If you know the name Shimano you either know the company’s cycling components or its fishing lures, but now the company is shifting gears, and will introduce a new line of products for next year – cycling bags. Our friends at BikeRadar are reporting that the company’s debut in the luggage category will arrive in October, so it won’t be on most wearers’ backs until next season, but this should certainly shake up the market a bit.
The bags will feature Shimano’s new Rider Fit Cross Harness system, which has the shoulder straps meet in the center of the chest instead of the traditional sternum strap or hip belt. According to Shimano this should provide a “body-hugging fit” that will be practically molded the wearer.
The bags are also being designed for use with hydrapak bladder, with models for off-road riding and in messenger configuration. The messenger bag is even branded the Osaka, after Shimano’s home city, suggesting that Shimano’s dedication to this new category is very much in the bag!
Shimano Cycling Official Website
[Via BikeRadar.com: Shimano Launch Range of Cycling Bags]