Banjo Brothers Rack Top Bag and Raleigh Twenty

It was unseasonably warm here today, making it up to 62 degrees (F). With such warm temperatures, that meant a day to slip in a ride around the area.

I received for Christmas a brand new Banjo Brothers Rack Top bag. I specifically asked for this item because I thought it might go well on my Raleigh Twenty. Many of the old Raleigh folding bikes had "carry-all" bags strapped to the rear rack. These bags sat on top of the rack and acted like a bin for carrying books, groceries, or what-have-you.

Sure enough, the Rack Top bag was a success on the Raleigh. The bag uses long, velcro straps to tie down to the rack top, while there is also a small pull-strap to steady the bag to the seat post or frame of the bike. In this case, the strap is a little helpful, but the velcro straps are pretty secure by themselves.

The bag is of a tough, nylon cloth type construction, with some reflective touches on the outside edges. The zipper has two sliders on it, and it zips open and closed smoothly. The Banjo Brothers logo is prominently displayed on the top of the bag.

The bag has a good amount of storage space. I was able to fit my cell phone (a big brick of a thing); my wallet; my glasses with their case; my keys; and some mail quite easily, with room to spare.

Overall, I am happy with this bag, and it fits nicely on this bike. This Raleigh Twenty from the early 1970s has a nice, utilitarian feel, but is still a blast to ride. Just make sure you remember your pedal ground clearance is very low. I think this is a going to be a great, useful set up for hobby riding around the area, or even taking on vacation with me.

Winter Riding with a Raleigh DL-1

It was a cold, windy day here. However, most of the road salt has dissipated because we recently had two warm, rainy days. While it was cold, the clearer roads gave me a chance to take this 1963 Raleigh DL-1 Export Model out for a ride.

The large wheels and wide tires go well over gravel roads - much more so than a regular Raleigh Sports bike.

After about 75 minutes, it was time to head home and get warm again. But it was my first time out on the road in about a month. I've put my Raleigh Grand Prix on a roller for practice indoors, but there's no substitute for real, over-the-road riding.