If you’ve visited this site before, you’ll notice that it looks completely different. Welcome to the new Zugsterbags.com! I think this is the 4th time I’ve re-designed it. Have a look around. In general, there should be a little more of everything – more information, more photos, better organization.

Bike Bags

For 2009, I’ll be working on a few new items which I’ve been asked about periodically for some time now. Primarily, these are bags that go on your bike, not you — a traditional boxy handlebar bag, and panniers. Now you’ll truly be able to be a bag matcher, as you’ll be able to order a full set of color matched luggage for your bike and yourself, all to your own specs! (if you’re feeling particularly flush, that is).

Like my messenger bags, the bike bags will be constructed of Cordura™ and lined with vinyl. They will not be for weight weenies. It will also be likely that you can get them made of waxed canvas as well.

I also have a lighter weight messenger bag in the works, and possibly a few minor changes here and there. It’s my intent to work on the new bags through January and the first 1/2 of February.

Canvas & Leather

If you follow twitter, you might have noticed that I’m starting to work with leather as well. Look for a canvas & leather version of the new Walkabout.

New Ordering Options

I’ve been told “you have too many choices!” on more than one occasion, and people often have major difficulty coming to a decision about what to get. In an attempt to provide people who don’t want to think through every detail with a more streamlined ordering process, I’m implementing a two-tiered system.

Option A – the personalized bag. You choose which model and size and features you want, as well as the major colors (body, base, pockets). You get a black strap, black trim, black velcro, and a limited selection of flap designs (i.e. stripes, argyle, possible a few other patterns).

Option B – the full custom. The full Monty. The big cheese – pick a different color for every piece of fabric if you want. Strap padding color, binding, liner, and anything you want on the flap.

The Queue and Ordering Process

No, it’s not open for new orders yet (see new products above – I want to get those designs finalized first), but we’re getting there. When the queue opens, a deposit will not be necessary to get in line, just an email to the order address (don’t bother now – that email address doesn’t exist yet). As before, the waiting time will be dependent on how many orders are in the queue. I can complete approximately 3-4 bags per working month, maximum. If there are 48 people in the queue, the wait will be over a year.

When your turn is approaching, I’ll contact you by email. At that point you have 2 weeks to specify your order and pay in full, or you go to the end of the queue.

As always, there will be occasional stock bags available to order immediately in the Zugster Store.

When?

“Spring, 2009” is pretty vague. Right now, it’s looking like that most likely translates to early March. If things go well with the new bags, it could be earlier. Subscribe to the email mailing list (which you can do in the footer of any page on the site) to get the announcement first. It will go out to the mailing list a few days before it hits the blog.