I don’t usually use this site to push products (I think…?) but occasionally I can’t help myself. Some quiet time browsing the Skin Grows Back website has left me happy. I’m pretty far behind the eightball on this really, as these guys have been around for yonks and have been sponsoring and promoting left, right and centre. They’ve even got a link to us on their website (good people) and I have bought and do actually own one of their top tube pads. While it was given as a joke and doesn’t really get used, I can definitely vouch for its solid construction.
I’m not a courier and probably fall solidly into the fakenger list, given I ride around with a big Chrome bag on one of them tricky fixed gear bicycle things and now sport a U-lock in the back pocket (…and justice for all). As such, the gear these guys make probably isn’t aimed at me directly, but I still think it’s damn fine looking stuff. The obvious bonus is that it’s made in Australia by decent folks using local and recycled materials. It’s designed to handle the rough and tumble abuse of daily bike riding, and works just as well for the messenger types as it does for every day commuters and those of us who like to spend as much time as possible on the bike, or falling off the bike. One of the reasons I love my Chrome bag is that it’s built tough as fuck, it’s waterproof, comfortable on the bike, and holds a shitload of stuff (even though it ain’t the big model). The SGB stuff is made in the same way, but in our own backyard by people you may well see on the street.
I have to admit, I’m a little excited by the coming soon messenger bag that’s in their gallery. I may not do it for a living, but I’ve hauled enough shit on my bike to appreciate a good bag with features that are easy to use and make sense. Upgrading from my old Crumpler to a one-handed strap was the best thing ever. I dunno how far away the SGB bags are, but they look like they’ll tick all the boxes that amount to a good dose of awesome. Heaps of room, heaps of adjustment, padding in the right places, plenty of pockets, smart straps, and some kick arse bits for handling shit that’s too big for the bag.
So if you haven’t been over to check out the product over at SGB yet, do it now. If you already have, go back again, even if it’s just to increase their web stats. Tell your friends, support your local heads, give props where it’s well deserved, and use your gear without mercy.