs alumni. Miss Megs showing off some of her creativity for maximum points!

So much fun! And to end the weekend at Tattoo Mom's for Cycle Sunday and the World Premier of Bootleg Sessions 4. There was a little riding and lots of beer drinking.

You can check out some more photos HERE. Thanks again to everybody for playing and having FUN! Keep an ear out for our next Art event which will be highlighting the cream of the crop from the bicycle portraits.

Maypril Fools Prize Wheels!

Greetings Maypril Fools! You all ready for the fun tomorrow? I hope so, here are some of the prizes that you may win if you are foolish enough. I just finished them up yesterday, y'all are lucky I am working and not racing because I'd have to try and win these for myself.

Velocity was kind enough to contribute two pairs of rims to the event. Aero rims in frost blue and tangerine orange, my rims of choice lately.

All-City contributed two sets of hubs, I chose white because I thought it would be extra special.

DT silver spokes just to keep it classy, I threw in some polished stainless cogs and lockrings.

Some sweet Continental Ultra Gatorskin tires, one of my longtime fav's. The lucky winners will be able to roll away on these if they so choose!

And some fun fancy two leading two trailing spoke lacing just because I like to keep it interesting.

Have tons of fun this weekend, ride safe and be smart. POINTS!

New Batch Of Custom Re Load Lockdown Straps!

Just got our second order of Lockdown straps in this week! We restocked the all black, always a crowd pleaser. Also had them do 4 "Custom" colorways for us.

Khaki with Dark Brown and Kelly Green.

Coffee with Kelly Green and Neon Green.

Black with Grey, I think they might add this as a stock colorway.

And my personal new favorite, Teal with Neon Green.

We are going to get some matching top tube pads to compliment these as well. It is really nice to work with a local manufacturer and get this kind of turn around on custom product.

And Roland even delivered them personally, Thanks!

Re Load SuperLuxe!

RE Load posted a bunch of new stuff they are working on, but this one really caught my eye. I think it is a really nice combination of their old design and new design. The bag they designed for CMWC Guatemala is great, but the buckle is slick.
I know the kids at RE Load have a lot of work on their hands with all of the new and redesigned products on the table. I really hope Roland has time to ride that fancy new bike of his!

Roland's Custom Scissor!

Roland finally decided to let me build him a new bike! Maybe he just needed something new to hang his Lockdown straps on.

He just wanted a nice and simple fixed gear with 3" riser handlebar and a little bigger tire than his Bilenky will fit.

I was very happy to get to reciprocate as I finally got a new custom Reload Midpack a little while ago.

He seems pretty excited, it has been a while since he had a NEW bike.

And he did design a stock colorway for the new Lockdown straps to match the Charge Scissor. Enjoy it Ro, and thank you for making nice stuff for me.

Bags? Yeah, we've got those.

My word our bag selection sure has exploded since we opened the boutique!

We are pretty serious about messenger bags – both the single and double strap variety. Almost every bag we stock in the shop is one that we use so we can honestly tell you that we believe in what we sell.  

We try to always stock each bag in black as well as a couple of colors, depending on how popular they are. We  are also happy to order you a specific color if we don’t have it right now. Currently we carry bags from the following excellent companies.

Chrome: Citizen and Metropolis messenger bags, Dually, Ranchero, Backbone, Pawn and Marathon back-packs, Kirov + Berlin pro bags. We also carry the light duty Corsair and Vega as well as laptop sleeves, hip packs, cell holders, and usually one or two of their different laptop specific bags.

BaileyWorks: Super Pro messenger bags in all sizes, the new Digital Super Pro Citizen back-pack, and 2-strap work pack

RELoad: Civilian, Small Civilian and Dash messenger bags. Softpack, minipack and midpack back packs. Hip packs and cell holders and other accessories like frame and shoulder pads and tool rolls are in stock too.

DeMartini: Undisputed Original in all three sizes (S,M,L). We also have a few of the mini bag and the extra small 3605 bags.

We have a few Manhattan Portage bags still in stock. The medium size waxed vintage messenger bag in a couple of colors and the Bike Messenger – large in most colors.

Looking to carry less stuff with you? We have small hip bags/pouches, and utility belts from Fabric Horse, Vaya, and Camp Cupboard (as well as RELoad and Chrome).

Not sure what’s right for you? I strongly recommend coming by and trying a bunch of bags on. Bring the stuff you usually carry and jam it into the bag and see how it fits and if it is comfortable. Everyone’s body is different so it is hard to tell what you are going to love without trying it on. Got questions, or need an opinion about a certain item? Come on in and ask! We all use these bags daily so we can give you our thoughts on what we like and don’t like.

Oh, and messenger bags aren’t just for carrying deliveries, school or work items, groceries, etc. You never know when your 4 legged friend is gonna need a lift (or at least a nice spot to nap)

Cj's New Charge Scissor Build

This is the first complete Charge Scissor build we have done yet. Cj bought a Surly Steamroller from us just a little while ago and decided to go for a custom fixed gear freestyle machine to celebrate the summer of 2010.

White B-43's Fuzzy-Built to order on gold All-City hubs. White Demolition Medial cranks. Demolition Pivotal Seatpost and Volume Saddle.

Atomlab Pimp lite stem and FUNN 3" risers, FSA threadless headset.

A solid build if I do say so myself. He picked up some new Lockdown straps in the Scissor Colorway.

He looks really happy doesn't he? No, he is frickin' STOKED! Thanks Cj, enjoy the new ride.