Gear: Two Wheel Gear Mini Messenger Handlebar Bag

For the last couple of months, I've been testing out the new Two Wheel Gear Mini Messenger Handlebar Bag.

Now first, I have to start with one of the things I really appreciate about this bag: it's unique. I have never used a handlebar bag before. Further, I didn't really view this as commuting gear; to me, this was more beach or day out gear. But for me, it works great for both.

The more I used it, the more I appreciated having this space up front. Small things like wallet, keys, sun glasses, or phone were much nicer to have right up front, rather than tucked in a bag behind me. If I'm stopped at a red light or need to pull over, I don't even have to get off my seat to access them. I could stop, put a foot down, grab my phone, fire off a quick text to my wife, and be back pedalling within a few seconds.

So while I initially thought I'd use this bag mostly on weekends and stick to my The Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier for commuting, I found I ended up using both on my commutes.

But let's start with the setup - first the mounting hardware. I love that this bag came with all the equipment required to attached this to my bike. I assume front brackets/mounts aren't as common as rear racks, and I have no idea how standardized these brackets are either. Therefore, I imagine it is necessary to provide these with the bag. And Two Wheel Gear does, so you do not have to buy anything extra. The kit comes with two sizing rings for different diameter handlebars. The larger set worked perfectly for me.

It took me about 15-20 minutes to get the bracket set up. It is not difficult by any means, but I took time to make sure I had it adjusted right. There is a wire that goes into the bracket and wraps around the stem to give it extra holding capacity (so the bracket doesn't slide down under weight). It is simple enough to do, but I took a couple tries to get it just right. So I would suggest taking some time with this step.

After that, the bag very easily snaps into the bracket. And press that red button on top, and it pops right off.

As for the bag itself, I really like it. It is the perfect size for small accessories during my commutes, as mentioned above. And for shorter outings, I can go with just this bag. It has enough space for sunscreen and small things I'll need for a casual outing. I can also fit my windbreaker or light jacket rolled up inside. I love Two Wheel Gear's marketing that it is the perfect size for a six-pack (holds up to 10 cans to head to the beach). And it definitely is. With room to spare.

It comes with a shoulder strap to carry it off the bike, although I am not a huge fan of this. I would rather just carry with the hand-strap. The bag is weighted more to the front too, so I found it didn't sit right on my hip when I used the shoulder strap.

As with all Two Wheel Gear products, it is very well made, with reflective bands on the front. I am a huge fan of the charcoal grey as well, as I've mentioned before.

I have two challenges with this bag though and it's to do with positioning (on my bike with drop bars). The first is the brake/gear cables. Because the cables cross between the drops, where the bag sits, I always have to push the cables out of the way to attach the bag. Obviously, this is just the way bikes with drop bars function, and it is minor, because the bag fits fine once it's in there. But it means it takes two hands to clip the bag in instead of just one.

The other one is my front light. With the bag attached, I had no where to put it. I've always mounted my front light to my handlebars. But the bag blocks where my light would go. Even with the bracket there and no bag, it would block the light entirely on one side. So I had to rethink where to mount my light.

I ended up using this: Origin8 Frame/Fork Eyelet Stub. This stub screws right into one of the cable  mounts along the left side of my front fork. From there, I just attach my light to this stub instead of the handlebars. It looks fine, works. But optically, it takes some time to get comfortable with the light being mounted lower. But I'm getting there. And a very workable solution, but still and extra cost.

Overall, this bag is a fantastic addition to the Two Wheel Gear lineup! It's stylish, functional, convenient, and built to last. It will definitely be a regular part of my bike setup for the foreseeable future.

Here are links to my reviews of other Two Wheel Gear products:
- The Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier
- Pannier Backpack Convertible (original)
- Convertible Bike Briefcase
- Pannier Backpack Convertible PLUS+

Full disclaimer: I am a Two Wheel Gear Brand Ambassador. I was provided with this bag by Two Wheel Gear for the purposes of this review.

Gear: Two Wheel Gear Pannier Backpack Convertible PLUS+

For the past month and a bit, I have been using the new Two Wheel Gear Pannier Backpack Convertible PLUS+ as my daily bag going to and from work. In a nutshell, this bag is a larger version of the original Pannier Backpack Convertible, with a couple additional features that I'll go over here in a bit. Click HERE to read my review of the original Pannier Backpack Convertible.

