Toro Quality Goods

Been away far too long, busy writing for my other blog. But when I saw an email in my inbox from Toro Quality Goods, announcing their remodelled webstore, I suddenly got the 002 urge back. Beautifully crafted and home grown goods from America. Love their leather bar wrap and beanie, top quality and design.

Busyman Bicycles SMP

Another fine example of bespoke leather upholstery from the hands of Busyman Bicycles, this time on an SMP saddle.

And remember when I moved in you, the holy dove was moving too

Mick Peel of Busyman Bicycles is my hero. Having had a bit of experience with a hole punch myself, I cannot begin to imagine what it must've felt like to complete this task. Custom f'izi:k saddle for a Ride Magazine shoot. Can't wait to see the final result. Nice work, Mick, once again!

Why do you show me those sad sad eyes, each time you decide to pass on by

How to make my day: Rapha x Paul Smith! Rapha continues to impress me with their subtle lines and stylish functionality. Read a quick review on Bike Radar, thanks for the heads up, Tracko!

Time goes by so slowly for those who wait

One of my favourite blogs, Secret Forts, recently dropped into the workspace of one of my favourite leathergoods manufacturers, BillyKirk, and shot enough quick flicks to give a good insight into their production facility! Here you can see the BillyKirk D-Lock holders, toe straps and top tube bags being created, and get a bit of an idea about the detail and design ethos that goes into each of their pieces. Good to see the Freeman Transport Gravel Racer has found a corner of the workshop.

Just how fresh can you get y'all, those that are blessed say yes y'all

Leather Cuffs now available in the Ride Joyous shop!

Time to accessorise. The leather cuff has the odd quality of making you feel like Hercules, or a weight lifter from an old world carnival. The truth is, wearing a leather cuff is empowering.

Solid, refined design. Basic, rugged, yet sophisticated. Down to earth.

Fits a wrist circumference of approximately 190mm. Handy slit enables attachment of key ring for D-lock. Thick 3mm beast hide. 4 stud attachment ensures security even under duress.

Stay tuned for more designs...

I got the wandering eye

The DoubleOhTwo shop is now online!

The first product is the Rugged Wallet... Contact me for personalised customisation.
While searching for a wallet that was solid, reliable, well-designed, unpretentious and reliable, I decided to design my own. This wallet consists of a pocket for notes (fits up to an Australian $100 bill – 250x90mm flat), a pocket for cards (room for up to 10 cards) and a pocket for coins. I can create a custom layout according to your personal preference. Each panel colour and stitching colour is customisable. You choose. Contact me for details.
This wallet will mold to your pocket and will develop a lovely aged patina with use.
Wallets have a lifetime guarantee. Constructed from thick saddlery hide and kangaroo lace, this wallet will last a lifetime and provide a secure location for your funds.

Stay tuned for more products coming soon. Tshirts, original artworks, leather bike accessories, cuffs and the odd skate deck.

Who's that gigolo on the street, with his hands in his pockets and his crocodile feet

Spotted at Hipster Nascar and Selectism, a re-release of the Brooks 'Colt' saddle, which is one of the best looking Brooks I have ever seen. Looking forward to Spring 2011, when these will be available. The profile of a Swift or a Narrow with the comfort of a B-17? I'm sold, and the colours are definitely a positive departure from the classic hues. Well done Brooks!

Those fingers in my hair, that sly come hither stare

Oh Christrich. Mick from Busyman Bicycles has completely outdone himself this time. Incorporating ostrich shin skin onto this SMP saddle, it will be a test now to see which triumphs: fashion or function. From my experience, the skin of an ostrich shin is very smooth in one direction only–down. If you rub the leather the wrong way, the scales can be quite sharp. Looking forward to see how this works out!

When the mountains crumble into the sea, that's the day someone'll come

My love for waxed cotton as an alternative to de rigueur materials like Cordura has been well documented. And my spine is beginning to hate my prolonged use of messenger bags for so many years. Maybe it's just that my taste in portage options is becoming more refined in my elder years. Anyway I came across this waxed cotton backpack on Design You Trust and had what alcoholics refer to as a moment of clarity. Brilliant. Made by Frost River, this is the Old No. 7 pack and has the level of construction which I'd expect of Frost River: solid, essential and reliable. "You might as well put this classic style box in your will since it almost certainly will outlast you" claims the preamble. I'm sold, order's in. More info and pricing on the Frost River site!

Y'en a que ça excède, d'autres que ça vexe

More beautiful Brooks saddles by Kara Ginter... Loving the tartan version, can I have one in green? ViaComit!

And when my sun comes out it's destiny, I'll be warming up your frozen ground

The sun is almost breaking through the Sydney clouds this morning, must be because Lauren wore her gorgeous silver periwinkles today!