Estimated reading time: 4 minutes, 52 seconds
The Short Version of this Post…
We’re launching hand made musettes, which you can check out on the VeloNomad webstore.
If you’re reading this on our website (not in email) you can click the images below for a bigger version.
Chirpy
Checkmate
The Italian
For those interested in how our musettes were born, read on!
The Humble Musette
Musettes are probably not something you give a lot of thought to, right?
After all, they’re pretty simple and practical – strap, bag, maybe a press stud, and some screen printed logos. In fact most musettes are the same which is understandable given their heritage as feed bags in races.
I’ve used musettes a lot – particularly for riding to work and for travel. I’ve always found them extremely useful, but not given them a lot of thought.
I always take one on my travels (or when doing a car trip) as I’ll put food for the plane in one, and then dump everything from my pockets in one and roll it up before going through the metal detectors.
I can never have too many.
Time for a Change
However, riding along recently, I pondered musettes, and realised they weren’t being done justice.
Whilst I love simple products, musettes are a little too simple when used outside of a race. And really, how many of us buy musettes to use in a race for feeding and then dump them?
Answer: not many.
Yes some readers would use them for that (Melbourne-Warrnambool, Grafton-Inverell and any long races with feed stations), but they have much more practical value beyond racing.
After all, musettes aren’t just musettes.
They’re so, so useful to carry “stuff”. Whether at a concert, going shopping, riding to work, travelling or any other number of situations, they just work.
Given their range of uses and how much they get used, I thought a little personalisation might be in order.
Re-tooling the Musette
Upon returning home to VeloNomad headquarters, Kate (for readers new to VN, that’s the lovely better half of this operation – she’s the creative brains behind Sleepy Turtle Photography), mum and her partner, and I deconstructed the humble musette and rebuilt one by hand.
We spent 5 days thinking about every facet of the construction (the design is pretty much rock solid), how they’re put together and what could be added.
After 5 days of hard work and trial and tribulation, we couldn’t be prouder of the results.
Introducing the VeloNomad Musettes
All our musettes are hand-made (HAND-MADE!) at our house near Byron Bay, Australia, after hours of “discussion” about patterns, button colours and contrast stitching.
The most visible things we’ve done are made our musettes a bit more noticeable, strengthened them by improving stitching and added an internal pocket.
The Checkmate
Here’s how our musettes are put together:
- Twill cotton, calico or canvas bodies.
- Twill cotton, calico or canvas pockets.
- Twill cotton, cotton, calico or canvas straps.
- Gutermann thread (it’s the best stuff).
- Double stitched seams on all weight bearing seams including in pockets.
- Straps are not “sewn through” the side seams but are attached internally with rectangular+cross stitching.
- Slip button on all bags.
- Happy Flags to keep you happy when riding.
- Contrast stitching in lots of places.
- Wider straps – we never liked how the straps on most bags bunched up, or cut into our shoulders if the bag had a bit of weight.
- And don’t forget, a machine doesn’t make these, we hand make them in our home!
Happy flags
Internal pocket - fits smartphone and more
Meet our Musettes
The Italian
This bag celebrates Italy and the Giro with Italian and Giro styling. With just a dash of pink (not too much to make the manly-men scoff) and lots of green, white and red – this bag screams Cipollini, pizza and cycling.
All orders received before April 20 will be shipped in time for the Giro. (Yay – the Giro – May 5!)
Sneak a look at The Italian here.
Close up of The Italian
Checkmate
We really love this bag a lot. Bold but not loud, with dashes of red, this bag definitely makes a statement.
Checkmate
Chirpy
Aimed at the ladies, Kate adores this bag. It’s super cute, that’s for sure.
Chirpy
Order Now, Get a Discount
Our first three designs are all available for order on the VeloNomad webstore.
Order The Italian before April 20 to ensure delivery before the Giro commences.
All orders before April 23 will receive our special launch pricing. At 8AM on April 23 (Australian Eastern Standard Time), all bags revert to standard pricing.
FAQs
We sure do! We have set up special pricing for shipping from Australia to NZ, the UK, Ireland, US, South Africa and the rest of the world.
It sure is! If you buy more than one bag, shipping on subsequent bags is much cheaper.
Yep! We process credit cards via Paypal.
Musettes are available for order now and will be shipped within 2 weeks.
They sure are: read our return policy here. It’s not a long, legal read. It’s short and sweet. In short: We have your back.
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