This bag is designed to be both a backpack and a pannier (i.e. it attaches to a bike rack). And it is great at both! It is comfortable to carry as a backpack and attaches to a bicycle rack quickly and securely as a pannier. Converting from one to the other takes a few seconds. More on that in my review of the original Pannier Backpack Convertible.

I loved the original Pannier Backpack Convertible. It was a well made, beautifully designed bag, that I described as looking stylish enough to carry into the office and rugged enough to handle being attached to a bicycle. But it was small. I couldn't fit everything I needed inside (lunch, laptop, and a change of clothes). This new version fixes that and a few other criticisms I had with the original.

So let's great straight to the things I like. First, capacity. The greatly improved capacity on this bag is awesome - it has a 30L capacity. And when comparing it to the original (which has a 24L capacity), it is easy to see the difference.

I can easily fit a change of clothes, my lunch, my laptop, and still have room for a few other things. In fact, I can even take this bag on short overnight work trips, without needing to take another bag. Even better, the bag doesn't feel bigger on my back. However, I do feel it when it's on my bike. The extra size and weight are apparent. But that, of course, is the trade-off for more capacity.

Second, rather than having the laptop tucked against the back of the main compartment, there is now a dedicated laptop compartment. With the original, it was difficult to pull a laptop in and out, especially if the bag was full. But not anymore. Getting to the office, I don't have to open my dirty clothes compartment to pull out my laptop. Going through airport security, I have easy access to my laptop without unpacking the main compartment. Overall, this is a fantastic upgrade to the design here.

Third, I love the new KLICKfix Kompakt Rail Mounting System. Attaching the bag to my bike is faster and feels more secure than the original system. Plain and simple, it is easier to use and works better. The only possible criticism is that it is slightly thicker; therefore, I can feel it, albeit very slightly, when carrying it on my back (i.e. in backpack mode). It's definitely not uncomfortable - just enough to remind me that there is a latching system there.

And as with all Two Wheel Gear products, the bag is incredibly well constructed. The stitching is precise and well done. The zippers have a sturdy, high-quality feel. Just by using this bag over the past month, I feel like it will last a long time.

My one gripe is that the bottom of the laptop compartment is not padded. So if you put the bag down heavily, or drop your laptop into the compartment, you do risk clunking the corner of your laptop on the ground. To remediate, I throw my laptop in a sleeve before dropping it in the bag.

One of the things I consistently appreciate about Two Wheel Gear products is that they have enough professional polish to carry into the office, and enough ruggedness to handle the bike ride in. They really do nail the perfect balance between polished and rugged.

As for the colour, I got this bag in the waxed canvas, as opposed to the charcoal grey that I usually get (that all my other Two Wheel Gear bags are in). I know other folks that have other bags in waxed canvas and absolutely love it. While I do love the look and feel of it, I feel like it shows scuffs and dirt really easily. One of the benefits of the charcoal grey is that the bag never looks dirty. So while it is definitely a preference, and the bag is available in either colour, I would suggest the charcoal grey to hide the dirt at bit. Again, that is purely preference.

Overall, this bag is a great improvement to what was already a great bag. It now has the extra space, capacity, and organization that I needed. Definitely a recommended buy from me.

Here are links to my reviews of other Two Wheel Gear products:
- The Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier
- Pannier Backpack Convertible (original)
- Convertible Bike Briefcase

Coming soon: Mini Messenger Handlebar Bag

Full disclaimer: I am a Two Wheel Gear Brand Ambassador. I was provided with this bag by Two Wheel Gear for the purposes of this review.

Gear: New Balance 880 v8

Over the past year or so, I had made a few assumptions when picking out new pairs of runners. When the Running Room store in Richmond closed (which is where I live), where I had relied on advice for choosing new shoes, I ended up doing my own research. I loved the Running Room's approach to fitting shoes and their educated staff. Without them to rely on, I was stuck going to Sport Chek (which I will refrain from criticizing here). More recently, a New Balance store opened in Richmond, which had staff trained to properly fit runners. I have now bought a couple of pairs there as well, but I was somewhat concerned going all in with a single brand without being able to compare other brands.

So in November, I found myself in East Vancouver at Forerunners Main Street store. So I took the opportunity to have someone experienced in a variety of brands properly assess and fit me with the right pair of runners for the amount of distance I am currently running.

The result was the New Balance 880 v8. I was glad that it validated the New Balance brand for me so I can continue to go through the Richmond New Balance store, which is definitely the most convenient for me. 

