Lezyne Town Caddy

Basically the love child of messenger bag and office satchel, Lezyne's town caddy is literally organised down to the last millimetre and undeniably very stylish for shorter hops. Codura/nylon construction is what you'd expect at this end of the market and does a very reasonable job of keeping the contents safe and dry while resisting the rough and tumble of urban riding. However, the omissions of stabilising strap(s) (or even Klick fix brackets allowing it to cadge lifts on a rack) mean it's impractical for faster paced/longer haul duties.

Popping open the large storm flap reveals a cornucopia of neoprene sections for sunglasses, money, pens, multi tool, tyre levers, patch kit, multi wrench, key ring and even an ID card - the epitome of a place for everything and everything in it's place. This theme continues within the main compartment where you get a generic stationary stash; mesh pouches for mini pumps, two spare tubes and a generously padded lap-top section. This readily gobbles the bigger 17inch (43cm) types and thoughtfully there's a rubberised shock-absorbing base to protect bag and contents from everyday knocks. Externally there is a further zippered A4 sized pocket for document wallets and a well-conceived mesh bottle caddy complete with drawstring closure because delicate electricals and your favourite tipple don't mix. Speaking of beverages, the heavily padded shoulder strap adjusts courtesy of a highly polished aluminium clasp complete with integral bottle opener-presumably to drown the sorrows after a hard day at the office.

I would be tempted to cocoon lap-tops/cameras and similar delicates in secondary waterproof packaging but in fairness, showers and sustained attacks from the garden hose made negligible impression upon the fabric or contents. The cushioned base offers welcome protection from the inevitable everyday carelessness while the heavily padded shoulder strap is a blessing when lugging loads either on or off bike and bold Scotchlite graphics certainly attract driver attention when glanced by headlights-albeit no substitute for a well positioned LED tab.

Given the considerable lengths that have been ploughed into aesthetics and organisation, the omission of a stabilising strap is so frustrating-especially when heavily laden and sprinting for the lights. Repeatedly nudging it back into position using my elbow became infuriating, not to mention potentially dangerous when snaking through lines of stationary traffic or swerving to avoid opening car doors, potholes and similar hazards.

Verdict

Brilliant concept bag sabotaged by a lack of stabilising strap.