MHBCA is pleased to announce the line has been picked up by Velo Orange.

For those not familiar with VO, here’s some copy from their website:

Welcome to Velo Orange, manufacturers and purveyors of parts and accessories for randonneurs and cyclo-tourists.

Most cyclists don’t race, yet they ride uncomfortable racing bikes and try to go too fast and so miss much of the world around them. Our emphasis is on a more relaxed and comfortable style of riding, and on refined bikes that are comfortable on a century ride, an inn-to-inn tour, or even on a ramble down your favorite dirt road. This type of riding is called cyclo-touring or randonneuring.

VO has quickly developed a large and growing stable of well designed items under their own brand, so we are pleased that they would find our bags worthy of addition to their site.

I sent off a note to a few of our dealers today to ask how things were going with the new line. I got some great feedback on what items were selling and some rider commentary on the bags. One comment that stuck out was from Kevin MacAfee from Hiawatha Cyclery. Anyway, Jim said they’ve started to move a few bags and Kevin chimed in with this commentary:

Hi Mike

I have not been in the shop much of late but I have been using the medium saddle bag a lot lately. It gets compliments everywhere I go. I know some people have objected to the color of the leather when the bag is new - too light - but it darkens with age nicely.

I think with a little time they will sell as well as the banjo bags

Kevin MacAfee

I have to say I’m a bit surprised on the leather color - but one thing is for sure - Kevin is spot on. The leather is tanned using natural vegetable tannins and when it is in its virgin state, it’s rather light colored. However, the leather will darken with age and will acquire a rich patina. I hope to have some photos and videos soon of some bags Eric has been working with.

In other news, Brad from Urban Velo was kind enough to field test a Minnehaha Medium saddle bag for a short camping trip. He said the bag performed admirably. Look for our new ad in the next issue.

Check out this sweet little write-up on Minnehaha Bag Co. in the September 22-October 5th issue of the Southwest Journal in Minneapolis.

We just returned from Interbike where we had the good fortune of meeting up with some old friends, making some new friends and basically trying to sell some more bags. We ran into Brad and Jeff from Urban Velo who said they had spotted someone sporting a new Minnehaha bag and snapped a photo. Betsy Ross would be so proud.

Mr. Hurl needed a new bag for Interbike.

Eric (or as Hurl refers to him ‘Betsy Ross’) obliged by sewing this Cars-R-Coffins patch on the bag.. We think it snazzes up the #05003 Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag.