More than likely, if you are a cyclist, there is not one bit of natural fiber on your bike or in your cycling wardrobe. Cotton and leather has been replaced by Lycra, Coolmax, Nylon, leatherette or any number of other manmade products on the market. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but there is still a great appreciation for leather goods within the cycling community – just look at Brooks England, they have been making leather saddles since 1882 and they are still going strong!
127 years later, another leather accessory company was started in Portland, Oregon. WalnutStudiolo does not make leather bicycle saddles, but they do make some unique leather goods for your bike. The U-lock holsters, handlebar wrap, frame portage strap and handlebar grips are all very stylish and utilitarian. The cribbage belt appears to work well as a tool to hold your pants up and yet can be taken off for a game of cribbage using wooden matches. The two products that do make us chuckle are a six-pack holder and handlebar can holder.
The 6 Pack Frame Cinch, aka the ‘Polo Mallet Holder’ and Bicycle Can Cage are two products that will probably not show up are your local club ride or race; but may show up at a cruiser ride near you. The 6 Pack Frame Cinch does appear to do a very good job at holding your polo gear on your way to the match, but once that match is over, the cinch doubles to hold a six pack of your favorite beverage. The straps only hold the six pack by the handle and since most six pack holders are made of cardboard, the straps may not be the best way to carry your beer as it might tear as it swings around leaving you to drink your beer off of the ground. The Bicycle Can Cage holder really only has one use… holding a can. When on a training ride, you can throw a flat can of Coke in the holder and get that kick when you need it… or hold a beer on the way to the post-ride bbq. There is one side of these two products that is not funny – in most US states, if you are caught by the police drinking beer while riding, you might be charged with a DWI, DUI or an open container violation since bicycles are treated as motor vehicles.
WalnutStudiolo makes all of the leather goods by hand in Portland. Adding a little leather style to your ride will cost you at least $14 for a strap all of the way up to $119 for the cribbage belt.