I love seeing bags and bike stuff from other parts of the world. I follow a lot of folks in the Philippines and Indonesia among other places, and find it so exhilarating to share interests with people in far flung places.
Yea, it's exactly what I was looking for in a bag. My bank pinged fraud in seconds. I got it cleared though, then it went through. About how long did it take to get to you?
@@shalakabooyaka1480 I live in Belgium and the longest part was actually within the EU. I remember it taking about a week for the delivery to arrive at customs, but then taking a week to be cleared and another week to get from customs to my place.
@@cglatz It's awesome, I got the mini version! It's now a permanent part of my cockpit with my cedaero devil's kettle bags. (those are awesome as well). Took a few days to get out of Chile, but was quick after that.
Nice one Russ and Israel from Choike! ive been using Choike for almost two years now and its taken great the abuse of my full set up on the road! Kudos from Chile Russ!
There's waterproof, and there's water resistant. The way that the top flap on this one is shaped, it wouldn't really be that water resistant, without tightening up that inner liner piece. I wouldn't mind seeing them have a bit more of a cap-like design on this one to help shed water if you get caught in the rain. You should still be able to build the cap in such a way that you can still shove a hand underneath it to get in as you showed in the video. I like the small mesh pockets on the inside for organization. Makes it easy to drop keys or lip balm in there and not have to hunt for it.
hey russ why don't you create your own handle bar bag? I'm sure everything you want from the bag will be there. It should be a cool long distance handle bar bag 😉
Looks really similar to my Wizard Works bag which I quite like. I added several homemade foam spacers to the part that secures against the head tube. Keeps it further away from the headtube and more evenly upright if that makes sense.
My favorite is ortleib handlebar bag plus. Idk if it was available at this time. But it's just super handy with how you can remove it without removing the mount. And how the actual mounting works. Also the size and total waterproof is amazing. Ortleib is pretty vanilla, but it's really good bag. For me front bag especially needs to be waterproof since, that's were I keep all my most quick access items so extra waterproofing would be cumbersome to deal with every time.
My bag arrived, and it is great! Used it already on a handful of rides. The bag that arrived had the shock cord woven in an X pattern on the front. Maybe the took your recommendation, Russ.
Thank you for the Video Russ! I'm really excited to see a fun new bag that stands out from the current market. The price point is very doable as well. This is what I have been looking for for quite a while.
Choike owns a well-deserved reputation in Chile, they are the main player in the local bikepacking scene since 6+ years ago. Lots of people riding Alaska-Patagonia stop by their workshop to fix falling-apart bags and end up buying a new one. they mix excellent materials, good craftsmanship, and unique design features at affordable/competitive prices. Israel and caleb always improve their designs while maintaining a steady price over the years. They are also passionate bikepackers and supporters of local events and riders.
with great bikes comes great bikepacking bags. Nice to see Choike in your channel! I also made a review for this bag, but it wasn't as good as yours hahaha. Keep going!
I want a smaller messenger bag that uses 2 magnetic fidlock buckles over the handlebars and another magnetic stabilizer at the bottom or elastic cordage! Cool bag, like the larger size.
I'm a huge fan of handlebar bags, they're the absolute BEST onbike storage. One question though, how do you mount a front light? Especially if you have no fork crown eyelet, as most modern gravel/adventure bikes don't.
I feel like the basket bag is undefeated for those who don't mind a front rack. Ease of access, easy to take on and off (important for city bags), and easy to carry while off the bike. Combining most of the selling points for the rando bag vs. the handlebar bag. Bonus points when you have a net and can strap additional cargo on top. Thoughts, Russ?
Russ, You should get a 20U series clone industrial sewing machine with a 550watt needle positioning system. 20U series do zigzag which is vital for strechy stuff but it will do straight as well. and you should get a binder attachment for it so you can bind edges and you will be on your way. If you need a straightonly high shank machine for all the feet that are available(i think you can get zipper feet and even a rolled hem foot to work on a 20U though) you can get a juki tl series for cheap or many straight only industrial machines for like 800-1100$. You could get a post bed machine off the bat and that would be sick and take up less space in you home but you dont find many bags ever made with the need for a post bed machine. If you go to get a walking foot machine make sure its a Triple Feed walking foot, dont mess around with a dual feed system. Sewing bags for bikes is pretty fun, not impossible. i have a frame bag and a saddle bag and ive covered bicycle trailers.
@@PathLessPedaledTV thats very true actually. it took total like 8 hours to make a frame bag. that rando bag there would be a two day project for sure.
