We’ve updated the durable, trustworthy, and economical RAL Loader series of bags with new SimWorks branding, new model names and some handsome new colors. For years we had produced these bag styles under the RAL badge- a collection of lifestyle products developed by Circles in Nagoya. After the launch of the SimLoader bags a couple of years ago, we started discussing transitioning these RAL bags in to the SimLoader collection of bags, while retaining their more democratic features and silhouettes. While we got the Portland produced SimLoader collection off the ground and gave it some resources to gain some exposure out in the world, we worked at clearing some remaining stock of our RAL Loader inventory, and put a plan in place to get them dressed up with some fresh SimWorks branding, and some new colors. We’re excited to have the full lineup of bags available again, and will work to try and maintain more consistent availability of them going forward.

This line of bags retain their 1000-denier nylon construction from previous generations, as well as their classic styles, proportions, and the durable and intuitive attachment systems that are utilized by the two distinct pannier models that we offer. This updated collection of bags are versatile, economical, and pragmatic. Each of them fulfills a distinct need for the user, and they work well in unison with one another.

TOMO TOTE BAG

The former WB Loader has seen the most updates from it’s previous version- with the addition of interior slip and organizer pockets. For a catch-all bag with as much volume as this TOMO bag, it’s nice to have a couple spots to isolate a few items you’d rather not go searching for. While not a dedicated laptop slip, we have no trouble slipping a 13″ Mac in a protective case in this pocket, but it would also easily accommodate a couple quality magazines, a tablet, or that paperback you’re chipping away at. The zip pocket includes a carabiner key clip, and enough space for some charging cables, a battery bank, Field Notes book, your favorite pen, some dining utensils, your keys, some lip balm, or a few other EDC items you don’t want disappearing to the bottom of the bag. Other updates to the bag include a reinforcement box stitch for the large center velcro strap, and velcro closure for the exterior slip pocket- so you can quell your concerns for jettisoning those contents when the road turns rough.

We’ve been making this bag for 10 years, and while we certainly stand behind and can personally attest to it’s capabilities as an “on-the-bike” front bag option, where we really see this bag shine is off the bike. It’s a fantastic catch all. It’s an all star bag at weekend farmers’s markets, thrown in the back of your mountain bike shuttle vehicle, as an airline carry-on, beach bag, surf bag, sno-park bag. It’s got just enough padding to offer some peace of mind in protecting your camera or other electronics, the lined construction will help keep contents dry, while the 1000D Nylon exterior will take years of adventure and abuse that you dish out. The rectangular bottom will fit snugly in a Wald 137 basket, but also makes for an easy bag to stand up while you pack it. There’s a reason we sell more of this bag than any other SimWorks bag, and with it’s recent improvements, we trust that trend will continue.

ORIGAMI BAG

In keeping with some desires for a minimalist bag that can find a home on a wide range of bikes, we offer the Origami bag- the perfect front triangle solution for stowing your essentials. We’ve seen this bag successfully installed and enjoyed in either orientation, depending on your frame’s size and degree of top tube slope. For larger frames, a more traditional orientation with the bag’s embroidery on the drive side, will leave you with the ability to still utilize a down tube and seat tube water bottle mount.

The Origami incorporates two separate pockets- a main larger capacity pocket that will accommodate arm or leg warmers and a light jacket, some tools, snacks etc… and a slimmer side pocket that is perfect for a map, cell phone, keys or any variety of slim, less cumbersome items. Sewn inside the larger compartment is a velcro loop to stabilize a mini-pump or tool roll. Origami is a worthy companion for a rider on any style of bike looking to carry a few essential items to allow them to let a long day unfold, whether in the city, out on a meandering gravel road, or a ribbon of singletrack.

CHIBI PANNIER

A quality pannier bag is a classic road touring staple, but also extremely useful for running errands in town, and commuting. The Chibi Pannier is a mid-capacity bag that utilizes a large 2-way zipper opening to access the primary compartment, making it easy to fill the bag and access contents within. With an adjustable rail hook mounting system to tailor the bags fit on your rack’s luggage rail, you can dial in the fit and fore and aft position of the vinyl wrapped hooks. A lower fisheye hook on a thick bite of adjustable bungee allows for quickly anchoring the bag on the bottom. This bungee length can be adjusted as well. The outer mesh pocket provides an easy space to store some items you’d like to keep quick at hand, such as a rain shell or U-Lock. A reflective banded cinch strap gives you the ability to streamline the bag when you’re riding with it empty or minimally filled.

There’s a multitude of reasons that this bag style has stood the test of time through years of the evolution of riders innovating new ways to haul gear on their bikes. It’s sensible, easy to carry off the bike, attaches quickly and securely, and provides considerable space for hauling a wide range of contents. We love seeing folks enjoying them in their daily bike lives, equally as much as packing them to the gills and heading out on an extended tour.

CAGO PANNIER

Replacing the RAL BG Loader is the Cago Pannier– a collapsible “basket style” pannier that’s itching for a trip to the weekend neighborhood farmer’s market, or a roll through camp to get some more firewood. Constructed of the same durable 1000D Nylon as the rest of the bags in the lineup, and incorporating a clever top frame that collapses and secures when not in use, the Cago is a great catch-all bag for when you’re less concerned with fully securing your cargo, or you’re needing to haul some oversize items. The bag attaches with the same highly adjustable rail hook mounting system as our Chibi pannier, so it’s quick on the mount and dismount. Having essentially a collapsible basket on the side of your bike, or that you can carry or shoulder with you can be endlessly useful.

Have a yoga mat and change of clothes you want to haul to class? No problem. Drop a paper grocery bag directly in to the bottom next to a bottle of wine when you’re late for that dinner party? Go for it. Haul a blanket and some compact camp chairs to that evening concert in the park. Run some small parcels and padded envelopes to the post office. Spend an entire day crate digging for treasured vinyl at record stores all over the city. Scenarios and solutions abound…

The hope for each of the bags within the SimLoader line is for them to become a pragmatic solution for bringing your life with you on your bike. The easier we can make it to comfortably carry not only the necessities to extend your rides, but those things in your life that make you you, the more inclined you are to frame more of your life experiences around your bike- which is ultimately why we’re here.