I have just gone over 400 km on these runners, and they are still in great shape. In fact, one of the things I appreciate most about all of the New Balance runners I have had is their longevity. Even after 600 km or even 700 km, the runners are mostly in fantastic shape. Obviously there is some sole wear and degradation, but the shoes still look and feel great. Even a quick run through the wash at this point and they look as good as new. Comparatively, even single pair of Saucony's I have owned would start deteriorating around 400-500 km, either holes in the mesh or parts of the sole peeling off.

I also acknowledge that the 880 v9 were just released. My assumption is that those will be very similar with modest improvements. In fact, I plan to pick up a pair in the next month anyway and will include an assessment of them here when I do.

First off, I have really enjoyed running in the 880 v8s. They are incredibly comfortable and have a really solid fit to hold my foot in place. Further, the amount of cushioning is perfect for the amount of distance I am currently logging on a weekly basis (30-40 km per week on average).

Another thing that I really appreciate about all of the New Balance shoes I have had recently (880 v8, Zante v3, Vazee Pace v2) is how quiet they are on pavement. Similar to the Zante v3, these make almost no noise at all, even with a moderate amount of foot slap.

The lacing system on the 880 v8s is also solid. It provides a nice, consistent tightness that holds consistently throughout a long run. In fact, these are probably the best of any shoe I have ever run in.

My one criticism of these shoes is the tread pattern is atrocious for picking up small rocks. Compared to the Zante v3s (see my review on them HERE), which have a narrow and shallow treat pattern, these have deeper and wider grooves. When I switch from a gravel trail onto pavement, the clacking of the rocks wedged into the treads hitting the ground drives me crazy. The trade-off is probably traction. But alas...

Overall, these have been a great set of runners for me. I will definitely be trying out the 880 v9 and would recommend the v8s to anyone logging similar kilometres training for anything between a 10K to a half or full marathon.

Related
Gear: New Balance Zante v3
Gear: New Balance Vazee Pace v2

Gear: Trekz Air by AfterShokz

About six months ago, in the fall of 2018, I was browsing online and came across an ad for AfterShokz headphones. And after I saw (or noticed) that first ad, I started seeing them all over the place - both online and in stores. So I started to read into them a little bit.

One of the challenges I have had is that I like to listen to podcasts on my long runs, and I sweat a lot, which was causing my regular earbuds to short out. So, I had been looking for a better set for running. So AfterShokz bone conduction thing really caught my attention. For obvious reasons, when I'm out running, I like to hear what's going on around me. That's one of the (only) reasons I liked the Apple EarPods. So AfterShokz looked really appealing.

So, I put the Trekz Air by AfterShokz on my Christmas wish list. And lucky enough, my wife got them for me.

Now, for those that are unfamiliar with them, according to AfterShokz website, the Trekz Air "bone conduction technology delivers music through your cheekbones, ensuring ears remain completely open to hear ambient sounds." The science behind these headphones is even exciting! For more information on the technology, click HERE - fascinating stuff.

From a physical/aesthetic standpoint, these are very sleek looking. The have a softer, almost velvety feeling plastic on them, making them very comfortable against the skin. They look very sleek.The ear pieces sit slightly in front of your ears. They fit extremely comfortably - very light and no pressure points. So they immediately feel quite natural.

The only criticism I have in this regard is the piece that goes around the back of your head/neck sticks out a bit (or maybe I have a small head) and, if I am wearing a toque or something with a collar, it interferes a bit when I turn my head. Minor issue, and generally only a factor during the coldest winter months.

The sound quality on these is very crisp. I had initially thought it would come through muffled, given that they aren't even in my ears and use bone conduction, but the sound is very clear and crisp. However, these do not product much bass. So if you're looking for bass, these are not for you. The Trekz Air, for me, are exclusively my running/cycling/active headphones. So I can deal with the lack of bass given all the other advantages. When I am not running, I have full over-ear headphones for that, which provide all the bass I need.

The Trekz Air are also water resistant. The AfterShokz website says they are "IPS5 certified to repel sweat, dust and moisture, from workouts to wicked weather." I have used them in rain, sweat in them profusely, and even run them under the tap to clean them off at the end of a long run. And they have definitely not had any issues. For me, this has given me a huge piece of mind to not worry about them.

And one of the most important factors, they do not block out any ambient sound. So if I am running in the city, I can hear what's going on around me. I have even used them on a group run and was able to hear my music and the conversation going on around me. Noise cancelling headphones definitely have their place, but when running, cycling, or exploring busy city streets, I feel it is important to hear what's going on around you. And these accomplish that perfectly.

