WaterField Introduces ‘Rapide’ Cycling Saddlebag for National Bike-to-Work Day May 15

I’ve been riding my bike more this late spring on east coast Canada, getting back into better shape after a long, hard winter.

Inspired by National Bike-to-Work Day — May 15 — WaterFields have collaborated with RuthWorks SF designer, Ely Rodrigues, known for his artisanal craftsmanship in the cycling luggage industry, to expand its cycling line with the creation of the Rapide Saddlebag available exclusively from the WaterField Designs online store — a retro leather saddlebag with a unique tool insert and a toe-clip strap to hold essential bike tools for mechanical breakdowns.

Waterfields and Rodrigues created the compact Rapide saddlebag, blending traditional elements of premium leather with a waxed-canvas tool roll for cyclists who value the aesthetic of their bike, and a metal stud closure with modern convenience.’

“Ely makes some of the most elegant cycling luggage I’ve seen, and he is dedicated to his craft,” explains Gary Waterfield, company owner. “As an avid cyclist myself, I thought we could make great products together. The Rapide’s leather exterior has an old-world feel and exudes the artisanal craftsmanship Rodriguez is known for. Inside, a clever Mini Tool Roll acts as a sort of internal cartridge to keep tools organized. You just lay the insert down on the road and get to work.”

The Rapide saddlebag is constructed of the finest quality full-grain, naturally-tanned leather. A metal screw-stud closes the pouch, which attaches securely to a bike seat with a leather toe clip strap. Cyclists never have to remove the Rapide from the bike seat; inside a removable waxed-canvas Mini Tool Roll fits everything needed for flats and minor mechanical issues. The hand-crafted, American-Made Rapide saddlebag keeps style-conscious pros, commuters and leisure cyclists prepared for mechanical breakdowns with their tools at the ready.

The Rapide’s leather exterior has an old-world feel that exudes artisanal craftsmanship. Inside a clever Mini Tool Roll acts as a sort of internal cartridge to keep tools organized.

According to THE LEAGUE, an organization committed to creating a bicycle-friendly America, the number of bike commuters is growing exponentially as citizens increasingly focus on their health and the environment. And, many who participate in Bike-to-Work day for the first time become regular bike commuters. WaterField Designs wants to encourage newcomers to Bike–to-Work Day as well as year-round bicycle commuters to continue riding and to be prepared. The Rapide saddlebag joins the jersey pocket-sized Cycling Ride Pouch for tools and a smartphone, and the Vitesse Cycling Musette in WaterField’s cycling product line.

Rapide Saddlebag Availability & Pricing

Price: $59.

Colors—Saddlebag: “grizzly” brown or black full-grain leather. Mini Tool Roll: brown, navy or burgundy waxed canvas

One size. Dimensions—Saddlebag: 5.2 x 2.5-3.5 x 2 inches. Mini Tool Roll—8.2 x 5.2 inches.

Available for pre-order now. Shipping begins May 22, 2015.

Product page:
http://www.sfbags.com/products/rapide-saddlebag