THE first thing you notice is the smell.
Open up the black box adorned with a classic script and svelte Lurcher motif and you are immediately met with a waft of pure British tradition.
It is a quality aroma and one that is a portent to what lies inside.
The exquisite Louis Bag, named after the aforementioned family Lurcher, is made by British start-up Hopkinson England.
Priced at £195, it is not cheap, and nor is it discreet, the handmade leather finish giving it a sheen that most more common cycle bags do not have.
“People love buying British and love investing in quality, however the majority of cycling bags are made from fabric,” said Dean Hopkinson founder. "We felt there was a niche for a new British luxury label specialising in high-end handmade leather British cycling products - for people who are looking for something special."
The design is intentionally simplistic, a barrel with an opening at one end and straps - two small ones for attaching under your seat and an over the shoulder one for when you park up at the coffee stop.
In terms of practicality, there's more than enough room inside for a small pump, an inner tube or two, keys, energy bars and more besides.
It's easy to attach and remove and while it looked fine on my Giant, I couldn't help but think it was better suited, aesthetically at least, to the gentleman cyclist, rather than sportive riders such as I. Regardless of this it's a worthy and somewhat unusual addition in a highly populated marketplace.
For more details visit www.hopkinsonengland.co.uk
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