As for battery life, I have had pretty consistent results with what AfterShokz claims on their website: 20 hours standby, 6 hours play time, charge in 1-2 hours. My one rule of them with them is that I need at least 40% battery for my long runs, which are usually 1.5 - 2 hours.

Overall, I have been incredibly impressed with my Trekz Air. I highly recommend them.

Gear: New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3

A few months ago, I purchased a pair of New Balance Zante v3's.

Wait... let me back up.

For the past few years, I have purchased all of my running gear at the Running Room. However, the store in Richmond (where I live) closed. So earlier in 2018, I bought a pair of shoes from Sport Chek. Now, the biggest difference between Running Room and Sport Chek is the service that you get. I find that at the Running Room, they look at your feet, how you plant your foot, inquire about the type of running and distance. Then, they recommend a shoe based on your responses. At Sport Chek, you're basically on your own. They will help you fit into a running shoe, but whether they know what neutral and stability means is really up to the individual.

Well, recently a New Balance store opened in Richmond, so I thought I would try it out. And I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was knowledgeable and very helpful. Much more like the Running Room experience I was used to.

However, since I was last properly fitted for running shoes, I have dramatically increased my mileage as well. So I was looking for a different type of shoe than I had been buying in the past. And that is perhaps where I went wrong.

After trying a few different shoes, I settled on a pair of Zante v3's. I was aware that the v4's were already out but the v3's fit, were very comfortable, reasonably priced, and my son liked the all black colour. I had read several reviews on Zantes and so had a good impression of them before I even tried them on.

At the insistence from my son, I got the all-black (with some white) version. I knew the v4's came in much brighter colours, so I was a bit disappointed with the black - for me, it felt a bit bland for my liking. But my last pair was far too flashy so I was due for a relapse of some sort.

My review of the shoes themselves is great. I was initially very impressed with how smooth and quiet the shoes felt. Evening when tired, there was almost no sound foot slapping on the pavement. With the smooth, less-groovy-style sole pattern, it gave a really smooth, interesting feeling. I loved running in this.

The Zante v3's are very comfortable. Perhaps slightly narrower in the toe area than I normally like and the toe drop feels a bit more dramatic than I am used to, but otherwise very comfortable.

In six months with them, I have logged almost 300 km (note they are not my principal running shoe). I use them mostly for travel (i.e. pack in my suitcase for runs when I'm out of town), treadmills, and shorter runs on dry days. And when I am travelling (for work), I often wear these to and from the airport and as my after-work shoes when I'm out of town - saves me having to bring a pair of shoes for in the office, one for after work, and yet another for running. So I wear these for more than just running. And after all this time, they are still in flawless condition with barely a scuff on them. The knitting is holding up really well and they are as comfortable today as the day I bought them.

My only issue is that with the longer runs and increased mileage I was logging, these shoes just weren't enough cushion for my ankles (mainly my Achilles) and calves. Now I definitely appreciate that this is my own short-coming and nothing to do with the shoes themselves. But this is part of the reason I shifted away from these as my principal running shoe. I have since bought a pair of New Balance 880 v.8's - review on those coming soon - that I use as my main runner, simply for the extra cushioning.

So would I recommend the Zante's - either the v3's or a new version? Absolutely. But if you're logging longer distances (i.e. regularly over 12 km, building to half marathons or more), you may want to consider something with a bit more cushioning.

Gear: Two Wheel Gear Convertible Bike Briefcase

My good friends at Two Wheel Gear recently launched and now right in the middle of their latest Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for their latest creation: a Convertible Bike Briefcase. Similar to their other bags, the Pannier Backpack Convertible (see my review HERE) and their Garment Pannier (see my review HERE), this bag is designed for on and off bike usage, especially for those commuting by bicycle to and from the office.

I was able to get my hands on one of the first production versions of this bag. And my initial impressions? Amazing. This bag is right on par with their past products in terms of innovation, usefulness, and quality construction. In fact, this may become my new favourite bag for all around daily use. 

I'll get right into some of the things I like about it.

APPEARANCE

It looks great! I'm a big fan of the graphite colour option, which is a dark brushed grey look and red zipper tags for a pop of colour. The overall look has that same Two Wheel Gear feel to it - professional but slightly rugged. Polished enough for the office but tough enough for a rainy west coast bicycle commute. 

