The Paul Chain Keeper is a chain retention device for 1X single ring drivetrains. It’s available in models to either clamp on a seat tube in place of a derailleur (shown here), or mount on an external bottom bracket. The seat tube version is available in three sizes to fit 28.6mm, 31.8mm, and 35.0mm seat tubes. The external bottom bracket model is intended for full suspension frames, carbon fiber frames, frames with eccentric bottom brackets, and frames with non-standard tubing.

Not all 1X set-ups require a chain keeper. If you’re doing a conversion, my advice is to give it a try sans keeper for a week or two to see if chain derailment is going to be an issue. Drivetrains set-up with good alignment and high tension may never throw a chain, particularly if the shifters are indexed and the bike is only used on relatively smooth, paved roads. But, if you plan on riding your bike on dirt trails, or if you’re an aggressive rider who hops curbs and so forth, a chain keeper of some sort is definitely in order. I decided to install the Paul Chain Keeper on my bike because I occasionally ride dirt trails, and I sometimes hop curbs when transitioning from bike lanes to off-street paths.

The Paul Chain Keeper works as advertised; with this unit installed, your chain will not derail, period. The fit and finish are excellent, and like all Paul components, the Chain Keeper is manufactured right here in Chico, CA, USA.

I purchased my Paul Chain Keeper at The Bicycle Business in Sacramento, CA (thanks, guys!). They can also be ordered directly from Paul in Chico.

The Bicycle Business →
Paul Component Engineering →

Note: The Bicycle Business is a sponsor of this website.

SoulRun is a little two-person shop run by Laura and Joe. They make-to-order a variety of really nice bike tool rolls and jersey pocket pouches. The bike tool rolls are available in four sizes and can be ordered in either cotton duck, cotton ripstop, or nylon ripstop. They sent us their dual-strap 2-ply Waterproof Bike Tool Roll to try out.

Our sample tool roll is constructed from 2-ply Ultrex waterproof fabric with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. It has a large pocket for an innertube, a medium pocket for tools and tire levers, and a small pocket for a patch kit. The roll is held tight by a pair of 3/4″ straps with quick release closures.

This is a nice little product that works as advertised. The construction is clean, the fit is perfect, and we love the fact that it’s handmade here in the U.S. by nice people. Good stuff.

Sold through Etsy →

As I mentioned in a prior post, Civia recently sent me a box of handlebars to play around with and evaluate. They sent 5 total in various shapes and sizes.

Upon opening the box, the 50 degree Aldrich immediately caught my eye. You can’t see it very well in the above photo, but it has a backward sweep and zero rise that reminds me somewhat of the handlebars you see on old French city bikes (but with a little less sweep).

Getting set up for this bit of experimentation required ditching my cork grips and replacing them with clamp-on ODIs for easy installation and removal. None of the Civia bars take bar-end shifters, so I also had to order up a set of Paul Thumbies which are currently making the long trip from Chico in a brown truck (hence the drooping shifters in the photo). And finally, since most of these bars have less rise than the North Roads I’ve been running the past two years, I swapped the Brooks B67 saddle for a narrower Selle An-Atomica Titanico.

I plan on trying each of the bars for at least a few weeks. It’ll be interesting to see if any of them displace my old favorite North Roads (I’ll let you know how it turns out).

Planet Bike recently sent me a copy of their K.O.K.O. (Keep On Keepin’ On) rack to try out. The K.O.K.O. is a heavy-duty cargo rack designed for touring and utility use. It’s constructed from tubular 6061 aluminum, with a maximum capacity of 55 lbs. and a retail price of $39.95. It comes supplied with stainless steel mounting hardware and a second set of struts for use on small frames.

I tested the K.O.K.O. with all of my regular commuting and utility loads. I found the rack to be perfectly stiff and solid for loads up to 40 lbs. (I only tested up to 40 lbs.). It’s a beefy rack that I’m sure will handle loads up to and beyond the stated maximum capacity without issue.

The pannier mounting points on the K.O.K.O. are well-placed and I was able to attach a wide range of bags from various manufacturers.

The tail light mounting plate accepts Euro-style lights as well as the Planet Bike light bracket for mounting the popular Superflash tail light.