@@chrisprice5806 We also started as DIY and can confirm that your time estimate is pretty accurate. And if you add that time to get the materials, it could take a whole week.
@@choikebags yeah mayne.. for those reading this.. the way osprey or ortleib or some other big fabric-gear manufcturer gets these complex designs out with minimal slaving is batching work, using equipment setup for that specific task instead of say, bartacking with your dropfeed/ box-x stiching with a bed machine,,, also having workers who are Adept at One task speeds things up.. like these ppl pump out maybe up to 4000 units in a 12 hour shift with 3 15's and a 30min break with a time of like 7-9 seconds per peice. (dont ask me how i know that) i have a dropfeed consew 7360 with special little fixins, a miniwalking foot with a 9" harp and zigzag, and an industrial 5/3 overlocker. sewing is awesome. it may take 8 hours or two days to get a bag or something but its specific to the purpose/person
Hi Russ - I'm intrigued by this bag so thanks for showing it. I wish you'd said more about your fixing method though, where you changed out some straps for "belay straps" (?) if I heard you right and you also showed a metal frame. Can you share a bit more about these aspects please? I'm in the UK and new to bike packing and couldn't find anything similar to what you showed vis belay straps and frame and would welcome a steer in the right direction. Many thanks!
Hey Russ, Where do you buy the (spelling might be wrong...) "Boolay straps" that you mention, to attach the bag to the bars. Thx. (I made my own handle bag bag and I would like to improve the straps).
@@PathLessPedaledTV Ah I missed it. Just watched it. What handlebar bag would you recommend for holding a change of clothes for commuting to the office (slacks and a polo + wet wipes/deodorant)?
@@unkowndata2338 Just about anything that is the right size would work. I'm not PLP, but the Slugger or Little Slugger from Jack Supply Company is a pretty solid product for the money. The Swift Zeitgeist or Catalyst. Small Fab's Chest.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks for the answer, and It's super nice to give some space to brands from outside the us or europe. There's plenty of nice independent makers out there, keep up the good job! Greetings from Brazil btw!
@@PathLessPedaledTV I was looking more into it , it seams that the fixation system is identical to that of the swift industries zeitgeist, in theory making it possible to use it as a saddlebag. I was wondering what was the problem with this setup that you have faced?
@@brunopaivamiranda5702 you can attach it but its not going to close. The whole idea of the "rando closure" is that it is held shut by the steerer tube. There is no point in the saddle to hold the bag close.
There is still no distributor of our brand in the USA. But we are interested in finding alliances, since there are free trade agreements between our countries that could help.
In checkout, select your country and state to activate shipping options. We ship worldwide just for 45.000 CLP (about 52 US Dollars). In this shipping you can add how many products as you want without increasing the cost.
"Boxy, but good." That's how Volvos were described by the alcoholic ad-man played by Dudley Moore in the '80s movie "Arthur," but I bet you're too young for that! 😁
@@PathLessPedaledTV It came mounted on the bike. Its not mounted On the handlebars but on the vertical. Reorient the entire wiring on the bike seems like a good idea.
Is it terrible I look at htat bag and think 'Huh, how hard would that be for me to make?' And the conclusion is 'I could maybe pull it off, but there's a lot of work that goes into that.'
@@PathLessPedaledTV Pretty much that ya. I can iterate a bunch of times, then realize the end product still has stitching issues, and question how well everything will hold. Or just buy this thing. I doh ave a wild idea of a rando bag/backpack combo where the backpack is made to clip onto a rear rack, and you can slide it off, slide a couple supports up on the top part of the bag, slide the rando bag onto that and you have a whole backpacker unit.
100% That 'waterproof' is overrated. People have been using bags in bags to protect gear for backpacking for decades. It's what I do with anything I care about when bikepacking.
Super nice bags, but kinda miffed that Choike still uses the Nazi Elhaz rune inscribed in the KDF gear wheel. Basically showing this bag would be illegal in Germany.
It's an interesting anecdote. But for us the symbol inside the gear has a very different origin and meaning. This is the footprint of rhea pennata (a relative of the ostrich) that inhabits the flatlands of Patagonia.
Cool to see a chilean bike company being shown here!
Also well thought-out design all around
Choike is a great company, It's nice to see them on your channel.
Hi, uncle Atom
I love seeing bags and bike stuff from other parts of the world. I follow a lot of folks in the Philippines and Indonesia among other places, and find it so exhilarating to share interests with people in far flung places.
Just ordered mine! Exactly what I was looking for accessibility wise. I'll keep my photo camera in there for quick access. Thanks for the review!
