Perennial Favorites

Carradice of Nelson bike bags have long been the standard among randonnuer riders around the globe. Being 100% reliable and intensely durable are essential features in that cycling arena. Carradice has proven itself to be one of the most dependable brands through the test of time (and very hard use).

Perennial Cycle has been importing Carradice from England for nearly 20 years and were the first in North America to import the Brompton specific Carrradice City Folder (see a 2008 Shopcast post HERE). When Carradice introduced the Stockport City Folder for Bromptons (including S bar types) we were quick to bring them across the pond and introduce them to North America.

Carradice Originals City Folder, Stockport City Folder and the new Harris Tweed Edition City Folder

This past fall Carradice introduced their Harris Tweed bags and we fell in love with the look that tweed added to an already iconic design. Now Carradice has added a Harris Tweed City Folder and Perennial Cycle purchased the first production run (obviously we’re a bit excited about this bag). The Harris Tweed bags add tweed flaps onto the waterproof cotton duck, so the bags are just as weatherproof as the non-tweed models.
Here are some pictures of the Tweed City Folder:

In our last post we featured the Civia Back-Roller Classic, the perfect partnership of Civia's urban styling and Ortlieb design. This week's bag comes from another of our favorite utilitarian city bikes: Linus. Just like Linus's bikes, Linus's Market Bag combines simplicity and reliability with a personality and style that, as Linus likes to say, "makes you feel like you’re in an old French movie". Oui, oui! we say!

Available in three colors, the Linus Market Bag is made from rugged 22oz cotton canvas with a classic look that's sure to always be in style. Leather straps and brushed brass snaps mean this bag is built to last. Carry it in the market by its handle or with the included leather padded shoulder strap. The Market Bag also comes with a small padlock that can be attached to the bag's built-in D-ring for extra security when leaving the bag on your bike.

In the above photo, you'll see three straps on the inside panel of each side of the bag, two at the top and one along the bottom. It's a snap (!) to attach the straps to the top rail of your rack and along the bottom portion of the rack's stay. The three-point attachment ensures your groceries won't bounce on the ride home.

The best part about the market bag? It's incredibly versatile. It can hold a little or a lot and will fit on almost any bike rack—Linus or otherwise. That's what makes the Market Bag so perfect for an afternoon shopping run. Even my L-XL Nutcase Helmet fit inside. The side flaps snap shut on either side, and for those of us who don't want to make the effort to secure the snaps each time, there's a handy magnet sewn into the center of the flap to hold it in place.

On its interior, the bag is wide open—no space is wasted with separations or compartments. With a firm, flat bottom the Market Bag is ready to be loaded up with veggies straight from the farmers market, grocery bags, or pastries and deli treats... as in my case.