Goût Watanabe Bags for Oregon Randonneur Bike - Done

The two bags I ordered from Goût Watanabe for the Oregon randonneur bike are done!

They are just as beautiful as expected, and I got to stop by the shop on Saturday to pick them up.

The main item is a large front bag that will carry just about everything except the kitchen sink ... and sit on the rack that Bob K. is building for the bike.

Big boxy bag, but with a rack just above the front fender the top will be at or just below my handlebars.
Nice roomy front pocket for easy access, and side pockets to slide in any things you want to access without dismounting.
Of course, a nice big map case with clear plastic on top.

Open wide.

Ties on the bottom to secure to the rack.

A bit of personalization -- it is a custom made item, after all.

Then there is a saddle bag.  This is surprisingly roomy as well -- as much or more room as the rear bag I have been using for events like the SR600, and wedged under the seat with a taper so my legs do not hit it when spinning.

Thank you Shoichi and Mrs. Watanabe!

Gout Watanabe bags

Today I stopped by Gout Watanabe in Kichijoji to order front and saddle bags for an upcoming randonneur bike.  It took about 45 minutes in all to get the order in place.  Shoichi is the craftsman and Tomoko does the customer service and take the orders.  My bags will be a deep orange canvas with leather, and are for the randonneur bike I am expecting later this year.

Tomoko consults Shoichi about a Nitto rack

Again, it amazes me that one of the best custom/classic bicycle bag makers in the world is only a 30 minute ride from my house.

My front bag will be the orange (left) color, but right-side design, but with somewhat larger dimensions.

Some "models"

This under saddle one looked bigger than I need.

Even some non-bicycle bags here.

More non-bicycle bags.

I also ordered one of their "boot" saddle bags like this, in orange.

Tsukui - Otarumi Loop, and Gout Watanabe bicycle bag shopping

Nothing unusual about this route ... a very nice half day ride with Jerome.  119 kms.
Then another 26 kms into town and back for an alumni group dinner.

We came back via Kichijoji to check out Gout Watanabe, which makes (by hand) some of the nicest bicycle bags in the world.  This is very beautiful and very practical randonneuring gear.