It’s only natural to compare the K.O.K.O. to the Tubus Cargo since it appears the K.O.K.O. drew inspiration from that industry-standard carrier. I’ve been running the Cargo for a number of years on various bikes, so I’m quite familiar with its characteristics. The K.O.K.O. feels nearly as stiff, though the Tubus, being made from tubular steel, has a higher maximum capacity of 88 lbs. Unlike the Cargo, the K.O.K.O. tapers in at the front; this keeps the weight closer to the center of the bike, but it may also cause clearance issues on bikes with cantilever brakes. The K.O.K.O. also carries the load slightly further forward, which contributes to its solid feel, but heel strike may be an issue with some bag/bike combinations. If you can, check these clearance points when purchasing this rack.

The K.O.K.O. is the most well-constructed rack I’ve seen at its price point. It’s unlikely to have the extreme long-term durability of a much more expensive steel rack like the Tubus, but at $39.95 it’s a great value and should serve most people very well for a number of years.

Planet Bike →

Disclaimer: Planet Bike is a sponsor of this site.

We review a lot of bags. The fact is, if you’re going to replace a car with a bike, you have to figure out the best way to carry various things in various situations. Having the right mix of bags, and understanding how to best take advantage of their features, makes life a lot simpler for the utility bicyclist.

One of the most useful types of bags, and the one that we almost always keep on every bike around the house, is the ubiquitous “grocery pannier”. Grocery panniers are simple bags designed specifically to hold a normal-sized grocery bag. Most have an open top for easy loading, and they almost always fold flat against the bike when not in use. Many come with carrying handles so they can be taken into the store and used as a shopping bag. We like them because they function well as catch-alls for groceries, books, clothing, etc., but they quickly and completely collapse when not in use.

We’re currently using three grocery panniers, ranging from the most simple nylon bag with a bungee mount, up to a sophisticated model with features rivaling many bike briefcases and touring panniers.

Minnehaha Canvas Grocery Bag Pannier
The Minnehaha is a cotton canvas version of the more common nylon grocery pannier. It has a metal frame, a pair of carrying handles, a bungee-type mount, and it folds flat when not in use. The cotton canvas has a traditional look and feel that goes well with retro bikes. Made in China. Price: $45

Inertia Designs Metro Lite Pannier
The Metro Lite is a simple, distilled down version of the nylon grocery pannier. Like the Minnehaha, it has a metal frame, a pair of carrying handles, a bungee-type mount, and it folds flat when not in use. Inertia Designs uses a heavy-duty Cordura nylon in the construction of this bag and it should last a very long time (we’ve been using one of their older models for years). Made in U.S.A. Price: $55

Rixen & Kaul Klickfix Cargo
The Rixen & Kaul Cargo inhabits a place somewhere between a simple grocery pannier and a full-fledged urban briefcase such as those we’ve reviewed from Arkel and Ortlieb. It meets the basic requirements of a grocery pannier (flat bottom, square sides, folds flat), but it also features internal and external pockets, interior liner, alloy carrying handle, collapsible stiffener panels, rain fly, shoulder strap, and the excellent Klickfix mounting hardware. The Cargo is perhaps the ultimate hybrid grocery pannier/bike briefcase if you have the need for something more than a basic grocery pannier, but you still want to be able to carry a standard bag of groceries in the same bag. Made in Germany. Price: $150

(Note: This bag warrants its own detailed review which we’ll publish once we’ve spent more time using it. —ed.)

Whether we’re talking about a bare bones grocery pannier, or a more full-featured bag that doubles as a briefcase, just about any full-time utility bicyclist will benefit from having a grocery pannier mounted on their bike at all times.

Minnehaha →
Inertia Designs →
Rixen & Kaul →

A couple of weeks ago I posted about pedals and how they’re the most likely culprit if your bike is making little clicks and creaks. Here’s an excerpt:

Being the aficionado of fine bike parts that he is, this bit about cheap transpo pedals caught the eye of my friend Bob over at The Bike Biz. So, to school me in the ways of high-quality platform pedals, he sent me a pair of super sweet White Industries Urban Pedals to try out for a couple of weeks.

I’m a bit of a Luddite when it comes to pedals — I’ve been using some variant of the old rat trap for many years — but I have to admit, these White Ind. pedals are something else. With their machined platforms, tapered stainless steel spindle, bronze acorn nuts, and sealed cartridge bearings, they’re really more like jewelry or a high-end fly reel than the cheap-o pedals that I’m used to.

