Preview: CARRADICE STOCKPORT CITY FOLDER - new luggage option for Brompton S type!
Carradice have at long last designed a front bag for the Brompton S type folding bicycle.
As Brompton owners will know, the S type has a shorter stem and thus lower-positioned handlebar than any of the other Brompton "types". This means bags made for those other types are too tall for best function, with some safety concerns.
As Brompton owners will know, the S type has a shorter stem and thus lower-positioned handlebar than any of the other Brompton "types". This means bags made for those other types are too tall for best function, with some safety concerns.
My first Brompton was an M type. I tried several different bags (including the "official" Touring Bag, T-Bag, and C-Bag) before discovering -- and falling in love with -- the Carradice City Folder M.
This bag was so perfect for me that I continued using it with my new S type Brompton, even though there are times the bag (and the handle protruding from its frame) fouls the brake cables.
I was therefore excited to see at the London Bike Show in January that Carradice have launched a new bag, the Stockport City Folder, specially designed to fit the S type Brompton.
I promptly purchased one directly from Carradice and have to say, I'm pretty impressed! I'll post a full review soon -- including photos of the Stockport on my S type Brompton -- but meanwhile here are my initial impressions.
The Stockport is styled a little differently than the City Folder M. Carradice have chosen to place it in their "Classics" range rather than the "Originals" range. This means a more refined look - more a briefcase for the city than a hold-all for a rural ride!
It has:
- a laptop sleeve/case that attaches to the interior of the bag at the back by way of poppers ('snaps' to the American)
- leather straps at the front that close the upper flap by way of hole-punch closures
- a leather strip sewn on the front, suitable for mounting a front light
- front pockets (zipped and slip) exactly as on City Folder M
- no rear pockets! (I'll definitely be talking about this in my review.)
- a comfortable shoulder strap included (The City Folder M has the side rings for one but it isn't actually included.)
Any readers with Bromptons who have this new bag? Would love to hear your thoughts.
UPDATE NOVEMBER 2014: FULL REVIEW OF THE STOCKPORT BIKE NOW *HERE*!