Also, because it's a shoulder/laptop/briefcase style bag, it simply looks more professional than a backpack. For me, carrying this in and out of the office, it simply feels more appropriate.

COMFORT

It is very comfortable to carry. The shoulder strap has precisely the right amount of padding. This bag is comfortable either on one shoulder or across the body on opposite shoulder. One thing to note is that because of the pannier mounting system, it is a rigid shape. It is padded, so it's comfortable to carry against your hip - I cannot feel the mounting brackets at all. But this bag will not conform and shape around your hip like a plain canvas bag might.

MOUNTING SYSTEM

This is the best pannier mounting system I have used yet. It is extremely simple and durable. Similar to the Pannier Backpack Convertible, the hooks are hidden behind a zippered flap. Simply unzip, tuck in the flap, and the pannier is ready to attach to your bicycle. Slide the hooks over the bike rack frame, flick the hooks down to lock them in, and you're set. Converting from briefcase to pannier takes mere seconds. There is a strap to fully secure the bottom of the bag against the bike rack as well, which I use for longer commutes/rides but not for shorter/quick trips.

DESIGN and LAYOUT

I love the layout of these pockets. Initially I was concerned that the two larger compartments should have been combined into one larger one (to save material and all that), but the more I use this bag, the more I like the two large compartment setup. Mainly, this allows me to separate two distinct groups of items: (1) office items like laptop and accessories and (2) commuting items like a change of clothes, lunch, umbrella, etc. 

The large pocket at the back has a padded laptop sleeve and a mesh pocket for accessories. It is designed to fit a laptop up to 17". Both of my laptops (14" and 15") fit easily. With the Pannier Backpack, because the laptops went it lengthwise, it was sometimes difficult to angle them in (they fit once in, it was just about getting them in and out, especially when the bag was full). However, with this bag, my laptop is always easy to get in and out. This pocket opens the entire length of the bag along the top.

The next large pocket is perfect for commuting items. I often throw my lunch or a change of clothes in there. There are a couple mesh pockets in here as well to sort items. The bag is long enough for a compact umbrella so, living in rainy Vancouver, I usually have my umbrella and sunglasses (yes, in Vancouver, some days we need both of those things) stuffed in there as well. Perfect for some small toiletries or other items. This pocket zips open along three sides of the bag so you can open it right up to organize before closing it up.

The first of the outer pockets is a pretty standard office/school style setup - a couple of pen slots, two notebook slots, and a key loop. I use this to keep my notebook in one, passport in the other, a spare pen, and a pack a mints. I also like that this pocket opens along three sides of the bag so you can open it right up as well to view items.

Finally, the small front pocket. This pocket comes with the bright yellow rain cover in it, but is also perfect for my Kobo.  I leave my rain cover at home most days and only bring it when I am (a) riding my bike and (b) it is raining.

For overall size, this is similar to the Pannier Backpack in that it is difficult to fit both my lunch and a full change of clothes. So when I am packing larger loads, I will still and forever use my Garment Pannier. This bag is perfect for everything else.

I really enjoy this layout overall and do not really have any criticisms. As well all new bags, the zippers are still quite stiff around the corners for me, but that is something that will ease over time as the fabric settles a bit after some more use.

TRAVEL

One other feature I love about this bag is that it is designed to fit a rolling suitcase. As a frequent business traveler, this will be a huge convenience for me. The hand straps and the lower strap to secure the bottom of the bag against the bike rack easily fit over the suitcase handle. I have fit this over my suitcase to confirm it fits but haven't field tested this one through an airport yet - I will update this post in mid-April when I return from my next trip.

KICKSTARTER

Two Wheel Gear is right in the middle of a Kickstarter campaign for this bag (click HERE). They need $20,000 and, at the time of writing this, are just over half way there with 10 days to go. Supporters are also entered to win a commuter setup from Brodie and Two Wheel Gear! Please consider supporting them! They are a great local Vancouver company that continues to deliver innovative products designed for the bike commuting professional!

CONCLUSION

Overall, I am very impressed with this bag. It is the same high quality design and construction that I have come to expect from Two Wheel Gear. I definitely recommend this bag to anyone looking for that professional looking bag that can double as a pannier.

UPDATE (May 15, 2018): I have been using this bag as my daily bag for nearly two months now and I absolutely love it. I have been using it on my work travel, as well as to and from work, mostly even without my bike. Still love it!

