Radical Design is a dutch manufacturer that design products from the ground up. Hubert Van Ham owns and operates Radical Design and it is his specialty to design for simplicity, functionality and durability.
Rather than modify existing ideas, Hubert’s designs are created from a blank slate.
Radical Racer Pannier:
Radical Racer Pannier are available for narrow seats (top 2 images) and wide seats (bottom 2 images)
In Hubert’s own words: “I try to make my designs basic, functional and well-fitting, while repairable with common tools. By using proven materials and rounded shapes, I am dedicated to make our bags last a very long time.”
Radical Solo Racer:
Radical Solo Racer on a Bacchetta Corsa with Euromesh Seat
From Luke @ Calhoun Cycle: “Importing products from overseas adds challenges that are difficult to justify, but our relationship with Radical is going on 20 years and Hubert’s products always make the challenge worth overcoming!”
Radical Side Pannier:
Radical Side Panniers come for narrow seats (top 2 images) and wide seats (bottom 2 images)
Radical Design Pannier Summary:
Solo Racer: Ultra Versatile small pannier that will fit a wide variety of recumbents from the lowest of low-racers to the highest of high-racers. TheNARROWmodel fits hardshell & euromesh seats. There is a wide version available, though all recumbents with wide seats that we are familiar with can accept standard seat bags, so we do not stock the wide model of this bag.
Racer Pannier: Big enough to carry a serious amount of gear. If you’re commuting or doing some *credit card touring these will work out beautifully for you. The Racers Panniers fit onto the seat of the bike and do not require a rack. The NARROWmodel will fit your recumbent’s hardshell or euromesh seat while the WIDEwill fit a standard US style seat like a Bacchetta Recurve, RANS Standard Mesh, Easy Racers Cobra, ICE Trike Mesh, Catrike plus others. The Racer Panniers can be mounted nicely using a rack as an alternative to the seat mount (click here to see).
Side Panniers (med & lg): Radical Design Side Panniers are for those looking for no limits to their options. A rear rack is required for these bags to fit your recumbent. The idea behind these bags is to keep the weight low and forward. This way you can carry large and heavy loads, yet the weight is placed to have the least effect on your ‘bent’s handling. Add a racktop bag and a seat bag and you are set to camp your way across the continent(s) of your choice. The NARROW model will fit your recumbent’s hardshell or euromesh seat while the WIDE will fit a standard US style seat like a Bacchetta Recurve, RANS Standard Mesh, Easy Racers Cobra, ICE Trike Mesh, Catrike plus others.
Sport Side Panniers:The Sport Side Panniers are a special purchase model that are exclusive to Calhoun Cycle. These are the medium, wide model of the Radical Side Pannier without the top mesh sleeve that the standard side panniers have. Great Value! These fit very nicely onto standard mesh style seats like the Bacchetta Recurve, RANS Standard Mesh, Easy Racers Cobra, ICE Mesh, Catrike plus others. A rear rack is needed with this model.
*Credit card touring: a type of touring that isn’t restricted in distance, but would typically not need a large volume of carrying capacity because camping and cook gear are left at home.
Here are some videos with Radical Racer Panniers: • • • •
Here are some videos with Radical Side Panniers: • • • •
Here is a video with the Solo Racer:
As many of you already know, we’re hosting the Pre-Race Sign-in for the Almanzo 100 this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shop, 3342 Hennepin Avenue South in Minneapolis. Weather permitting, packet pickup will be held outside behind the shop. Riders for the Almanzo 100 & the Royal 162 must exchange a signed release form in order to receive a packet. Ride over on two wheels if you can. A limited amount of parking is available in our lot, and there’s ample on-street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
You’ll have a chance to meet our team, several of whom are heading down to Spring Valley next weekend, as well as Almanzo Racer and Banjo Brothers co-founder Eric. There will be sausages, camaraderie, and much fun to be had. Be a pal, RSVP here if you haven’t already.
There’ll even be a special coupon for Almanzo participants looking to stock up on last-minute supplies. Don’t miss it! Speaking of last-minute supplies… here’s a list we’ve put together combining Mr. Skogen’s recommendations and a few of our own. See you on the Spring Valley, folks.
A supportive saddle, preferably one you’ve spent some miles breaking-in before race day
Remember, as Chris Skogen himself has said, “Anything can happen over the course of 100 miles.” We might also add: On gravel. In Minnesota. In May. If you’re a fan of CO2 cartridges, bring them along.