Yea, it's exactly what I was looking for in a bag. My bank pinged fraud in seconds. I got it cleared though, then it went through. About how long did it take to get to you?
@@shalakabooyaka1480 I live in Belgium and the longest part was actually within the EU. I remember it taking about a week for the delivery to arrive at customs, but then taking a week to be cleared and another week to get from customs to my place.
@@cglatz Oh ok, so I dont think it should be too bad to the States then. I appreciate it, have a good day
@@shalakabooyaka1480 Hope you enjoy the bag. I'm loving mine!
@@cglatz It's awesome, I got the mini version! It's now a permanent part of my cockpit with my cedaero devil's kettle bags. (those are awesome as well). Took a few days to get out of Chile, but was quick after that.
Nice one Russ and Israel from Choike! ive been using Choike for almost two years now and its taken great the abuse of my full set up on the road! Kudos from Chile Russ!
There's waterproof, and there's water resistant. The way that the top flap on this one is shaped, it wouldn't really be that water resistant, without tightening up that inner liner piece. I wouldn't mind seeing them have a bit more of a cap-like design on this one to help shed water if you get caught in the rain. You should still be able to build the cap in such a way that you can still shove a hand underneath it to get in as you showed in the video.
I like the small mesh pockets on the inside for organization. Makes it easy to drop keys or lip balm in there and not have to hunt for it.
I like how you contrasted the new bag to what you’re currently using
SOMOS EL MEJOR PAIS DE CHILE HERMANO!
No soy chileno pero tengo amigos chilenos y entiendo la frase😂
@@perdidoenbici JAJAJAJ estaba esperando que alguien entendiera! 🥹
@@melocotoing3343 yo soy ese amigo.
hey russ why don't you create your own handle bar bag? I'm sure everything you want from the bag will be there. It should be a cool long distance handle bar bag 😉
r/MYOG has entered the chat
RUSS YOU SHOULD DESIGN A BAG!!!
PartyPace bags!
Russ - show us your bag!!
Yes, bag first, then on to shoes.
Looks really similar to my Wizard Works bag which I quite like. I added several homemade foam spacers to the part that secures against the head tube. Keeps it further away from the headtube and more evenly upright if that makes sense.
My favorite is ortleib handlebar bag plus. Idk if it was available at this time. But it's just super handy with how you can remove it without removing the mount. And how the actual mounting works. Also the size and total waterproof is amazing. Ortleib is pretty vanilla, but it's really good bag.
For me front bag especially needs to be waterproof since, that's were I keep all my most quick access items so extra waterproofing would be cumbersome to deal with every time.
i like the idea. I am going to make one similar to this. I've grown fond of roll tops. good mounting hardware is a must too. thank you
Choike, from chile , si the Best of bikepacking
Choike has some super high quality products!
Damn, now you have me analyzing shipping and import fees from Chile. This looks awesome.
My bag arrived, and it is great! Used it already on a handful of rides. The bag that arrived had the shock cord woven in an X pattern on the front. Maybe the took your recommendation, Russ.
Yeah they did!
Thank you for the Video Russ! I'm really excited to see a fun new bag that stands out from the current market. The price point is very doable as well. This is what I have been looking for for quite a while.
Great review; thanks Russ! Definitely one to consider.
Choike owns a well-deserved reputation in Chile, they are the main player in the local bikepacking scene since 6+ years ago. Lots of people riding Alaska-Patagonia stop by their workshop to fix falling-apart bags and end up buying a new one.
they mix excellent materials, good craftsmanship, and unique design features at affordable/competitive prices. Israel and caleb always improve their designs while maintaining a steady price over the years. They are also passionate bikepackers and supporters of local events and riders.
with great bikes comes great bikepacking bags.
Nice to see Choike in your channel! I also made a review for this bag, but it wasn't as good as yours hahaha. Keep going!
I would like to watch/read your review very much! Could you send a link where to find it? Thx! ;)
I just wrap my sling bag on my flared drop bar and is working good.
Your Carradice bag is in the same state as my hubby's !! Stay Safe!!
Grande Choike, llevo años usándolos!
I want a smaller messenger bag that uses 2 magnetic fidlock buckles over the handlebars and another magnetic stabilizer at the bottom or elastic cordage!
Cool bag, like the larger size.
Kinda jumped from the seat knowing that the bag´s from Chile... Wherever you go, a chilean you see jaja. Greetings from Chile Russ! Love your content!
lol, a piece of Chile is now in Oklahoma, love this bag
Best bag I've seen yet
Nice review. Russ loves his cordage. By now you’d think all bag makers would send him a bag with it.
worth looking into for me
WowTremendo Choike! 🇨🇱
Nice you left the second review on their website.