I’m a fan of double-sided platforms; I like the fact that I can just step on a bike in anything from flip flops to hiking boots and not have to fumble with my feet. The White Ind. pedals are single-sided platforms, and while they can be used without clips, it’s clear they were designed for use with clips and straps. I found myself hunting for the top side of the pedal and skating around a bit, both issues that would be resolved with the addition of clips. Since they’re on loan, I didn’t want to mount clips for fear of marring the finish, but if I was to use these myself, I’d definitely set them up with clips and straps.

These are just about the smoothest running and most beautiful pedals I’ve ever experienced. I can’t honestly say they’d be worth the $220 price tag for me, but if you’re wanting a set of made-in-U.S.A. lifetime pedals designed specifically for city riding, you won’t do better than these beauties; they’ll certainly add some major bling to any bike that’s up to it.

[Bob is the manager of The Bicycle Business in Sacramento, CA. The Bicycle Business is a sponsor of this website and provided the pedals for this article.]

Among serious tourists, Ortlieb and Arkel have what are probably the most spotless reputations for producing highly functional and durable bags and panniers that can withstand the rigors of day-in and day-out use on the road. The needs of commuters may differ somewhat from those of tourists, but they subject their equipment to nearly as much abuse. Fortunately, both Ortlieb and Arkel are now producing a number of beautiful bags specifically designed for the city cyclist. Having these top touring outfitters developing products for the commuter market is a real boon to consumers.

I’ve been an Arkel user for many years, but somehow I’ve never had the opportunity to own an Ortlieb bag. Somewhere along the way I got started with Arkel, and I loved their bags so much that I just stuck with them. So when Ortlieb contacted me to take a look at their new “Downtown” bike briefcase, I jumped at the chance.

In contrast to Arkel bags that are known for having individual pockets for just about everything, most Ortlieb bags are fairly simply. These two design philosophies are a reflection of two different approaches to packing: one school prefers a specialized pocket for every item, while the other prefers one or two large compartments in which to place smaller bags or loose items. The former makes it easier to find things, the latter provides more flexibility; neither is right or wrong.

In their Downtown briefcase, Ortlieb took a move out of Arkel’s playbook and loaded it with pockets and details. I think this is totally appropriate for a briefcase/city bag where a person is likely to be carrying a computer, iPod, various phones and chargers, lunch, papers and reports, and so on. Details include a 4 pocket organizer (2 zippered pockets, 2 internal pockets); pen holder; snap hook for keys; and suspended laptop pouch. I found the number of pockets just about perfect for a briefcase. The internal pockets are a good size for chargers and small electronic devices. The larger zippered pocket will easily hold multiple magazines or reports. The laptop pocket will accept up to a 15.4″ notebook (my 13″ MacBook Pro in an InCase neoprene sleeve fits perfectly) and suspends the computer nicely above the bottom of the bag. The main compartment has plenty of room for an extra shirt or a small lunch container. The pen holder and key hook are nice touches.

As with all of their bags, the Downtown is constructed with heavy-duty waterproof materials. Ortlieb applies their waterproof coatings to the inside of pockets to prevent breakdown due to abrasion. The external materials are high-frequency welded for waterproofness and long-term durability. Unlike some of their touring panniers that are waterproof even when submersed, the Downtown is rated at what Ortlieb calls call IP53 for dust and water spray resistance (click here for more on their rating system).

The front buckles are clever. They’re made from a single piece of stainless steel and they slip into one of three slots depending upon the size of your load. Feet and corner guards on the underside of the bag protect it from abrasion and snags. The shoulder strap is well-padded and quite comfortable, even with a laptop in the bag. The top handle is heavy-duty and generously padded as well. The overall quality is exceptionally good, probably the best I’ve seen.

This is the first time I’ve used the Ortlieb QL2 mounting system for an extended period. Having been an Arkel guy for many years, I was skeptical that anyone could outdo their mounting system. I have to say, after using it for a few weeks, I’m totally sold on the Ortlieb system; I wouldn’t say it’s better than Arkel’s, but it’s certainly on par.

The QL2 upper clamps are released by lifting a secondary pannier handle. It’s a clever mechanism that’s quick and easy to use, while also being 100% secure. For the lower connection, the QL2 uses a hook on a sliding rail that can be easily adjusted without tools for quickly moving from one bike to another. It took a while to understand where best to place the hook, but once I adapted to the new system, I was sold.

As you can see in the photos above, the Downtown is designed to ride at an angle to provide heel clearance even on bicycles with short-ish chainstays. It comes set-up from the factory to ride on the left side of the bike, but the bracket can be reversed for right side mounting if preferred.