Here are links to my reviews of other Two Wheel Gear products:
- The Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier
- Pannier Backpack Convertible (original)
- Pannier Backpack Convertible PLUS+

Coming soon: Mini Messenger Handlebar Bag

Full disclaimer: I am a Two Wheel Gear Brand Ambassador. I was provided with this bag by Two Wheel Gear for the purposes of this review.

Becoming a Two Wheel Gear Brand Ambassador

When I truly believe in something, I naturally become an advocate for it. Whether it's a company, a product, a place, or an experience that aligns with my values, I love to tell others about it.

I also have a strong moral compass, high ethical standards, and a keen attention to quality so in our current consumer-focused market of discount products, cheap knockoffs, and mega cheap superstores, I find it harder and harder to come across well-made, brilliantly designed products from ethical, reputable companies.

Two Wheel Gear is one of the companies that rises above the rest for me. Their products are well made, brilliantly designed, and align directly with my values.

I am a business professional working downtown Vancouver and I am a strong advocate for the bicycle commuting culture. As a bicycle commuter, I find a lot of the bicycle gear targeted at business professionals is targeted at those that live and work downtown and, therefore, have a short (less than 5 km) ride to work. Therefore, they assume that you can wear your work clothes while you ride. In my case, I live in the suburb of Richmond and work downtown Vancouver. My commute is over 20 km each way so wearing a dress shirt and pants on my bicycle is out of the question.

Two Wheel Gear develops bicycle gear specifically for the business professional but with the longer bicycle commutes of many North American cities in mind. But in addition to simply designing and selling great products, they are an active part of local bicycle-friendly events and campaigns.

So, when I got my first Two Wheel Gear bag in 2015 (The Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier, a suit bag that fits on your bike like any other pannier), I talked about it a lot to anyone that would listen, whether it was in the locker room, to my friends, on Twitter or Facebook, or on this blog (click HERE for my review of the The Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier). I became a vocal advocate for the company and their products.

It didn't take long before Reid Hemsing (President & CEO of Two Wheel Gear) noticed and reached out. Ever since that first email interaction, we've kept in fairly regular contact either through social media, email, or even the odd text message. In 2016, Reid asked me to review his latest product, the Pannier Backpack Convertible. Similar to The Classic 2.0, the bag was a great design and really well made. So again, I talked about the bag a lot. More details on that bag in my review HERE.

Which brings us to this year. In the spring, Reid asked if I would be willing to be a Two Wheel Gear Ambassador. And, of course, I agreed. In June, Reid and a couple of his team members joined me on my commute home with their cameras in tow. A short interview and a couple weeks later, I was featured in a Commuter Profile on the Two Wheel Gear blog (click HERE to view it).

I am incredibly honoured to be an Ambassador for Two Wheel Gear. This is a company that sees a future that I want to live in. They develop products that feel like they are made specifically for my lifestyle. They are well made and represent great, innovative design. And they look great too. And
Reid recently mentioned a couple of his ideas for new products that they are working on for next year and I am excited to see them. I can't wait to see what's next for this company.


Here are links to my reviews of all Two Wheel Gear products:
- The Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier
- Pannier Backpack Convertible (original)
- Convertible Bike Briefcase
- Pannier Backpack Convertible PLUS+

Gear: New Balance Vazee Pace v2

New Balance Vazee Pace v2

Earlier this month, I got a new pair of runners. It was time for a couple of reasons. First, my last pair was showing early signs of deterioration (parts of the sole were coming off - I glued them back on for now) and, second, my last pair weren't the right shoes for me. This is mostly why I haven't bothered to review them - I don't have a lot of good things to say about them. But I do acknowledge that I bought them largely because of a pair of runners I had before (Saucony Triumph 10 - read my review HERE) and didn't listen to advice to the contrary, so I do accept responsibility.

In the past, I have bought my shoes from The Running Room, which I highly recommend. However, the store in Richmond (which was in Ironwood) recently closed and I refuse to drive all the way into Vancouver to buy a pair of shoes... or anything really. So I went to Sport Chek instead. The challenge with Sport Chek, I find, is that I have to do my own research - it's hit-or-miss at Sport Chek whether you get a knowledgeable sales associate or not.

My Shoe Profile from the Runner's World Shoe Finder

I used the Runner's World Shoes Finder to find my "Shoe Profile". I found this information invaluable for finding a shoe that fits me.

As my feet, legs, and knees have developed, along with my running, I found that I need less of the cushioning and stability that I previously thought I needed. I also wanted shoes I could easily throw in a suitcase to take with me on my work trips - so they needed to be packable. With my recent travel schedule, I want to be able to fit in a run no matter what city I'm in.

