13 August 2010

Ortigiano Bike Bags - Italian Style

Ortigiano Bicycle Bags from Sicily Ortigiano Bicycle Bags from Sicily
Ortigiano Bicycle Shop in Siracusa, Sicily.

The seeds of Cycle Chic have been spread by the winds of change for a good portion of time now and small, fertile gardens of bicycle goodness are blooming all over the world. Not least on the island of Ortigia, just off the coast of Siracusa, Sicily, where Dave Jenkins owns a bicycle shop - Ortigiano.

Dave is known locally as the man with the crazy bicycles. The city rubbish collectors bring him bicycles they find thrown away and he repairs them or uses them for parts. He also rents bicycles to tourists and his shop has become quite a photo opportunity for visitors.
Ortigiano Bicycle shop in Siracusa
Dave also produces splendid bags that deserve a wider audience.
Ortigiano Bicycle Bags from Sicily
He produces them himself con amore and sells them online and in the shop.
Ortigiano Bicycle Bags from Sicily
He has a variety of colours and styles available. Ready-made for your shoulder or your pannier rack. They're made of naturally-dyed cotton canvas and, of course, recycled bicycle inner-tubes. Dave's friend Alessia is responsible for dying the fabric and her steady hand is also involved with making the bags. She also has a lovely website.
Ortigiano Bicycle Bags from Sicily Ortigiano Bicycle Bags from Sicily
Dave collaborates with a friend from nearby Catania who makes unique buttons using lava from Mt. Etna and they add a brilliant detail to the bags.
Ortigiano Bicycle Bags from Sicily

The bags cost €90 plus shipping. Dave will cycle on down to the post office to ship them wherever your heart desires.
Contact Dave through his Ortigiano website.

1 comment:

Philip Smith said...

What bike is that? I love it.
Love the bags also, kewl with a capital K