If you’re interested in a office-friendly briefcase for commuting through all types of weather, the Ortlieb Downtown is your bag. It’s stylish, functional, and the quality is beyond compare. Highly recommended.

Specifications
Height: 14.2″
Width: 18.1″
Depth: 7.1″
Volume: 732 cu. in.
Weight: 53 oz.
Available Colors: Black, White, Green, Burgandy
MSRP: $140
Made in Germany

Ortlieb International →
Ortlieb USA →

Disclosure: Ortlieb supplied the bag for this review. You can view our review policy here.

As an aside, I wanted to mention Ortlieb’s involvement in the German “Biking to Work 2010″ festivities. Like our Bike Month festivities here in the U.S., the German Biking to Work program encourages people to use their bicycles for transportation to-and-from work. Ortlieb is producing several hundred special edition Downtown bags printed with the Biking to Work logo to be given away at various events throughout the summer. The special edition bags will also be available in limited supplies through dealers. More information is available at the Biking to Work website.

Porteur-style cargo racks like the Pass & Stow, Velo Orange, and CETMA are excellent for large, bulky items that can be forcefully strapped down to a rack, but they’re not particularly useful for carrying smaller, more delicate items. The Bates Crates Classic wooden crate solves the problem by providing a container in which to carry items that would otherwise be lost or damaged on a platform rack.

The Classic is designed to be attached to your existing cargo rack using bungee cords; this allows quick and easy removal for times when you need the rack platform for larger items. After some experimentation, I found that a pair of Irish straps (shown above) hold the crate more securely than bungees, though installation and removal takes a bit longer.

The Classic is an attractive and durable crate. The maple wood is stained and sealed with a marine grade polyurethane. All hardware is either stainless or galvanized.

The base of the crate is covered with cork both inside and out. The cork keeps the crate from sliding around on the rack platform while also keeping your cargo from rattling around.

The dual cup holders are a cool feature for us coffee addicts (they also work fine for other drinks as long as the cup is tapered). With the Classic you no longer have an excuse to not get up early and go pick up coffee and pastries for you and your honey… :-)

The Bates Crates Classic makes a Porteur rack even more practical while adding a really cool retro look. Plus, I really like the fact that they’re hand-made to order in Chicago, IL. Good stuff.

Specifications
Dimensions: 16″ x 12″ x 7″ high
Materials: Stained and sealed maple, stainless/galvanized hardware, cork padding
Price: $125 + $25 shipping

Note: In case you have a smallish porteur rack, Bates Crates also makes a more petite crate called the Model T. When ordering, be sure to choose the crate that best matches your rack.

Bates Crates →

I’ve been using an Arkel Bug as my primary commuting bag for the past couple of years. It’s a convertible pannier/backpack that works well for multi-modal commuting, particularly when a long walk and a lot of weight are involved. While the Bug is not a bad looking bag, visually it’s more of a student’s daypack than a professional’s briefcase. I’m fortunate that my workplace environment is fairly casual, but there are times when I need to dress more professionally for client meetings, and on those days, the Arkel Briefcase fits the bill better than the Bug.

The design of the Arkel Briefcase is similar to other soft-sided briefcases. It has two main compartments that fold down on each side, a front organizer pocket with slots for pens, pencils, etc., and a small key pocket on the outer flap. One of the main compartments has organizer pockets that work well for power adapters, cords, iPods, cell phones, etc., and the other contains a removable, suspended laptop pocket that will easily hold a 15″ notebook. The main body is reinforced on both sides with hard plates to protect your laptop in case of an accident. The center of the bag expands out to make room for books, papers, lunch, or a change of clothes. The padded should strap is on rotating hooks to prevent twisting, and the heavily-reinforced top handle should outlast the bag.

While the design of the Briefcase is similar to garden-variety soft-sided briefcases you’ll find at office supply stores, the construction is more robust. The materials used in its construction are similar to those used in Arkel’s touring panniers, with heavy-duty Cordura nylon, beefy YYK zippers, and National Moulding buckles used throughout. The mounting hardware is also borrowed from their touring panniers. I really like Arkel’s mounting system; the bags are securely held in place while being very easy to install and remove, and in all of the years using their panniers, I’ve never had a failure. An additional feature that’s not included on their touring panniers is a flap that folds down to hide the hardware when the bag is off of the bike.

