Custom, convertible backpack panniers   |   Hand-made in Portland, OR

Posted by Curtis on May 16th, 2010

Things have been picking up for me here at NorthSt.  My bags are being sold at one shop (soon to be two) and I have been talking with several others.  I just sold my 50th bag and my production queue will keep me busy for at least another month.  Plus I have a list of about eight new products I want to put out.

The bags themselves have improved considerably since I started back in October, as you can see in this photo gallery, which I just added to facebook.  It shows most of the bags I’ve made, from the very first bags I made back in Berkeley all the way up to the bag I made yesterday.  This gallery will be added to the site soon to show different color choices.

I’ve learned a lot in the past seven and a half months.  I knew next to nothing about running a business when I started, and still have a lot to learn.  I’ve had moments of frustration, but for the most part I’ve enjoyed my work immensely.  Finishing a bag is an excellent way to end the day.  I’ve had a tremendous amount of support from friends and family, as well as the bicycle community here in Portland, which I am thrilled to be a part of.

Thank you all for your kind words and support, and thanks for reading.

-Curtis

Topics: business, Photos, progress, thoughts

Posted by Curtis on May 15th, 2010

A quick announcement:  I will be raising my price on The Bowl bag from $30 to $40 per bag on June 1st.  I will sell pairs at a reduced price of $75 per pair.  Production costs are simply too high for me to keep it at the lower price.

I wanted to let everyone know, to give those who are interested a chance to get the bags at the lower price.  Any orders placed for The Bowl before the first will be for the current price, including orders for colors which aren’t in stock at the moment.  I am waiting on more hardware for these, but I will restock (with some new colors) as soon as I can.

-Curtis

Topics: bowl, grocery, pannier, prices

Posted by Curtis on May 14th, 2010

The Woodward Pannier is finally here!  The same solid, waterproof construction as it’s convertible counterpart.  Order a matching companion with the backpack pannier, or buy it on it’s own as reliable commuter pannier.

This bag features:

• waterproof vinyl liner
• roll top closure
• large front pocket with organizer
• handy pockets on the sides
• rings to add a single shoulder strap

Extras include ($5 each):

• a removable, adjustable shoulder strap
• side mesh pouch
• laptop sleeve
• extra internal organizer
• secret pocket
• pump pocket
• mail pocket
• key clip

My introductory offer is this:

single pannier – only $95!

order a set (pannier & convertible) – $295

Available now until June 15th!

-Curtis

Topics: new products, pannier, woodward

Posted by Curtis on May 11th, 2010

After a few months of testing I’ve decided to add a back zipper flap to the standard design of The Avenue B backpack pannier.  The flap is similar to the one on The Woodward – two quick zips and the backpack straps are secured.  The main difference is that on this bag, there’s no spot available on the front of the bag to stow the flap when in backpack mode, so I added velcro to the underside of the backpack straps so the flap can secure back underneath the straps when not in use.

left to right - pannier, unzip panel to access backpack straps, velcro tabs under straps secure panel, backpack

I’ll include this new feature with the next three orders at no extra cost while I figure out how to price out this change.

-Curtis

Topics: avenue b, back flap, Design, New features, zipper panel