Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
#panniers
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Reportage
An Ode to Bicycle Touring: A Look at Buckhorn Bags’ New Made in New Mexico Waxed Panniers
When I first fell in love with bicycle touring, I used panniers, mounted on a front low-rider rack, on a mid-low trail bike. We used to ride from New York to Philly with similar kits in 2008 or so, actually using newly-released Revelate saddle packs in conjunction with traditional “touring” garb. In the following years, makers were starting to move towards more customized bicycle bags, leaning away from Berthoud, Ortlieb, and the mix of classic, timeless, and staple brands.
There are so many idiosyncratic ways to camp by bicycle and these days, I feel like the soul of bicycle touring, vis a vis Adventure Cycling’s Bikecentennial in the summer of ’76 and even the 1983 Pearl Pass tour (complete with MTBs equipped with racks and panniers), still exists and is cherished by many, myself included. Many brands have since picked up this torch to carry on similar vibes. Brands like Swift Industries, whose image feels as timeless as the Bikecentennial, began launching their first randonneuring and touring bags at the 2012 Philly Bike Expo where I had the pleasure to meet Jason and Martina.
Here in New Mexico, we’ve got a few bag makers, one of which is Buckhorn Bags that just released its own pannier design, in line with the tourers of yesteryear. Let’s wax poetic about some waxed canvas vibes below!
Radar
Tailfin’s New Mini Panniers
Tailfin, makers of ultralight carbon and aluminum bike racks, just announced their new Mini Panniers, which work with both their racks and other third-party racks. These new roll-top panniers are long and slender, in a 5L ($85) and 10L ($110) size, and feature a new X Clamp aluminum mechanism designed to bring the ultimate clamping power. These panniers are shipping August 24th, so head on over to Tailfin to see more information…
Radar
North St. Bags: 21L Macro Panniers
Portland-based North St. Bags have an extensive pannier model lineup and within it are these 21L Macro Panniers. These bags are made from recycled EcoPak. This lightweight, ultra-durable, waterproof outer layer is crafted from recycled plastic bottles turned woven polyester by heritage sailmaker Challenge Sailcloth. Our EcoPak bags are available in 6 vibrant colors, VOC free, and come with a big reduction in carbon footprint over traditional manufacturing methods.
Looking for something a little smaller? Check out the 14L Micro Pannier!
See the entire pannier line at North St. Bags.
Radar
The Swift X Kona Rove ST Touring Bike
With only 201 models in circulation, this Swift Industries x Kona Rove ST is a very limited edition project. Built for touring, the Rove ST comes with a limited edition headbadge, Tubus Tara Big Apple front Lowrider rack, fenders with mudflaps, limited edition Swift Industries bags, and Shimano’s GRX 600/800 group. If you’re in the Seattle area, you can rent this bike from Swift Adventure Co. Check out more photos below and all the details at Kona.
Radar
Arkel Dry-Lite Panniers
The Arkel Dry-Lites are ltralight, waterproof, made in Canada panniers. See more at Arkel.
Radar
Review: Blackburn’s Barrier Universal Panniers
Products that are designed to work within a system, but also operate just fine on their own are crucial to a brand. What if I don’t want to use your company’s rack? No problem. Blackburn’s Barrier Panniers are meant to be integrated into their Interlock racks – a system that allows you to lock your panniers for security while running errands around town – yet they work with any rack, even low-riders.
I recently gave these Barrier Universal panniers a go on a three day bicycle camping tour and loved them. Check out more below.
Radar
YNOT: Pan-Yay Line Grows with Three New Models
YNOT has been working hard on their Pan-Yay product line and have designed three new bags: The Kassi, The Annex and The Portage. Head over to their Kickstarter page to see more and if you’re in Toronto on August 21st, swing through their studio for an open house.
YNOT Toronto
831 Queen St W. Toronto, ON
Thursday, August 21st from 8pm – 12 pm
Reportage
Chris McNally’s Falconer Rigid Trail 29r Tourer
This bike is an all-purpose, 1-track gobblin’, trail rippin, rigid, bikepacking shred sled. Built by SF’s Falconer Cycles and designed to carry multiple bags, on front and rear racks, for days on end. Basically, it’s artist Chris McNally‘s new love.
In short, it’s a rigid 29’r, more specifically, it’s a touring bike, designed to take on the real Lost Coast route – more to come with Behind the Redwood Curtain – and still be stable enough to take on trails while loaded.
Loaded with Blackburn Outpost racks, Barrier Universal Panniers and other random Blackburn accessories, this bike did it all. From carrying camping gear to the top of Granite Mountain outside Prescott, to a half-full keg down to the Whiskey Off Road bacon handup spot, Chris had the best tool for the job.
See more of this beaut in the Galley!
Radar
YNOT: the Pan-Yay!
YNOT’s newest addition to their already plump line of cycling portage is one of the most tried and true bike bags: the pannier. Check out more information on the Pan-Yay! at YNOT.
Radar
New Offerings from Brooks
I was just thinking the other day about how much I missed my Brooks Team Pro saddle. If you can’t tell, I really miss my touring bike. Or maybe I just miss touring and camping. This new video from Brooks just hit my email, featuring their new Land’s End & John O’Groats Travel Panniers and if panniers aren’t on your foreseeable agenda, check out the new saddle, bar tape and grips offerings below.
Radar
Blue Lug is Now Carrying Swift Industries
One of my favorite shops is carrying one of my favorite bag makers. Blue Lug in Japan now has Swift Industries’ full line in stock at their shop. The Polaris Porteur is such a rad bag. Check out more great photos at the Blue Lug Flickr.