As cyclists, it’s been tough not being able to head out on rides lately due to the long, lingering rains of the rainy season, but the season where we can truly make the most of our bicycles has finally arrived.
Beyond just cycling apparel, there are many items—such as baskets, fenders, and bags—that make rides more comfortable. I hope you will find some reliable gear to incorporate into your daily life, and enjoy richer, more fulfilling days by riding your bike every day.
Now, one major change since July is the introduction of charges for plastic shopping bags. With that in mind, this time I’d like to focus on bags that can also be used for shopping.
This might be a “cyclist thing,” but many of our customers put their belongings into their bags, their cycling jersey back pockets, or their frame bags, so many people even tell us at Circles that they don't need a bag when shopping.
That said, for those who ride their bikes on a daily basis, there is something I highly recommend called a basket bag.
Here are three excellent items that can be placed directly into a front basket and then carried over your shoulder the moment you hop off your bike.
The Ultimate Front Basket for Daily Cyclists
【RAL】 WB Loader
Color :
Black
Olive / Coffee
Sand Stone / Midnight
Burgundy / Burn Red
Price : ¥10,800- (excl. tax)
This is the WB LOADER, released by our original brand, RAL. When it comes to bicycle baskets, the undisputed favorite is the small-sized basket from the American manufacturer WALD, commonly known as the "137 Basket," and this WB LOADER is designed to fit it perfectly.
Since it can be easily secured to the basket with Velcro, it’s a convenient item that you can take along as a shopping bag even when heading out to the local supermarket.
The material used is 500-denier Cordura nylon, which combines ease of use with durability. The entire bag is also cushioned, so it protects your belongings even from moderate vibrations.
With its roll-top shape, the bag is flexible enough to accommodate different load sizes. It also features “lash tabs” (commonly known as pig snouts) on both sides—the same type used on mountain backpacks—allowing you to strap on long items like sleeping mats. It’s a bag that can be used in various ways depending on your own ingenuity.
A dedicated bag made to fit the 137 basket perfectly
【OUTER SHELL ADVENTURE】 137 Basket Bag
Color : 12 colors in total
Price : ¥25,800–¥29,800- (excl. tax)
This is the 137 Basket Bag from OUTER SHELL ADVENTURE, handcrafted in San Francisco, California.
While it has less capacity than the WB LOADER, it is an item that is guaranteed to be useful for weekend touring.
As the name implies, it fits the WALD basket perfectly.
It features a design that secures to the bottom of the basket with two buckle straps, making it easy to remove while offering a secure hold that gives you peace of mind while riding.
The closure uses a hook-and-drawcord system, making it easy to reach inside the bag even while you’re on the bike.
There is also a clear pocket on the top that can be accessed via a zipper, which is the perfect space for storing a map or small items.
If you use it with the optional shoulder strap, it works great for quick shopping trips and is also a nice size to carry around when you hop off the bike for some sightseeing during a tour.
An incredibly durable bag made from repurposed "sailcloth"
【TRUCE DESIGNS】 Shopper
Price : ¥5,000- (excl. tax)
While it may look like an ordinary shopping bag, its main feature is the use of recycled yacht sails, known as sailcloth.
The material is light and surprisingly tough with high water resistance, making it suitable not only for shopping but also for carrying gym clothes or packing for camping trips.
Dacron sailcloth used for yacht sails is lightweight and extremely robust, but because safety at sea is paramount, the sails are required to be replaced every few years, long before the fabric actually wears out.
TRUCE uses these sails that have been taken off the mast, meticulously washes them, and cuts them to make the bags. One unique characteristic is that each item has a slightly different look.
If it’s not too full, you can even wear it cross-body as shown in the photo, making it a handy bag to have for quick trips on your bike.
With the introduction of charges for plastic bags since July, I think many of you have had to rethink what kind of bag is convenient for your lifestyle and have become more conscious of the bags you carry daily.
The three items I’ve introduced here are just a few of many options, but why not find an item that’s perfect for your own bike life?
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