2 Short Reviews (swrve & green guru gear)

So, Friday I finally was able to commute with two pieces of gear I’ve been waiting try out.

1) Green Guru Gear Cruiser Handlebar Bag (I won this in a contest)
Pros:
-Perfectly sized for what I take to work (wallet, iPhone, kindle, small lunch, few tools)

-Fits great on the Tikit
-Water resistant (this got tested on my way home… I feel totally fine with my stuff in here even in a downpour)
-Comes on and off easily to take to my desk when I get to work.
Con:
-Because of the way my Tikit is configured, I can’t really open this while it’s mounted. Note, this is in no way a fault of GGG. This isn’t a big deal given how easy it is to take on and off.

2) Swrve Cycling Cordura Jeans
Just a note, these were announced just after I returned my Levi’s commuters due to sizing issues. As soon as they opened for pre-order.
Pros:
-Fit: Perfect! I have to say, after my Levi’s experience, I was leery about ordering a pair of jeans without a chance to test fit. However, Swrve is great about listing dimensions on their site. I have to say, the 32×30 regular are dead on perfect for me. Just snug enough to work perfect on the bike without being too snug when off the bike (I’ve never been a skinny jean guy and my legs have always been built).
-Feel: These jeans are cooler than denim has any right to be (and that’s a good thing). I think what the Swrve guys describe as “soft & supple”, I’m experiencing as “cool & smooth”. This material is incredibly comfortable. It has a noticeably nicer hand than any other denim I’ve worn, is highly breathable, and moves easy.
-Features: These have all of the well known Swvre features. The gusseted crotch and articulated cut work great in the bike. The roll up reflector is a nice touch. I have to say, though, even after seeing it in person, I’m still confused by the offset small rear pocket…

Cons:
-Color selection (or lack thereof): Swrve guys, pleas make these in a color that would pass in the office for slacks / khakis!!! Maybe skip the odd back pocket and the red stitching (which is cool for jeans but would look odd on slacks). I’m presuming Swrve has more products planned for this awesome fabric… Just mentioning what I’d like to see…
-Unlike most of the Swrve stuff, these are not currently Made in the USA (though, as I understand it the fabric is?). As I understand it, though, this has to do with Cordura’s only having authorized certain factories to work with the Cordura Denim. Word has it, Swrve is working on changing this and they made sure the current factory was legit before using them. IMHO, I wouldn’t let this stop anyone from buying these, as the more people that buy them, the stronger Swrve’s position to work with Cordura on Made in the USA production.

All-in-all, I’m extremely pleased with both of these excellent products and look forward to many fine commutes.