Enter the New Balance Vazee Pace v2. Now these are my first pair New Balance shoes and I was a bit skeptical at first; I had heard some mixed reviews regarding the durability of New Balance shoes - I will update this post if I encounter any durability issues

The New Balance Vazee Pace v2 are a simple, solid, durable runner that I intend to use mostly for road/pavement running (I will save my older, deteriorating shoes for running dirt and gravel trails, like the Richmond dyke, for now). Partly so I can keep these clean for packing in a suitcase as well.

New Balance Vazee Pace v2 profile

One of the things I especially like about the Vazee Pace v2s is that they are a straight forward runner without any bells and whistles and, as a result, they cost just over $100 (Canadian dollars), which is substantially less than my previous runners. I also really like the streamlined/trim look. These shoes are a great, no-frills, back-to-basics shoe that can stand up to daily use.

As part of my research, I compared a couple of reviews such as THIS one from Runner's World, which I compared to my Shoe Profile, and THIS one from Running Shoes Guru and both confirmed my own findings. Both backed up my leanings that these are right for me.

Overall, I am very satisfied with these shoes. I have logged nearly 60 km on them already and, so far, they feel great, look great, and are incredibly comfortable on my feet. They support my feet and arches where they need to and provide just the right amount of cushioning to avoid straining my knees and still give me the push I need.

Gear: Two Wheel Gear Pannier Backpack Convertible

I have been using the Pannier Backpack Convertible from Two Wheel Gear for about six weeks now. And I want to start by saying that I absolutely love this bag!

From my perspective, first and foremost, it is a backpack and I am a backpack kind of guy - I carry a backpack with me everywhere. But the Two Wheel Gear Pannier Backpack Convertible is also a pannier. It has clips that allow me to attach it to the rack on my bike. Genius! This saves me from getting my back all sweaty on my rides and makes for a much more comfortable ride.

As for aesthetics, the bag I received is granite colour with red detailing. This bag is both sporty and professional, rugged and refined. I love the colour of this bag and the red straps and zipper tags really add some colour to it. This styling is the perfect balance for "I am a hard working business professional" and "I rode my bike to work today".

This bag is very comfortable to carry. I carry this bag to work with me every single day with my lunch and usually a laptop inside and this bag is comfortable. Straps are contoured and padded just the right amount to remain minimalist yet offer the comfort required. The latching system that attaches to the bike rack is behind a padded piece that faces your back when you have the bag on your back; however, I have only been able to feel the brackets once or twice and, even then, could barely feel them at all.

One of my initial concerns was that converting the bag back and forth from pannier to backpack and vice versa would become exhausting. However, I have found it much easier than I anticipated. Flipping the bag from pannier to backpack, for example, takes mere seconds - pull out the traps, attach to the buckles, and zip up the flap. Done. To reverse the process, unbuckle the shoulder straps, unzip the flap, tuck the straps into the pocket behind the flap, and tuck the top part of the flap down on top of the straps. Done.

The one downside is that the bag is significantly smaller than I expected. Although it is difficult to compare to other backpacks because of the features of the bag, namely that it has a bike rack mounting system in it, other 24L backpacks have significantly more usable space inside. The mounting system takes up a good amount of space. For me, there is not enough room for a change of clothes, lunch, and my laptop (my typical daily commuter load). That being said, the bag does expand a bit and I am surprised how much I can jam in there when I need to. So all things considered, the bag does have plenty of room for everything I need for a day trip or night out on my bike.


It is important to note that this bag is not intended to replace the 2.0 Garment Pannier but to complement it. Back when this bag was still being designed, I was able to discuss it a bit with Reid Hemsing, President of Two Wheel Gear, and what he said makes perfect sense. With all the space in the 2.0 Garment Pannier (see my post on that bag HERE), I can haul all the clothes I need for work for the entire week in a single trip. Then for the rest of the week, I can use my smaller, lighter, sleaker Pannier Backpack Convertible and enjoy the lighter loads. There is plenty of room for everything else I need in the Pannier Backpack Convertible when I remove a full change of business clothing from the mix.

My only criticism is that the zippers are a bit difficult to close around the corners. With a bit of patience though, it takes only a second to reposition and get it zipped up. This should also be easier over time as the fabric relaxes a bit more.