My commute is unusual in that I carry an above average amount of weight and employ at least three modes, one of which is a fairly long walk. Consequently, a convertible backpack/pannier like the Bug works well for me. But, if I had a more typical point-to-point bike commute in which I didn’t need to carry a heavy bag long distances on foot, I’d prefer the Briefcase because of its organizational pockets, suspended laptop pouch, and more business-friendly appearance.

Specifications
Width: 17″
Height: 12″
Depth: 7″
Volume: 1500 cu. in.
Weight: 4.3 lbs.
Made in Canada
MSRP: $214.95

Arkel →

Disclosure: Arkel is a sponsor of this website. You can view our review policy here.

Bill sent me this photo of a Velo Orange alloy chainguard and custom protector ring mounted on his Surly Long Haul Trucker. This is one of the most attractive aftermarket chainguard installs I’ve seen; nice work, Bill! Here’s his description:

Velo Orange →

The Zimbale 2 Liter Saddle Bag is the third in a trio of saddle bags Zimbale sent us to evaluate. The 2 Liter is essentially a smaller, simpler version of the 11 Liter Saddle Bag we reviewed in detail earlier this month. Like its big brother, the 2 Liter is constructed of waterproof canvas, leather, and brass. The single main compartment has capacity for a multi-tool, spare tube, and light jacket, and the zippered opening is covered by a rain flap held closed with brass snaps. Like the other Zimbale bags we reviewed, the overall construction of the 2 Liter is excellent. Once again, highly recommended.

Specifications
Size: 14cm diameter x 30cm wide
Capacity: 2 Liter
Colors: Olive, Black
Retail Price: $54

Where to Buy
Hyde Park Cycle Sports (U.S. Distributor) →
Harris Cyclery →
VeloFred →

Disclosure: Zimbale provided the bag for this review. You can view our review policy here.

Zimbale is a small company in Korea making traditional canvas and leather bicycle bags. The founders are long-time bag and furniture industry people who also happen to be bicycle enthusiasts. Like a number of other new companies making old-timey bike bags, they’ve taken inspiration from Carradice, Brooks, and others. Zimbale makes their bags in small quantities for direct sale to dealers and distributors; in other words, these are not re-branded, mass-produced economy bags.

Zimbale recently sent me a few bags to try out, included among them the Leather and Canvas 11 Liter Saddle Bag. I’ve had this bag for about a month now.

Like Zimbale’s other bags, the 11 Liter is made with waterproof cotton canvas that is treated with wax on the outside and breathable polyurethane on the inside. The canvas has a nice feel; not overly stiff, but substantial enough that it should withstand years of daily abuse. The external straps and fittings are tanned leather and brass with nice detailing and clean construction.

The 11 Liter is similar to the Carridice Pendle but with a “longflap” that can be extended to carry bulky loads. It also has extra D-rings on the top, and quick release buckles on the main flap for easy access. The flap extension is held closed by internal snaps when not in use. The bag is held in place with the usual 3-point leather strap method and includes an internal wooden dowel to improve stability. The main compartment has a retractable nylon skirt to prevent water from sneaking in under the top flap. A pair of plastic D-rings under the top flap accept an optional shoulder strap. The overall design is well thought out and the attention to detail is impressive.

Knowing that I carry a camera with me on the bike, Zimbale sent along their optional Camera Protect Case (we’ll call it the CPC) insert. The CPC is a foam and velcro insert available in two sizes to fit their 11 or 18 Liter bags. Its construction is similar to the inserts typically found in camera bags and photographer’s backpacks. Sliding the CPC into the 11 Liter Saddle Bag turns a regular saddle bag into a good looking, saddle-mounted camera case with enough capacity to carry a prosumer-grade DSLR, an extra lens, and a strobe. This is a super option for people who want easy access to a large camera while on their bike, but prefer not to carry the weight on their back.

I’m impressed with Zimbale Bags. The construction methods and materials used in their manufacture are top notch. While not inexpensive, they successfully combine a traditional look and feel with high quality construction and updated details such as quick-release buckles and camera inserts. Highly recommended.

Specifications
Size: 18cm x 15cm x 30cm
Capacity: 11 Liter
Colors: Olive, Black
Retail Price: $109
Optional Camera Protect Case: $29.95

Where to Buy
Hyde Park Cycle Sports (U.S. Distributor) →
Harris Cyclery →
VeloFred →

Disclosure: Zimbale provided the bag for this review. You can view our review policy here.

