Ally Capellino Cavo Pannier

A collaboration between fashionable British accessories designer Ally Capellino and Carradice of Nelson, the Cavo Pannier is a smart, stylish shoulder-bag-cum-pannier designed specifically for cyclists.

Made predominantly from shower-proof heavy duty oiled cotton fabric, as is the signature of many of Carradice's saddle bags, the Cavo also uses a coated canvas base and strong leather for the strapping. There's a rugged plastic zip fastening on both the main compartment and the front pocket, as well as the interior valuables pocket, and an optional webbing strap is supplied as is a waterproof rain cover.

At first glance the bag looks every inch the stylish shoulder bag, with a compact enough size and shape to easily manage. The only giveaway that it can be fastened to a bike rack as a pannier is a pair of stout but discreet leather straps with press studs and small hooks at the back that simply undo, slip round the rails of the rack and then do up again.

There's a robust leather carry handle at the top too, and a decent amount of reflective piping (but quite subtly done).

Surprisingly, this is a bag that will almost certainly appeal equally to both male and female users. Available in smart unisex black or tan, it's a bag that could happily do double duty as a Man Bag or lady's Sac-a-main.

The size is such that it'll take a small notebook or iPad comfortably, with room for a few bits and bobs as well. It's not designed to be the sort of pannier you pile all your worldly belongings into, it's designed to be a smart office or day to day bag that you can hang on your bike. It just oozes quality too.

It fits easily and securely to a rack, and the toughened coated base and rugged leather patch at the base of the rear mean it's not going to get beaten to death by bouncing off the rack struts occasionally. There's no securing mechanism for the bottom, but it doesn't swing much anyway, given its relatively compact dimensions.

You will want to use some sort of sleeve for extra protection for your computer.

The attachment straps for the rack aren't obtrusive at all when not in use. It's not light and it's certainly not cheap, but it is exceptionally well made and ought to last close to a lifetime.

I've stuck this one on my birthday/Christmas wish list already... possibly in both colours. I'll even turn a blind eye to the name.

Verdict

Tough, smart, stylish and functional. A versatile bag that will last for years.