Several weeks ago, Nathan from Velo City Bags sent me one of his new Runner messenger bags to test out. When Nathan was designing this bag, he was thinking it would be a perfect bag for women. Though it’s a unisex bag… my friend Kati was the ideal candidate to commence with the testing.

The Runner has all the quality details you would find in their entire line of courier bags and backpacks. The size and shape is a perfect fit for scholastic and business minded people. Kati instinctively packed the Runner with documents, her laptop, clothing, and tons more. Heavily packed, her shoulder and upper torso found comfort with the well padded shoulder strap. She immediately pointed out how much she loves the quick release strap buckle b/c it allowed her to remove or swing the bag around to the front with ease. The Runner also proved to be 100% waterproof worthy during our recent snow and rain storms.

The attention to details is on point… from the exterior to its interior. Under the main flap, you will find one expandable pocket with media slots for all your essential needs. The generous main compartment is vinyl lined and features a velcro secured pocket for your secret stash. Kati also pointed out how she loves the compression straps which allowed her to carry even larger loads in a secured manner.

For a simple, yet very functional bag, we have to give the Runner two thumbs up… way up! And the price is on point!

Photo credit: Jason Finn

Tags: Velo City Bags, Reviews

It’s no secret that Chrome and COG Magazine are staples in the urban cycling community… so a collaboration between the two just made sense. Introducing the COG x Chrome Southside kicks.


As you can see… these oiled full-grain leather shoes feature COG and Chrome embossed accents. The mid-ankle support is well padded and extremely comfortable around the ankles.


The plush tongue provides full upper support and the signature COG insole is a welcoming mat for the sole of your feet.


I loved that these shoes were already laced up in box and in a matter seconds… I was ready to hit the asphalt.


Portland is notorious for having non-stop rain, so the COG Southside's oiled leather really makes for a good winter shoe, let's water bead and roll right off.


After a few seconds adjusting my straps to the width of the shoes… I was ready to embark on one cold and wet ride.


The low profile design assures that these shoes are bike and toe-clip ready… perfectly paired for pedaling power and braking.


There is no breaking in these shoes… they are snug as a bug and provide your feet with the utmost stability.


Even with no-show ankle socks and the brisk cold weather… my feet felt perfectly warm.


The rubber gum sole makes them extremely comfortable off the bike and transitions very well for pedaling power due to its stiffness.


Testing out the COG Southside kicks was just a true pleasure and I highly recommend trying out a pair to get the full effect. I promise… you won’t be disappointed. Available now @ Chrome!

Big thanks to the Corinne and the Chrome family for hooking me up a pair to try out. Also, huge thanks to Brenton Salo was snapping the photos!

Tags: Shoes, Reviews, Collaboration, COG Magazine, Chrome, Brenton Salo