An english website could help gather a larger customer pool.
I'm a huge fan of handlebar bags, they're the absolute BEST onbike storage. One question though, how do you mount a front light? Especially if you have no fork crown eyelet, as most modern gravel/adventure bikes don't.
Mid fork mount.
You should make 2 models small and large. Then name one "The Party Bag" and the other "The Pacer Chest".
Great vid Russ👍👍
I feel like the basket bag is undefeated for those who don't mind a front rack. Ease of access, easy to take on and off (important for city bags), and easy to carry while off the bike. Combining most of the selling points for the rando bag vs. the handlebar bag. Bonus points when you have a net and can strap additional cargo on top. Thoughts, Russ?
th-cam.com/video/5xJszeveYgo/w-d-xo.html
Russ, You should get a 20U series clone industrial sewing machine with a 550watt needle positioning system. 20U series do zigzag which is vital for strechy stuff but it will do straight as well. and you should get a binder attachment for it so you can bind edges and you will be on your way. If you need a straightonly high shank machine for all the feet that are available(i think you can get zipper feet and even a rolled hem foot to work on a 20U though) you can get a juki tl series for cheap or many straight only industrial machines for like 800-1100$. You could get a post bed machine off the bat and that would be sick and take up less space in you home but you dont find many bags ever made with the need for a post bed machine. If you go to get a walking foot machine make sure its a Triple Feed walking foot, dont mess around with a dual feed system.
Sewing bags for bikes is pretty fun, not impossible. i have a frame bag and a saddle bag and ive covered bicycle trailers.
My time is worth more to me than the hours of screwing up to get a pretty crappy bag.
@@PathLessPedaledTV word yo
@@PathLessPedaledTV thats very true actually. it took total like 8 hours to make a frame bag. that rando bag there would be a two day project for sure.
@@chrisprice5806 We also started as DIY and can confirm that your time estimate is pretty accurate. And if you add that time to get the materials, it could take a whole week.
@@choikebags yeah mayne.. for those reading this.. the way osprey or ortleib or some other big fabric-gear manufcturer gets these complex designs out with minimal slaving is batching work, using equipment setup for that specific task instead of say, bartacking with your dropfeed/ box-x stiching with a bed machine,,, also having workers who are Adept at One task speeds things up.. like these ppl pump out maybe up to 4000 units in a 12 hour shift with 3 15's and a 30min break with a time of like 7-9 seconds per peice. (dont ask me how i know that)
i have a dropfeed consew 7360 with special little fixins, a miniwalking foot with a 9" harp and zigzag, and an industrial 5/3 overlocker. sewing is awesome. it may take 8 hours or two days to get a bag or something but its specific to the purpose/person
I forgot to mention that it appeared that the shipping cost would be about $45 to California for 2.
That’s a cool bag. And it would fit my bmx bars.
Hi Russ - I'm intrigued by this bag so thanks for showing it. I wish you'd said more about your fixing method though, where you changed out some straps for "belay straps" (?) if I heard you right and you also showed a metal frame. Can you share a bit more about these aspects please? I'm in the UK and new to bike packing and couldn't find anything similar to what you showed vis belay straps and frame and would welcome a steer in the right direction. Many thanks!
Voile straps.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Many thanks for the info.
Robotube, the metal frame is a SWOOD Twisted T rack. PLP has a video on it too. Russ likes it.
@@jfspurlin1 Thanks John. I'll look in to it.
I already have a buying issue with bags....this just ads to it! Great bag at a great price!
Hey Russ will you ever review a Kona Unit X?
Can you remind us where to get the stem mount that fits to the rear of the bag and keeps it off the front wheel - thanks!
Swood Cycles
Russ, where you get the headset spacer/bag bar?
@6:15, I haven't laughed that hard in a while! Thanks.
Somos el mejor país de Chile!
After some iterations companys will end at the grandma like handle bar Boxes with Click Fix connection ;-)
Hey Russ, Where do you buy the (spelling might be wrong...) "Boolay straps" that you mention, to attach the bag to the bars. Thx. (I made my own handle bag bag and I would like to improve the straps).
Voile strap
@D. W. Ha. Thats great!
What straps do you use for your handlebar bags?
Voile
@@PathLessPedaledTV thank you!
Have you see the Route Werks bag? I’ve seen them on Instagram but haven’t see reviews of it.
