Hiawatha Cyclery is one of the best commuter bike shops in Minneapolis

When Eric and I started Banjo Brothers and subsequently Minnehaha Bag Company, one driving reason was to be able to conduct business with like-minded individuals, and almost as important, was to do business with other small businesses and not giant corporate entities.

A couple years back, I was following the exploits of a blogger and soon-to-be bike shop owner via his blog. When his shop opened, we took the opportunity to make contact to try and establish a business relationship. The rest is history. Hiawatha Cyclery has blossomed into one of our most strategic and important customers. It is no surprise, that H.C. has been a key factor in the early success of the Minnehaha bag line.

We have always felt the folks at H.C. have a keen understanding of the market and we have used them to test strategic product concepts like the ones which resulted in the creation of the Minnehaha Bag line. We were thrilled when they told us they were considering taking a few of the bags on the road with them.

So, last weekend the boys from H.C. – Kevin MacAfee and Jim Thill brought the Minnehaha line to Madison, Wisconsin, for the annual Crono Metro Bike Swap. Kevin’s post show wrap-up was that they sold a few bags but there was a lot of interest in the line and that all the literature was consumed.

So, if you were one of the tire-kickers at the swap meet and have come here looking for more info, we encourage you to cha-cha with the company who brought you to the dance. Hiawatha Cyclery offers first class customer service and a style of doing business which will keep you coming back for more.

Urban Velo publisher Brad Quartaccio used this medium saddle bag on a recent camping trip.

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.