You’ll need somewhere to put it all, especially if you’re carrying more than a jersey pocket’s worth of items. New for 2013, Banjo Brothers Frame Packs, available in two sizes (medium and small), are the perfect companion on a gravel ride. If you’re hunting a bag that is easy to access while riding, Banjo’s Top Tube Bag, Phone Pack, and Bar Top Bag are all excellent, compact ways to go as well.
At least one of us is bringing along an extra pair of socks. ANYTHING can happen. Keep that in mind.
Hydration. We carry a number of unique solutions for helping you find places for your favorite water bottles. Minoura’s dual-cage mount for saddles is a favorite of Almanzo riders. Not just for Brompton owners, the Two Fish Quick Cage is another great, temporary solution for squeezing in an extra bottle.
A patch kit: lighter and smaller than packing multiple spares.
Your multitool of choice. If it doesn’t include a chain tool, consider bringing along a separate one just in case.
Tires that play well with gravel. For every Challenge Almanzo tire sold through race day, we’re making a $10 donation towards keeping the Almanzo 100 free for everyone.
Sunscreen. Hopefully you figured this out on your training rides.
Carrying a pump — possibly even better flat protection than your tire.
Calories. Try your local co-op for the good stuff.
Roomier than a frame pack but still compact enough for a minimalist rider, Carradice’s Zipped Roll and slightly larger Junior are both great options for the items you’ll need to access when stopping along the way.
Blinky lights. One red, one white. Bookman has you covered.
A jersey with plenty of pockets, preferably dark in color.
p.s. If you cannot make it to Calhoun Cycle on Saturday the 11th to pick up your packet, Chris has asked us to remind you that you’ll be fine. You will be able to pick it up the night before the race in Spring Valley, or the morning of the race near the start/finish.
p.p.s. It’ll be more fun if you pick it up on Saturday, though.
Registration for the Brompton US Championship • 2013 has been open almost a month now, and—as you can see above—the competition is all over the map. We are glad to see that many of the Minnesota-based competitors who took part in last year’s race have chosen to return and that so many others from across the country have decided to make the trip to join us here in Minneapolis.
Many of you have told us you’ve already begun your training programs: ranging from getting out on your Brompton to practicing your Windsor.
If you don’t yet see your home city city on the map, we have good news for you… there are still a handful of FREE T-shirts remaining when you use the special coupon code available at bromptonuschampionship.com.
We can’t wait to see all of you at the starting line on June 23!
p.s. If you’re not yet a Brompton owner, you might be interested to know that the wait time for special orders is just 5 weeks as of April 29, 2013. So, not only will your Brommie be here in time for race day, you’ll even have time to get a bit of training in ahead of time.
With the arrival of our first 2013 Brompton models to the shop, copies of the all-new Brompton catalog have begun to trickle in to the store. If you’ve been considering a Brompton for a while now, why not take the leap this year? An extended demo ride is a great way to learn how this little folder from across the pond would fit into your life, and our demo fleet is better than ever. Call the shop at 612-827-8000 to find out more about checking out a demonstrator bike for a 24-hour period. Three demonstrators are available including a superlight M6LX in Apple Green, an H6L in Pink and White, and a brand-new S2LX equipped with a Brooks B17 Special and Eazy wheels, also with Titanium extremities. All three bikes are spec’d with Telescopic Seatposts to allow for the maximum range of fit for riders of all heights.
Below are just a few of the improvements you can expect on a 2013 Brompton bicycle. And, for those of you who’ve already put in a number of miles on a now well-loved Brommie, we’re pleased to say that 2013 replacement parts are beginning to arrive at the shop as well. For those looking to catch a deal, select pre-2013 parts are on sale while supplies last in store and at CalhounCycle.com.
All 2013 bikes will be built with a new double-wall Brompton rim
Brompton’s Kevlar tires (I mean tyres…) have changed from black and grey to all-black
A newly designed aluminum brake lever with improved ergonomics, materials, and finishing
Updated, more consistent finishes on a number of parts
An improved Busch and Müller LED headlamp makes for an upgraded Shimano dynamo package
For more information about how these changes add to the Brompton experience, stop in to the shop for a test ride or give us a ring.
p.s. We’re excited for 2013 for another great reason: the Brompton US Championship will return to Minneapolis this summer and we are once again the grateful hosts of the event. As for details? Hold tight. We’ve set the date along with Open Streets Minneapolis—Sunday, June 23 is the date to remember. Shopcast readers, Facebook fans, Twitter followers, and newsletter subscribers will be the first to know when registration opens. Spring is almost here, so in the mean time… get on that Brompton and ride! And, while you’re resting from your training regimen, read up on race strategy at the newly launched bromptonuschampionship.com.
