Backpack
BOBLBEE:
It was years ago when I first saw a Boblbee backpack. I was immediately struck by how different it looked from a regular pack...not knowing at the time that they had been designed specifically for biking. Nevertheless, I wanted one! Didn't need...just wanted.
"The prototype featured a concept in which the outer shell could be implemented such that the outside surface area is as useful as the internal volume." - Wikipedia
Fast forward over a decade and I finally had a reason to buy one. I opted for the Megalopolis as it was the largest size available. Being somewhat obsessed with accessories and additions, I also bought:
•Sidewinders
•Lumbar Cassette
•Helmet Cargo Net
•Large Dirt Cover - which just so happened to be orange
•MD Pocket - MD! They don't mean MiniDisc surely!!!
•Travel Pocket
•Phone Pocket
•Some other Pocket that doesn't even seem to be available anymore
•Waist Belt - can't believe I am a Small to Medium
-Tempted by The Bridge, but don't really need it...hard to source in the UK
Put simply, I bought everything I could from Boblbee UK, which just so happened to be situated only 30mins from my house.
[I managed to fit enough stuff into the backpack to go traveling indefinitely over 2-3 seasons. It is really surprising just how big each compartment is, and they all have various zipped or flapped sub-compartments. The above images are from a one week scouting trip to Base Camp]
As with most of my purchases, I explored the second-hand option first...but I am glad I took the plunge and bought it all from new.
CUSTOMISATION:
I've not considered going to the extremes of these guys.
The Tron Look tempts me! Would add a safety aspect to the backpack too...if it is even seen around my Top Box. The hard shell of the Megalopolis can be drilled through to make customisation seemingly endless.
The process...
My own alterations are a lot more modest than the above. I simply wanted to make it easier - a LOT easier - to remove the Lumbar Cassette from the Main Body so that it could be used as a Day Bag (slung over the shoulder), or a Bumbag around the waist. As it comes, it took me at least an hour to attach the Sidewinders and Lumbar Cassette in accordance with the instructions (which are limited). I knew right then that I'd never be satisfied by the original attachment method...a crazily complex threading, looping and tightening (re-tightening once you realise you haven't gotten it just right). The thought of having to relive that painful experience kept me awake at night...until...eureka! I could easily just attach some clasps, rings and karabiners in various places to make the attaching and detaching process no more complex or time consuming than taking a belt and braces off.
Clasps were attached to the straps at the back of the Lumbar Cassette and Helmet Cargo Net...also at the other end of the Lumbar Cassette straps and the top strap of the Waist Belt. It took a bit of figuring out a method of attaching the male and femal halves of the clasps, as only the male halves have a securing double-slit for a strap to be held tight with in a certain position. The female halves are loose on their straps, but kept in place by being secured between other non-moving parts.
The final step was to add karabiners to the holes (they are already there on the Megalopolis) at the base of the scoop on the backpack, and a couple of rings through the webbing on the underside of the Lumbar Cassette...just to make sure it doesn't move around too much at times when I haven't packed much in it - which is rare!
And there you go...job done. It probably took as long to reconfigure for easy-on-easy-off as it did to attach the Lumbar Cassette in the first place using the Boblbee method - and it was well worth the tiny investment in clasps, karabiners and rings.
It now takes 10secs to either attach or detach...making the Lumbar Cassette the perfect day bag for walking around town with.
I just realised that my precious backpack, which will be going everywhere with me, doesn't have a nickname. That should be remedied. Any suggestions?