I have to admit though, I had to really look for things to find wrong with this bag. I had six weeks to think and plan what I could find wrong and those are the only two things I could come up with. This bag is great. It looks excellent, it is extremely well made, and it fits a niche use-case that I have been looking to fill for a long time.

So overall, I love it. It fits nicely into my daily routine, looking stylish enough to ride to work and rugged enough to handle being attached to a bicycle. So whether I am riding my bike or not, I almost always have my Two Wheel Gear Pannier Backpack Convertible with me.




Here are links to my reviews of other Two Wheel Gear products:
- The Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier
- Convertible Bike Briefcase
- Pannier Backpack Convertible PLUS+

Coming soon: Mini Messenger Handlebar Bag

Full disclaimer: I am a Two Wheel Gear Brand Ambassador. I was provided with this bag by Two Wheel Gear for the purposes of this review.

Gear: Axiom Smartbag Touch

In the fall (2015), I started coming across ads for Axiom's new Fondo series frame and seat bags. The one that particularly caught my attention was the Smartbag Touch. First, because I'm always looking for a place to keep my keys, wallet, and phone while I ride. Second, because it displays the phone right in front of you, where you can see it. More details on that below.

I guess I mentioned this bag a few times because my wife got me the Smartbag Touch for Christmas. A perfect accessory for my longer rides and for my trips doing errands around town.

The bag is a clever design. It mounts on top of the top tube and has pouches that straddle on either side. In the middle, on top of the top tube, is a clear plastic pouch for a smart phone. It is weather resistant because it is covered with a solid piece of clear pliable plastic. There is a flap to cover the opening, which is held shut with Velcro. Obviously, water could eventually get in - it's definitely not watertight - but it will definitely keep the rain drops from getting directly at your phone.

The position of the bag is a bit low for checking the display of your phone while riding. I usually do it when stopped, because it is almost straight down from your head position (on the bike with drop bars anyway). This is quite a bit different from a handlebar mounted phone or GPS bracket. My phone is responsive through the plastic as well, so I can still use it if I need to without taking it out. It would be nice if the plastic was a bit thinner, which would make it much easier to use the phone. I have to tap my phone every once in a while to wake it up (when I want to read my Strava ride stats) and sometimes I have to swipe a couple times for it to register. I can read everything clearly through the plastic though. No issues there.

Now, as for size, I have an iPhone 5S, in a Speck case, that fits in this pouch perfectly. And I mean perfectly, so a bigger phone likely wouldn't fit in here at all. But for me, it's a perfect fit.

On either side is a small pouch. The pouches are a perfect size for a wallet, set of keys, and a couple snacks
for the ride. One side has a mesh cover, the other solid polyester. According to Axiom's website, the idea was that you could see into the mesh side while the other one was for privacy. All told, I can't really see into the mesh side regardless. So visibility aside, rain will go through the mesh and not the polyester, at least not as quickly. So, living in Vancouver like I do, I put items like my wallet in the polyester side and items that can get wet, like keys or granola bars (in wrappers), in the mesh side.

That's about it for the function of the bag: a cell phone spot and a bit of storage. Not much too it. But what got me was how to properly attach the bag. There are three Velcro straps: one underneath, in the middle to attach to the top tube; one on the front edge of the pouches to wrap around the head tube; and one at the bottom edge of the pouches, which I presume is just to hold the pouches steady because it's not long enough to loop around the down tube. I wish there was a diagram, or something, either on the packaging for the bag or on the Axiom website, but there isn't. There's nothing to clearly show me how the bag was intended to be mounted. I have it setup now where I think it is the way it was intended to be mounted, but I'm not 100% sure.

The other thing is that my bike has cables that run through the top tube and down tube. From the handlebars, they come into the top tube right where the Smartbag Touch sits. So, one one side, it pushes the bag out, which makes the bag sit crooked on the top tube. This bugs me. It's not straight. I like things that are aligned. Linear. Not crooked. If I do the straps any tighter, I won't be able to get my phone in and out. So I just have to live with it, crooked. Or constantly try to straighten it. Which I do.

Overall, it's a good bag. It does what it intends to do: display your phone in a convenient location and provide some small storage for wallet, keys, and snacks. It looks good and it is relatively inexpensive at around $30-35.

Update February 24, 2016: After barely two months and less than a dozen uses, the plastic for the phone slot has ripped substantially. It started in the corner and spread up across the face, no longer holding the phone in place at all. I am going to contact Axiom for a replacement, but this is a massive setback for me in terms of how I view the quality of this bag.