Professional Bike Commuters: September 2014

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Bike Quote

And more

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Phone Pouch vs Today Smartphone Size

It seems like all the smartphone pouch are made for the Iphone only. And not the new one.

I thought I couldn't complain before because I am one of the few with an Android phone in my network. But since Apple released the new Iphone 6...

Phone Dimension

Iphone 6 Plus (6.2" x 3.1" x 0.3")

Iphone 6 (5.4" x 2.6" x 0.3")

Iphone 5 (4.9" x 2.3" x 0.3")

Iphone 4 (4.5" x 2.3" x 0.4") as per pictures below

Nexus 4 (5.3" x 2.7" x 0.4")

Nexus 4 with case (5.4" x 2.9" x 0.5") as per pictures below

The Manhattan Portage pouch is classy and water resistant. Can be attached to any bag strap. It is 5.25" x 3" x 1" (outside dimension). Can't fit a big smartphone.

Manhattan Portage smartphone pouch

The Chrome Industries pouch as more features with a pen sleeve, a d-ring key holder and a separated credit-card pocket (which is the most substantial adds). What Chrome web site won't tell you is the size ( 4.5" x 2.8" x 1.2" inside dimensions). The problem is the depth, it is not deep enough to fit the longer phones. The flap won't reach the velcro to keep the pouch close.

It is made of weatherproof truck-tarp in the inside. To avoid water going in the pouch, the flap have to be tightly folded. Again, this is an issue with longer phone than the Iphone 4.

Chrome Industry smartphone pouch

Different brand same problem. Dimensions are 4.5" x 3.0" x 1.0".

Picture from Road Runner Baps web site

http://www.commutebybike.com/2013/05/21/quivvers-the-speedo-of-messenger-bags/

http://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/138857-question-about-cell-phone-holders-chrome-bags.html

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Messenger Bag Review - Cocotte Équipement - Branding

About the brand:

All bags from Cocotte Équipement are hand made in Montréal since 1993. As per their web site, the Alfredo is the result of many brainstorms with professional bike messengers that happened over 10 years ago.
http://www.cocotte-equip.com/

Branding improvement:

I personally have been using the bag for a couple months. Every person I have talked to about the bag always asks to the same question: "What does the logo represent?". I guess non-french speakers don't understand the "Cocotte" clue. I asked a group of 4 years old, they decided that it was a yellow pineapple. My answer from now on would be that it is a badly drawn pine cone in the middle of a very too yellow circle.

Please comment this, I wouldn't know how to improve the Cocotte logo without changing the fundamentals of the brand.

Cocotte branding should be all about its Montréal origin. Montréal is well known for its winter, culture and rough traffic. If you are a bike messenger in Montréal it is because you love all of that, so you know how to handle a bike. So, you would also know what are the best gears.

Cocotte web site should be showing messengers in some typical Montréal scenery. Nothing would sell the quality of the bags more than a Montreal winter wonderland picture with messengers going through traffic.

Here are some Vieux Montréal examples.

Or... Maybe some trashy views of the Plateau Mont-Royal would be more appropriated.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Messenger Bag Review - The Alfredo from Cocotte Équipement

Alfredo's facts:

Capacity: 34 liters
Weight: 1.2kg
Size: 38 x 30 x 30 cm
Waterproof
Safety: 3M reflective band and bike light holder on main pocket flap
Shoulder strap is reversible (can be worn on left or right shoulder)
130$ CAD
http://www.cocotte-equip.com/

Note:

Made of 3 layers. Most messenger bags are made of two layers. The outside Cordura for roughness and style, and the inside heavy duty truck tarp that keeps your stuff dry. Cocotte made their bag with an additional layer inside the bag made of nylon. The extra layer allow some extra pockets for pens, wallet, tablet and more.

Cocotte Équipment also features the 14 liters Fredo (perfect for photographers) and the 6 liters Frida (which is mostly a man purse).

There is no doubt about the fact that the Alfredo is design for rough duty. It is a comfortable bag that can carry more material than any other bag on the market.

Features:

The bag has a wide, square bottom which allows it to stand straight as you are stuffing it. Other brands have the bottom more narrow than the top. The inside extra organizing pockets are not made with refined details to hold their content nice and tight.

There is a pocket under the flap. This location helps to keep belonging handy (wallet and phone size). Not water resistant which defeats the purpose. Should be modified to fit bike lock.

It has a built in pocket for tablet with an additional protection cushion. The cushion is removable if not needed. However, that pocket is too small for a full size laptop. Since this bag is one of the biggest on the market and the builder is taking the time to make the pocket for the tablet, why not do it for a laptop? The details of the stitches and floating cushion are not up to the qualities expected of a professional hand made product.

The shoulder strap is wide and comfortable, adequate to carry a heavy day pack. If half loaded, the bag wrap around the body which feel too big and doesn't hold properly. There is a removable stabilization strap that can be used to mitigate this issue.

By far the best shoulder strap on the market for that type of bag. User friendly, can be tighten up or loosen by the action of one hand (which is "handy" while riding).

The shoulder strap is reversible but the hardware used for connection are cheap.

It is big and also very compressible. The straps that keep the back close also have the function of compressing the bag.

Conclusion:

Handy and comfortable for a big day pack.

Tough construction.

All other messenger bag constructors should look up at Cocotte shoulder strap example.

Refining and construction details need improvement.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Chat de Ruelle

Here is a nice blog about the city/riding culture.

From Montréal www.chatderuelle.com

Professional Bike Commuters