I've invested in a new bike bag. Most of my current bags are shoulder slung. I usually throw them in the bike's basket or clamp them down on the rear rack. Lately I've been annoyed at how these shoulder bags always fall down into the crook of my elbow when I'm carrying Dexter's car seat and diaper bag. ARG! Trust me, it's far more annoying than you might think.
I wanted something with a thin strap. Something timeless.
I found out about these British school bags at Cambridge Satchel Company and determined this was the right bag for me. The exchange rate is so wonderful at the moment, I considered it an early Christmas gift for myself!
It came simply, but beautifully wrapped.
The leather is really stiff because it's so new. We'll have to become very well acquainted in order to break it in.
The only downside is I need to unbuckle the straps to open and close it. I prefer when these decorative touches have magnetic closures or buckles that snap in. Like anything, I'll just get used to it.
I got the 14 inch size and it's big enough for my envelope sized wallet, phone, glasses case, mitts, a pack of gum. I don't usually carry my MacBook with me but it also fits in the bag.
I am excited for our bright future together! I've gotten mad compliments on it every single day that I've worn it. There's something nostalgic about it that really gets a lot of attention. I just like that it's well made and will look better and better the older it gets.
Oh, and a cross-styled bag like this will be perfect for riding the road bike in style! Looking forward to the Cambridge-Marinoni combination when the roads are good.
Oh, and my initials are embossed on it too!
26 comments:
If it's raining do you use a pannier cover on it or...?
I doesn't rain much here, but I did get snow all over it (which melts into water) and it's no worst for wear.
So far!
Oh wow, you're kidding - I've just reviewed a Cambridge Satchel Co bag as well, my husband's black "batchel". The 15" bags fit a 13" laptop nicely.
The leather stays stiff even when the bag is not so new (his is 4-5 months in use); I think they were designed that way to provide maximum structure and support. Unlike other satchels, these are not slouchy but keep their form - that's one reason he likes his.
We did have to punch extra holes in the strap to shorten it; otherwise it was too long for wearing while cycling. How was yours?
I'm so jealous! It's so pretty! And your initials/my initials :) are on it!
looovely :) ummmm... I am heading over there right now ;) L xxx
Lovely red bag. Hope you'll have a lot of fun with it.
Lovely bag - I adore the CSC! Funny, I was just wishing my satchel had proper buckles rather than snap-fastenings because buckles never pop open when cycling, so I think they are a little safer. Satchels are my favourite way of transporting things on my bike, especially when my basket is full of groceries :)
I love it in red. I was looking at the site after Lovely Bicycle reviewed them and could see myself with the purple one, however I don't like stiff leather. sigh. But I love that your initials are on it!
Your pictures are luscious. I want a purple one! The Cambridge Satchel could be our secret female-bike-blogger calling card :)
Wow...how gorgeous!
the monogram is SO classy :)
hello! i found your blog when i googled girls, bikes and canada.
i'm trying to ride as far into winter as i can in toronto!
love your blog!
I love your bag. I wanted to win one badly on The Bright Side Project. The yellow one is so gorgeous.
I have a Coach bag, a very traditional model, that I have traced through its serial number to 1983. It will last me the rest of my life. I am going to take it to the Coach store to have all of its hardware replaced (for free!!!!) to give it a 26 year spruce up : ) It holds up to the rigors of my life very well. Good leather always does.brea
Beautiful
Adrienne,
I have an old Coach bag too. Have no idea when it was made, but it was made in the U.S.A. so it MUST be old. I found it at a thrift store for $3, but to me, it's priceless. So much great energy compared to new bags.
Sarah - covet covet covet. What a gorgeous bag - can't wait to hear how it works out for you.
I have a pink one! I love it, but yes it does need breaking in a bit!!
Love this bag! I'm looking for something to carry my 13" Macbook (plus charger) and other small day-to-day necessities. Do you think this 14" size is adequate? I'm debating between the 14" and 15" and just can't seem to make up my mind!
v+v - I'd go bigger if you're planning on carrying anything other than your computer. It's a stiff bag so it doesn't give a lot. 15" doesn't look that big, anyway.
I'm going to definitely order one of these, the embossing is really just the last piece of awesomeness that I needed in a bag. How long did it take your order to arrive?
Tara - It only took maybe... a week or two at most? I was really impressed with their expediency.
i love this and i'm planning to get one soon. i'm curious, would you know what size would fit an ipad? thanks. :)
Mia - I have the 2nd largest satchel and it would fit an iPad easily! Though, I sort of regret not getting the biggest one. The leather is very hard so it's hard to fit lots of stuff in there that isn't specifically shaped like papers.
but isn't the 15 a little bit too big? i'm worried that it might be too big for me. i usually bring around lots of stuff like my ipad, a camera big wallet and some cosmetics. hehe what do you think?
Mia - If you're carrying an SLR camera it's probably not going to fit with the kit lens on it. In these cases I"ll usually wear the camera separately. If it's a little point and shoot you'll probably be able to fit it.
I'm 5'0 and I don't think 15 is too long for me. Plus, you can just take it to a shoe guy and get him to punch some more holes in the strap.
I would go bigger than smaller. Were I to purchase mine again I would get the 15.
love this bag! did you have to pay any duties on it? i'm hesitant to buy it only for fear that i'll have to pay a crazy amount extra for it.
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