The other day I mentioned that I had pant-cuff-strap-envy when I spotted my friend’s Planet Bike BRT Strap (I know, I know, it’s takes a real bike nerd to covet thy neighbor’s cuff strap). Anyway, I picked up my own BRT strap and I’m happy now. As you can see in the photo, it’s a really cool thing that can be used as a cuff strap or strapped anywhere on one’s bike or body to increase their visibility. It glows like one of those glow sticks you see at concerts, except it’s much brighter, it’s red, and it has a flashing option. Now, if PB would make one that accepts rechargeable batteries…

Planet Bike BRT Strap →

Yup, Planet Bike sponsors this website.

I met a friend for coffee the other day and his trowser cuff strap caught my eye. Even in broad daylight it was surprisingly bright with its flashing LED. I asked him about it, and it turns out it was a BRT Strap from Planet Bike. It gets a 200 hour run time on a CR 2032 battery and has flashing and steady modes. I don’t have one yet, but I’m planning on ordering one for when I ride my bikes that don’t have chainguards. I figure if I need a cuff strap anyway, it might as well have a bright light in it!

Planet Bike →

Disclosure: Planet Bike is a sponsor of this website.

This beautiful little saddle bag is made by Zimbale in Seoul, Korea and distributed in the U.S. by Hyde Park Cycle Sports. The construction and finish are excellent and the price is quite reasonable considering the quality of the workmanship. Features include quick release magnetic closures (located behind the buckles) and a lace to secure the bag to the seatpost. It’s perfect for carrying a spare tube, patch kit, multi-tool, and wallet. Available in black, honey, or brown (shown).

Retail Price: $79

Zimbale Bags at Hyde Park Cycle Sports →

Disclosure: Hyde Park Cycle Sports provided the bag for this review.

The Trek Bontrager Interchange Grocery Pannier Eco is a heavy-duty, oversized grocery pannier made from 51% recycled materials. The materials used in its construction include recycled inner tubes, advertising banners, and seat belts. The bag is made for Bontrager by Alchemy Goods in Seattle, WA (the bag itself is made by Alchemy, the mounts are Bontrager’s “Interchange” pannier mounts). Alchemy doesn’t sell a pannier, so if you’ve been waiting for an Alchemy pannier, the Bontrager is it.

The Eco is a huge bag that easily swallows an overflowing grocery bag, or even a full-sized laptop backpack. Besides using the pannier for shopping, I also sometimes use it for carrying my Tamrac photographer’s backpack or my Crumpler commuter/laptop backpack. I really like the nylon interior; the slippery surface makes it easy to slide the backpacks in and out, and it’s a cinch to clean in the event of a grocery spill.

The top can be closed with the main zipper as seen in the photo at the top of the page, or if you have a smaller load, it can be folded down and cinched roll-top style. In roll-top mode, there’s clearance enough on the top of the rack for a rack trunk or a bundled up sweater or coat. There’s a fairly large zippered pocket on the front for holding a wallet, keys, papers, etc.

Bontrager’s Interchange hardware is excellent. The clamps run on sliding tracks which makes mounting on almost any rack a cinch. I was able to mount the bag on four different racks with no issues. The only downside is that if you move the pannier around from one bike to another on a regular basis, it’s a bit of a hassle to readjust the mounts each time. This isn’t going to be a problem for most people who will probably use the bag on the same bike most of the time.

This is the Interchange quick release. Simply lift up on the handle and the clamps release. Pressing down on the handle locks the clamps closed. It’s not at all necessary, but for extra security I wrap a velcro strap around the handle when I’m carrying a computer or camera kit in the pannier.

The overall construction of the Eco Grocery Pannier is excellent. The strap is indestructible, and the outer shell is waterproof, tough, and attractive. I’ve been a fan of Alchemy Goods for a while now and I’ve always wondered why they didn’t make a pannier. Now we finally have one and it has the added benefit of being outfitted with Bontrager’s excellent Interchange hardware. Highly recommended.

Features and Specifications

• 51% recycled materials by weight, made from recycled Bontrager inner tubes and advertising banners
• Installs and removes in seconds with Interchange hardware
• Hidden carrying handles
• Fits one paper grocery bag (not that you would use one)
• Zippered pocket for wallet and extras
• Zippered and roll-able top for variable conditions
• PE sheets made from 100% recycled materials
• Folds flat when not in use
• Capacity – 1,950cu.in. (31,955cc)

Bontrager →

Disclosure: Trek provided the pannier for this review.

