It’s one of the most popular cycling bags on the market, and after being sent the Bobbin Straw Pannier for a review* by the lovely folk over at CycleChic, I can understand why. Having seen this pannier on quite a few ladies bikes while out on my travels, one of the first things that struck me was how stylish it looks. Made from tan-coloured woven straw, it’s a simple, unfussy design with a rather vintage feel to it. This works very well with my Pashley and would do with any other vintage style bicycle. I do have a thing for loud and bright panniers, but a classic one like this certainly […]

 A small company in the Netherlands who make their products from recycled materials, Basil specialise in “fashionable, functional and fun” bicycle bags and accessories. Their latest product is the ‘Elements’ Bag, which at first glance doesn’t look much like a traditional Pannier at all. As you know, here on VCG, I quite drawn to panniers that break away from the norm, so when Basil sent me the Elements Bag for review*, it fitted right in… The design is certainly a nod to the “fashionable” philosophy of their products: it’s essentially a shoulder bag which attaches to your bike. Their Hook-On system (which includes a surprisingly strong Velcro strap) will work with most rear luggage […]

 How perfect is this to brighten up a grey day? Flowers have a knack of making a girl happy, so when this one arrived at my office today, it sure put a smile on my face. This big Sunflower will be taking pride of place on my Marsupial Grass-Shopper Pannier, replacing the (sadly lost) Lisianthus flowers I had on it before. Thank you Marsupial for the injection of sunshine into my afternoon – this certainly has me thinking about Spring cycling.

 Marsupial Bicycle Bags is an independent company based in Brentford. Founded in 2010, their aim is to make “interesting and practical bike luggage” that reflects the personality and character of the cyclist and their bike. I’d seen one if their Panniers on display in a well known London Cycling Shop –  the design certainly caught my attention and I wanted to find out more about this very different Pannier. So, when I was contacted by them to review* one on VCG, I had to give it a whirl… The material the Grass-Shopper is made from is something that I have never seen on the Pannier market before: it consists of a single piece of Astroturf […]