Yes I know. The words ‘exciting’, ‘Brompton’ and ‘bag’ don’t sit comfortably in the same sentence. But bear with me. Brompton bikes are no longer the exclusive preserve of a particular kind of cycling geek. As the venerable Brompton’s domination of the global high-end folding bike market has increased it’s come to be appreciated by a whole new generation of international urbanites. The Brompton is now, officially, cool.
This is my latest one (or at least it will be when I’ve finished paying for it…) the very coolest Brompton of all, (IMHO) a 3spd with Titanium ends. I haven’t even ridden it anywhere that isn’t carpeted yet but it’s great to once again have a Brompton in the family.
Anyway, waffle waffle. I was approached recently by Demano a Barcelona based bag maker, whose range includes a Brompton bag. Very few companies make Brompton bags, Brompton’s own are the most numerous, unsurprisingly. And then there’s offerings from tradish’ Brit’ companies like Carradice and Brooks which, though extremely high quality and desireable, seem to hanker after a ‘Tweed Run’ view of the world. They’re nice and all but, you know, I don’t wear brogues and a Barbour and a deer stalker hat.
One of the things which attracted me to the Demano bag is the very thing which attracted me to the Dutch Clarjis bags which now grace most of the families’ bikes – their recycledness. Just like Clarjis Demano use old vinyl advertising banners. The result is an attractive, tough, waterproof and durable range of bags which has strong environmental credentials. And they’re all individually unique. And a big chunk less expensive than most.
The Demano Brompton bag is available from CitiBici, Barcelona (who ship worldwide).
The one they sent me was manufacturered using a banner which once advertised a Barcelona sketeboarding event, and to my delight, features the city skyline which includes a glimpse of one of the loveliest buildings on earth, Gaudi’s Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Wonderful.
So, I await an opportunity to test this bag with eager anticpation. Full test coming soon.
Hi Mick,
I live in New York City, just bought a Brompton and fell in love with it! I currently use the T-bag for my daily commutes, which is great, but very bulky when I have to carry it around. I just learned of the Demano bags and I like the funky designs and the size is much more appealing. I wanted to know if you can share your opinion about them considering that it’s been a month since you posted about it on your Cyclerama blog.
I’m still a little skeptical about the bags because I am concerned about their durability and whether they truly are waterproof. Are they close to Ortlieb waterproof status or would it be better to still throw the Brompton rain cover over it during downpours? Do you think that the materials will make it last a long time? Please let me know your experience with it. I have not been able to find any reviews of it online from any other source except for NYCE wheels.
thanks!
Calista
Hi Calista, Thanks for your comment. It’s hard to know how durable these bags will be in the long term without a good decade or so of real world use! What I do know is that Demano have been making other styles of bag for a long time and that the quality of construction appears to be at least as good as the Brompton bags. I haven’t had an opportunity to test the bag’s waterproofness yet. Again, it looks at least as good as Bromptons own though probably not up to the standards of market leader – Ortleib. I like your idea to use Brompton’s own waterproof bag cover. Apart from their obvious quality, uniqueness and exclusivity the other thing I find really attractive about these bags is the fact that they are made by a smaller manufacturer. I like to be able to support the little guy wherever possible.
Stay tuned for the long term test.
Cheers, Mick
Hi Mick,
I love the fact that these bags are made from recycled material and the plus point is they look utterly cool and funky! But I do have one doubt though, how is the mount like? From your picture it seems you are not using the brompton bag support? I am considering between the O bag and the demano bag, thus would greatly appreciate your feedback on this. Thanks!
Cheers,
Ada
Hi Ada, the Demano bag is designed to fit to Brompton’s own bag support frame which in turn attaches to the bike via Brompton’s own front luggage clip.
It’s ideal – of course – for people who already have a Brompton bag from which they can borrow the frame. It’s also separately available via Brompton dealers.
I’m looking forward to using my shiny new Brompton (and its funky Demano bag) much more over the coming weeks so stay tuned for the forthcoming medium-term road test.
Some sample bags can be seen here: http://www.cyclechat.net/attachments/image001-jpg.13958/
Cheers, Mick
Hi Ada, the Demano bag is designed to fit to Brompton’s own bag support frame which in turn attaches to the bike via Brompton’s own front luggage clip.
It’s ideal – of course – for people who already have a Brompton bag from which they can borrow the frame. It’s also separately available via Brompton dealers.
I’m looking forward to using my shiny new Brompton (and its funky Demano bag) much more over the coming weeks so stay tuned for the forthcoming medium-term road test.
Some example bags can be seen in this image: http://www.cyclechat.net/attachments/image001-jpg.13958/
Cheers, Mick