We’re always looking for new ways to carry stuff on our bikes. Panniers are great, as are porteur racks, messenger bags, and saddle bags, but we’ve found one of the most useful accessories for everyday hauling is a basket. Wood and wicker baskets like the Peterboro basket on Michael’s Betty Foy are functional and visually attractive, though they can be a bit fragile. Wire baskets, while not as aesthetically pleasing as wood baskets, are more utilitarian and resistant to damage than their wood counterparts. We tested the Wald Woody earlier this year and really liked it, so now we’re trying out the smaller Wald 137.

Wald baskets have been made in Maysville, Kentucky, USA since 1929 and are undoubtedly the best wire baskets available. They’re constructed from zinc-plated steel and nicely finished with no burrs or edges to catch on bags or clothing. The Wald 137 is a medium-sized basket, perfect for carrying a single bag of groceries, or a small commuter bag, laptop bag, or camera bag. The 137 normally comes from the factory with struts, but we ordered ours without struts for mounting on an existing rack. The basket can easily be attached to almost any front or rear rack using either small hose clamps or zip ties.

When used in conjunction with an elastic cargo net, reusable shopping bags work well for carrying groceries in a wire basket. Simply do your shopping, drop the bag in the basket, and lash it down with the net. This is a workable system, but Rivendell has taken the concept a step further with their good looking and heavy duty shopping/storage bag called the Sackville ShopSack.

The ShopSack is offered in two sizes. We tested the medium which is specifically designed to fit the 137 basket. The construction is typical high-end from Rivendell including the best Scottish cotton duck (it’s the same material used by Range Rover for their protective covers), military-spec webbing, melted and smeared thread-ends, and brass fittings. It’s a simple but lovely bag with just one main compartment. It’s nice enough to be used as a carry-all in a professional environment, while also being tough enough for hauling tools or camping supplies. We really like the size and construction; the capacity is about the same as that of a standard grocery sack, but because of its more robust construction and zippered top, the ShopSack is much less unwieldy than a reusable shopping bag filled to the brim.

At $40 the ShopSack is not cheap for such a simple bag, but the price is certainly justified by the fact that the quality is as good as it gets in bicycle bags. My guess is that it will last many years and end up being a great value over time, while also being stylish and functional in the process.

The Wald 137 and Rivendell Sackville ShopSack are nice products on their own, but their functionality increases exponentially when used together. The basket can easily be attached to any existing rack, and with the addition of the ShopSack, the carrying capacity is effectively doubled while the issue of carrying small items in a wire basket is eliminated. Add to this the convenience of carrying the bag with you into the grocery store, library, or office, and you have an extremely functional system that is welcome addition to almost any bicycle used for commuting, shopping, or errands.

Wald 137 Wire Basket →
Rivendell Sackville ShopSack →

Disclosure: Wald and Rivendell are sponsors of this site and provided some of the items used in this review.

Ecologic Designs is one of only three companies in the U.S. to receive an A+ rating in the Global Reporting Initiative international standards registry. Their Green Guru brand of outdoor and bicycling products are manufactured using recycled and repurposed materials such as bicycle inner tubes, billboards, and 100% Recycled PETE (#1) nylon fabrics. They manufacture 100% of their products within 18 miles of their main facility in Boulder, Colorado, and they collect over 60% of the raw materials used in their products from within a 25 mile radius.

Green Guru recently sent me their “Cycler” messenger bag to try out. The Cycler is a medium-sized, full-featured messenger bag with a padded, quick-release strap, laptop pocket, various internal organizer pockets, and an external flap held closed by both velcro and quick release buckles. Of particular note are the materials used in the construction of the bag. The outer, waterproof “skin” is made from recycled bicycle inner tubes. Besides being tough and functional, the inner tube skin imparts a cool, techy/recycled look. The bulk of the rest of the bag, including the interior, binding, and webbing, is made from 100% Recycled PETE plastic. The design is well thought out, the construction is heavy duty and attractive, and this is undoubtedly one of the most eco-friendly messenger bags on the planet. Highly recommended.

