Eco-friendly bikepacking and caps
« Le Rouquin qui roule » simply means the « cycling redhead », a tongue in cheek moniker!
My name is Patrick, originally from Dublin, Ireland, now based in centre-Brittany (France). I was a bike mechanic and now I sew bikebags. I propose all of my bags in a variety of colours depending on the current inventory. However if you are in a rush, I also have a selection of stock models ready to ship. Upcycling is the repurposing of something that already exists and for which energy has been consumed in its production. I only use fabric from the circular economy (fabric offcuts etc.).
Why ?
A blown zipper? Off to the dump… Did you know that the textile industry is one of the main sources of greenhouse gases? Thus it seemed a bit absurd to contaminate the purity of the bike by following the well-worn path🤔
I use « waste products » in the fabrciation of my eco-friendly bike bags: factory offcuts, dead stock fabric, finished articles with superificial errors… These waste products are thus transformed into a resource via the circular economy 🙌
What fabric ?
I only use fabric from the circular economy that is: waterproof, durable and UV-resistant.
I use for example factory offcuts from Guy Cotten (making the renowned “yellow oilskin » since 60 years) and waterproof canvas from marine upholstery workshops and custom outdoor awnings.
A fair price ?
Working with fabric from the circular economy is extremely labour intensive. My small-scale artisanal workshop allows for bike bags made to measure 100% made in France.
Zero waste ?
My bike bags are the end result of a process ofupcycling of fabric destined for the dump. Fabric gleaned from the l’circular economy is a minimalist way of working with a low carbon footprint. I try to do my best on all fronts… the cadboard boxes that I use for sending parcels are donated by local shops! But is it possible to be totally zero waste?
My bikebags must stay the trials of the road. In this manner I am obliged to buy technical haberdashery such as waterproof zippers, velcro and webbing. As of spring 2022, all of my suppliers and fabricants are European.
Who are we ?
The workshop is based in Centre Brittany, in a lively town called Rostrenen not far from the canal Brest-Nantes and EuroVelo 1. In fact we’re renting 3 rooms as a little B&B. Feel welcome to visit us!
Patrick imagines, draws, cuts and sews… He is the creative mind behind each bag. Born and raised in Ireland he is the « Le Rouquin Qui Roule » or « Redhead that rides » 🤗
Florie, his girlfriend, helps from time to time with the cutting but she is most at ease behind the keyboard: the website, partnerships and communication are her handywork!