Note the snap closure on the cover strap. I call this the Quick Access Snap and it allows you to open the main compartment by simply unsnapping the straps. I find buckles cumbersome to open repeatedly, particularly when I’m impatient or the weather is bad. The snap option maintains the adjustability of buckles, but facilitates opening the bag easily. If you ask me, it's the way to go!
We all loved Yehuda Moon, right?
If you are not familiar with “Yehuda Moon and the Kickstand Cyclery”, Yehuda was the central character in the web-based comic strip that ran for a number of years starting in 2008. Yehuda embodied a “BOB-ish” approach to life and cycling; his daily commutes offered a musing on the joys of moving on two wheels while he negotiated the irritations of modern car culture and humored the friendly taunts of his speed-focused co-worker Joe. Anyone who’s ever commuted on a bike could easily see themselves in Yehuda. Like many others, I loved the poetic vignettes and lovely comic art.
Imagine my utter amazement when none other than Rick Smith contacted me to order a substantial set of Waxwing bags. Yes, Rick Smith, the creator of Yehuda Moon! I was beside myself. In writing back to Rick I indulged my fan-excitement, let him know how much I loved his work and then gathered myself together and got to work. Making bags for Rick would be, you know, sort of like making bags for Yehuda himself. How fun!
You might notice I shortened the rear panniers front-to-back dimension from 14” to 12” to avoid heel strike issues. (The front set remain standard at 14"). A DockIt decaleur and a set of RaClips provided the attachment scheme for the front bag while the panniers are all secured using RixenKaul mount hardware, which has become my standard go-to.