Features

• Repurposed vulcanized mountain bike inner tube exterior
• 100% Recycled PETE fabric interior
• 100% Recycled PETE webbing & binding
• PETE Aerospace mesh back panel with high performance padding
• Quick release padded left shoulder strap
• Repurposed road bike tube haul handle
• Gusseted closure keeps rain out
• Velcro and side-release buckle closures on flap
• Interior laptop organizer
• 2 large and 2 small interior sleeve pockets
• Exterior zipper pocket, sleeve pocket, and pen organizer
• Dimensions: 19.5” x 13” x 6”
• Shipping Weight: 5lbs
• Retail Price: $130

Green Guru is offering a discount to EcoVelo readers. Enter promo code “gurunation” at their online store to receive 15% off your purchase.

Green Guru →
Ecologic Designs →

Disclosure: Green Guru supplied the bag for this review.

Background
The NuVinci Continuously Variable Planetary (CVP) hub is the first and only bicycle drivetrain on the market that offers infinite gear-inch choices within an overall range of 350%. From NuVinci:

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been riding a Surly Long Haul Tucker outfitted with a NuVinci CVP hub. The LHT was set-up by The Bicycle Business in Sacramento with upright bars, MTB levers, a single chainring, and the NuVinci hub/shifter combo.

Details & Impressions
The NuVinci hub is extremely smooth and quiet, much like a high quality internal gear hub. Its gear range is also similar to internal gear hubs such as the Shimano Alfine 8 and SRAM i-Motion 9 (see chart below). The amount of resistance created by the CVP is insignificant for its intended use on commuters, cruisers, and e- bikes, though subjectively I’d say it introduces slightly more drag than the Alfine or i-Motion.

Low, Medium, High — Infinitely Variable

The twist shifter’s “gear” indicator relates drive ratios to terrain: a flat line indicates level ground (high gear-inches) and a curved line indicates hills (low gear-inches). It takes 1.25 turns of the twist shifter to move through the entire range. The long throw on the shifter is good for fine tuning the ratio, but quick shifts from high to low are difficult to execute; somewhere under one full rotation of the twist grip would probably be better for most people.

Like internal gear and single speed hubs, the NuVinci CVP requires either horizontal dropouts, sliding dropouts, or a chain tensioner (our LHT used for the test was set-up with a chain tensioner). Removing the rear wheel is relatively simple and no more difficult than removing the rear wheel on bikes set up with internal gear hubs.

It took a while to get over the old habit of spinning up before making a shift, something that’s completely unnecessary with the NuVinci. With the CVP there’s no need to hesitate making adjustments because there are actually no “shifts”. In other words, each miniscule adjustment of the shifter results in a minuscule adjustment in gear-inches. Eventually I ended up using the twist shifter almost like a throttle, constantly changing the ratio to match cadence and pedal pressure depending upon the terrain and wind direction.

Conclusion
The NuVinci CVP’s main audience is likely to be newcomers who are intimidated by triple chainrings and derailleurs, or commuters who want a bullet-proof drivetrain with an industry-best 6-year warranty. It may also be a good fit for hybrid electric bikes where the hub’s substantial 8 lb. weight would be mitigated by e-assist. Unfortunately, having 8 lbs. concentrated at the rear axle on a lightweight bicycle is enough to alter the handling and may make it a tough sell on those bikes. Even so, I think CVP is a cool technology with a future, particularly if NuVinci can get the weight down into the 4-5 lb. range and hit a price point that is on par with competing products such as the Shimano and SRAM internal gear hubs.

Pros
User-friendly for novices
Quiet and smooth
Infinite “gear” ratios within a 350% range
Ability to change ratios while stopped, coasting, or under power
Weatherproof
Six-year warranty

Cons
Heavy (approximately 8 lbs.)
Relatively expensive (approximately $450)
Long throw on twist shifter

The LHT used for this review was provided by The Bicycle Business. Stop by their shop in Sacramento to test ride the NuVinci CVP.

The Bicycle Business →
Fallbrook NuVinci →

Disclosure: The Bicycle Business is a sponsor of this website.

Velo Orange recently sent me their Model 3 saddle to try out. The Model 3 is VO’s answer to the ubiquitous Brooks B-17 Champion Special, but with laces and a textured top surface similar to the B-17 Standard “pre-aged”. The quality and finish appear to be comparable to Brooks; the top is Australian cowhide, the frame is chrome-plated cromo steel, and the skirt is nicely chamfered. One common complaint about Brooks saddles is their short rails; the Model 3′s rails are 10mm longer. Overall I’d say the Model 3 competes very favorably with the Brooks, and at $85 it’s a fantastic value. I’ll post a follow-up report once I’ve ridden the saddle for a few months.

Velo Orange →