emailed him a couple of times (1st time 2 weeks ago, 2nd time on Monday), getting no reply. Is this an example of the expected service or is he worth actually phoning?
His seat packs and fuel cells look preferable to the revelate equivalents, but when I have bought stuff from revelate, customer service has been excellent.
Seems to be par for the course ... good stuff but very slow. If you're not in a massive hurry you could always wait for the official launch of the (very high quality) Wildcat stuff which is made in Wales. Expect something towards the end of May.
Par for the course with Carousel? A year late, or never. My money goes to Revolate every time. Eric is a star.
Do you have any details for these wildcat bags?
I could do with a seatpack for the end of April, but will probably be looking for other stuff after that.
MSP - ygm
I wanted to buy the Escape Pod Saddle Packs and High Roller bar bag.
I am trying to contact Jeff in the summer until now. Jeff does not e mail, phone ignored.
I have a Wildcat Bag initial impressions are it's very very good indeed.
Custom made to my bike with an added battery port for my light.
Really high quality materials and very well made. I've yet to use it in anger so can't do a full review yet but I'm really pleased with it.
(I also like the fact there wasn't much hassle in getting it and its hand crafted in Wales 🙂 )
Eric is amazing and the quality of the goods is outstanding.
I know Wildcat bags are using similar materials to Eric at Revelate but will the quantity of the craftsmanship be the same?
I was genuinely shocked about how well made and finished the Revelate kit is.
I'm not knocking Wildcat bags by any means but I hope the quality will be the same league when they are released as the price is similar and Eric has already set the bar very high.
Wildcat Bag? That I do not know. Do you have a link to the page?
Just seen Tigers post - any chance of any pics?
Esp. interested in the inertia and panel joints/stitching etc which was where I was most impressed by Eric's stuff.
inertia and panel joints/stitching
Translate that and I'll take some photos 🙂
Tried Jeff about 18 months back and he took almost two months to email me back with a price list which didn't impress me much so i went to Eric who would generally get back to me within 24hours.
When his handlebar harness/seat pack/gas tank arrived i was very impressed with the quality of the workmanship and functionality of the parts.
I now have a prototype Wildcat frame bag to make up the set, I've since seen redesigned frame bags and the quality is on a par with Eric.
Wildcat are also testing handlebar slings and gas tanks at the moment.
I'd recommend either Epic or Wildcat.
Wildcat has lower postage costs being UK based and doesn't attract Import taxes either, which means it'll work out about £20 cheaper on postage alone.
Where can I obtain the material to make these bags ❓
Have a friend willing to try making some bike bags if I can find the materials. He does industrial lagging stuff so already has all the sewing/cutting gear 😀
Cheers.
Any web links to these bags you speak off?
@flatfish:
[b]Please link to the site Wildcat and Epic.[/b]
Thank you.
I believe I'm right in saying that, anyone taking part in this years Welsh Ride Thing will be able to see some Wildcat stuff in the flesh ... and yes it is very nice. 😀
Trekster, search for a company called North Point.
thanks flatfish but,
Carousel design is much better
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Sorry, but don't know the correct sewing termololgy.
I'll explain - where two panels meet, the sewing joint is on the inside of the bag, so it hives a neat look. Rather than leave the raw edges of the fabric, Eric sews another small flap of fabric along the length of the raw edges. So neat, stronger as there is another 2 rows of stitches and more water resistant to due to the fabric used.
He does this on all joins, like I say it looks stronger etc but it's all these details which makes the product so professional and worth the high purchase price.
You mean like this?
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I agree Bicy, I would prefer the carousel stuff for some items.
However if he isn't interested in my custom, I will have to go elsewhere.
If he is too busy to answer emails, or not interested in foreign transaction, he should say so on his website.
@MSP: I absolutely agree with you.
Ordering bags I have instructed my friend from the USA.
Jeff also ignore customers from USA.
Unfortunately, I've found bags quality that corresponds to the Carousel Design Works.
Looking good Tiger. That's just what i mean 🙂
All the best to Wildcat - they are using the right materials, quality looks like its there too.
The cost of postage and potential customs (Eric massively under values the kit - which helps a huge amount) is the only pain with Eric's stuff.
More choice and more competition has got to be a good thing.
Lets hope Wildcat have some good ideas for new kit with a UK focus.
Just for reference:
From sending my frame stencil to Wildcat it took 9 working days to get the bag in my hand!
All emails answered super quick 🙂
How do I get in touch with Wildcat?
Beware though, She may have a new baby on her hands by now, haven't heard anything for a few days now, although thats not uncommon. 😀
She may have a new baby on her hands by now
Still in one piece at this end, but not long now 😯
Judging by the state of my inbox over the last day, the Cat appears to be out of the Bag 😉
The frame bag business appears to have got itself off the ground simply by making one bag and posting in a fairly low-key way on the forum a few months back. Since then we've had a steady flow of enquiries and have made a number of bags to specific requirements. The intention is to more formally launch ourselves at the Welsh Ride Thing. Between now and the WRT, we're working on a handlebar harness and a top tube pack to compliment the frame bag arrangement. Seat packs are an aspiration at the moment - current designs from Carousel and Revelate are well thought out and would require some work from us to produce something unique that didn't appear a direct copy.
We appreciate that the bench marks are set by Revelate and Carousel. The development of a business from scratch requires a lot of investment of time (and money) to get products up to the standards required, and in this respect we have everything to prove.
The website is still under development. It will be at wildcatgear.co.uk when it does go live, and will post on the forum at the appropriate time.
Beth