Il Soigneur Musette

There's been a bit of a revival in interest in the good old musette of late. They've become a bit of a fashionable option for toting your bits and pieces about on the bike and off- a badge that says 'I'm a cyclist' in a moderately low-key way, even in your everyday life.

Il Soigneur are a small Bristol-based company who are clearly a part of this revival. Their musette bags are produced in limited runs of designs, meaning only a couple of other people at most will have the same bag, and they aim to be simple, inexpensive (between £25-£35) and just a little bit cool. Fabrics are design led and high quality.

The classic musette I tested came in a kitsch retro print aimed at the female cyclist, but designs are available to please anyone and one of the most interesting ranges is that made from banners taken from British Cycling events such as the World Track Championships- unique and a little piece of history. It's a simple bag, made from heavy duty cotton fabric, with press stuff fastenings and a tough webbing strap. There's also a reflective tag.

When wearing the bag, it's comfortable and sits in a good cross body position, with the strap nicely shaped to facilitate this. It'll take a decent amount of weight, but given the size and dimensions, and its design, you'll not be wanting to use it for heavyweight commuting purposes anyway. This is more a casual lifestyle bag.

Provided what you're wearing isn't slippery or especially smooth, the bag does stay put quite well when riding, but not as well when wearing low friction technical fabrics such as waterproof or windproof shells. It's better suited to use with merino tops or some of the more cotton like fabrics that are available in riding kit. It folds up and fits neatly into a jersey pocket as well, so makes a good option for about town visits where shopping might happen.

Verdict

A fashionable and functional casual bag that lets the world know you're a cyclist but doesn't shout about it.