Yes. Reviewed it.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Ah I missed it. Just watched it. What handlebar bag would you recommend for holding a change of clothes for commuting to the office (slacks and a polo + wet wipes/deodorant)?
@@unkowndata2338 Just about anything that is the right size would work. I'm not PLP, but the Slugger or Little Slugger from Jack Supply Company is a pretty solid product for the money. The Swift Zeitgeist or Catalyst. Small Fab's Chest.
Is it Rando as in randonnée, which is french for hiking?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randonneuring
Is it possible to run this as a saddle bag like other carradice style handlebar bags?
No.
Glad to see stuff form Chile on the channel, check out Plasmo Bikepacking too!
What is the black offset strap holder on the front for?
To lash things on there via molle straps.
Can you use this bag as a saddle bag such as a carradice bag?
No.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks for the answer, and It's super nice to give some space to brands from outside the us or europe. There's plenty of nice independent makers out there, keep up the good job! Greetings from Brazil btw!
@@PathLessPedaledTV I was looking more into it , it seams that the fixation system is identical to that of the swift industries zeitgeist, in theory making it possible to use it as a saddlebag. I was wondering what was the problem with this setup that you have faced?
@@brunopaivamiranda5702 you can attach it but its not going to close. The whole idea of the "rando closure" is that it is held shut by the steerer tube. There is no point in the saddle to hold the bag close.
what is the rod used to hook the bottom part?
Swood Cycles T Rack
Is there a US distributor of this bag
There is still no distributor of our brand in the USA. But we are interested in finding alliances, since there are free trade agreements between our countries that could help.
@@choikebags thanks for the reply if I'm doing the math right it's about $100 usd at this time correct
@@ThePortableHam yes, about 100USD. and for wholesale purchases we can also make discounts on that price.
You should really test "It's a good bag" from Ukrainian company BlackPack.
It's even more versatile and unique.
Y, it's my Outer Shell on steroids... Thanks!
On their website I can’t figure out how to ship to US!
In checkout, select your country and state to activate shipping options. We ship worldwide just for 45.000 CLP (about 52 US Dollars). In this shipping you can add how many products as you want without increasing the cost.
Bag on order gracias Choike!
@@choikebags, do you have any retailers in the US?
@@shakebake2680 we ship direct from Chile
would someone tell me *who makes that T-rack?
thanks
Swood Cycles
"Boxy, but good." That's how Volvos were described by the alcoholic ad-man played by Dudley Moore in the '80s movie "Arthur," but I bet you're too young for that! 😁
I ain't a gen Zer. That's what I was referring to.
That was “Crazy People” not “Arthur”.
Nice unless you have a light on the front of your bike. Other wise very good.
You know. There are tons of different places to mount a front light other than your handlebars.
@@PathLessPedaledTV It came mounted on the bike. Its not mounted On the handlebars but on the vertical. Reorient the entire wiring on the bike seems like a good idea.
Nice bag, but $50 to ship from Chile. No gracias !
Still cheaper than a US made equivalent.
Is it terrible I look at htat bag and think 'Huh, how hard would that be for me to make?' And the conclusion is 'I could maybe pull it off, but there's a lot of work that goes into that.'
How much is your time worth to you?
@@PathLessPedaledTV Pretty much that ya. I can iterate a bunch of times, then realize the end product still has stitching issues, and question how well everything will hold. Or just buy this thing.
I doh ave a wild idea of a rando bag/backpack combo where the backpack is made to clip onto a rear rack, and you can slide it off, slide a couple supports up on the top part of the bag, slide the rando bag onto that and you have a whole backpacker unit.
@@singletona082 be careful. this is how you accidentally start a bag brand (ask me how I know)...
@@thetastyhabits Ya but beyond being 'neat' is the idea 'USEFUL'?
@@PathLessPedaledTV my hourly wage minus taxes
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
What about your light and computer,all won't fit together?
There are many mounts for your light on the fork. You can put the computer on the stem or top tube. Get creative.
Russ loving his flaps… 😐
100% That 'waterproof' is overrated. People have been using bags in bags to protect gear for backpacking for decades. It's what I do with anything I care about when bikepacking.
Super nice bags, but kinda miffed that Choike still uses the Nazi Elhaz rune inscribed in the KDF gear wheel. Basically showing this bag would be illegal in Germany.
It's an interesting anecdote. But for us the symbol inside the gear has a very different origin and meaning. This is the footprint of rhea pennata (a relative of the ostrich) that inhabits the flatlands of Patagonia.
@@choikebags Thank you for the explanation.
first
Aguante Choike!