RonDSwan.com

Ipad sleeves in Treadlie 5

2011-12-02T12:13:00.000+11:00

The next issue of Treadlie magazine is out and it's a fantastic edition as usual. They've been kind enough to include RonDSwan's ipad sleeve as well.

reclaimed fabric pockets

2011-12-01T14:33:00.000+11:00

New pockets for Commuter Panniers made from clean discarded banners.

shiny musettes

2011-11-28T15:37:00.001+11:00

OK, these musettes are actually flat fabric but our reclaimed metallic and shiny do wierd things.

Just a child size handful of these special colours. If you'd like one, just order a Chrome Musette and then write "It just has to be GOLD (or) BRONZE (or) MELTED CHOCOLATE" in the comments section.

GOLD

BRONZE

MELTED CHOCOLATE

Laptop Sleeve review - Ride On magazine

2011-10-10T10:29:00.001+11:00

We love that the reviewer tested the sleeve on a mountain bike trip and her laptop came back unscathed. Click on image to read review.

Ride On magazine, October-November 2011

...just a note on colours: the black and blue will wear better than the red.

Front Pannier sneak peak

2011-08-16T21:54:00.001+10:00

Ron D Swan has a new range of panniers swanning their way to Ausbike Expo. They're heavy duty canvas and made for low rider front pannier racks. Sturdy as well as very cute.

When is a bike lane a bike lane?

2011-08-16T21:50:00.000+10:00

When is a bike lane a bike lane? When a stencil marks the side of the road of course! This article appeared in one of our local papers after media releases from our newly formed "Mount Alexander Walking and Cycling Action Group".

VicRoads, the authority wielding the stencils says there is more work to do.

We hope so.

Laptop sleeve review

2011-08-09T20:36:00.002+10:00

We at RonDSwan have worked long and hard to produce the best possible padded laptop & ipad sleeve, so we're really pleased with this assessment of them by online newspaper Castlemaine Independent ,

a unique design that hits all the marks – function, materials, usability, manufacturability, and durability.

If you're planning on coming to Ausbike next week, we look forward to meeting you and you can try one out for size.

Usethings

2011-06-03T20:08:00.003+10:00

If it is not useful or necessary, free yourself from imagining that you need it…*

Ron's newest stockist is a little different. The store stocks products that are part of a Shaker Philosophy (above). Usethings in Castlemaine is a store where you won't be asked "do you want fries with that?" but possibly rather "do you really want those fries?" (if in fact, they did sell fries).

Tim and Deb wrestle over the question of what products are really, truly useful - not just right now, but far into the future of that products life.

Ron is very proud to be represented in their collection.

Usethings is located at 8 Templeton St, Castlemaine

Recent new stockists

2011-05-27T21:18:00.000+10:00

Abbotsford Cycles West has recently taken a delivery of RonDSwan's whole range.

5/201 Hyde St, Yarraville

Ron is also lounging around in Daylesford (well, until you go in and pick up a legband or musette) at the St Mel Cyclery, Shop 3 Village on Vincent, Vincent St.

Musette

2011-03-29T11:39:00.000+11:00

Ron is working very hard at the moment to bring out some great new products. The first one up is his take on the Musette:

This little bag is the size and style of a traditional musette
zip closure
cotton strap with metal adjuster
reflective stripe
lightweight, longlasting 8oz canvas
regular colours are Red, Black, Green and Blue
special colours are fluoro yellow and a very flashy Chrome

Email Ron or connect via Twitter or Facebook to be on our product release list. These will be available by mid April.

New payment option

2011-02-28T12:57:00.000+11:00

Ron D Swan can now take American Express cards for payment from our online store.

It was lovely to meet you

2011-02-21T12:56:00.000+11:00

The Sustainable Living Festival -what a weekend it was. Seeing those massive crowds of people interested in how to make changes to their lives and find ways out of old habits is very inspiring. We met alot of fantastic people and Ron is now part of a great many more cycled journeys. Thanks so much for your support.

Bicycles and human powered transport this year was well covered with;

-Bike Town organised by Melbourne BikeFest;

-Trisled and Gette Electric Bikes and RonDSwan at the exhibitor market;

-"Bike City" was an inspiring forum hosted by Charlie Pickering with Adam Bandt, Rob Adams (City of melbourne) and Pip Carroll (BikeFest) all of the belief that a more people-centric (bicycles and pedestrians) city is not too far away. Rob thinks that when Mums get on their bikes with kids, that's when the tables might begin to turn. That double drop-off can be seriously less stressful on a bike.

We spoke to a great many people, some of whom travel 20km on a bike every day but don't consider themselves cyclists. This is what the new people-centric culture will be about, labels will not apply. It will just take a good many of us to step up and make a few changes in our own lives.

Cargo Picnic correction

2011-02-16T15:19:00.000+11:00

Our recent newsletter said that the Cargo Cycles picnic on Sunday 27th Feb was at Carlton Gardens in Melbourne. It is in fact at Edinburgh Gardens North Fitzroy on the same day.

Laptop sleeve preview

2011-02-15T13:45:00.000+11:00

Meet a small stack of Ron's new "Sumo" sleeve. We will have a pre-release at the Sustainable Living Festival this coming weekend. The sleeve is more protective for your laptop or IPad than a skin and less bulky than a whole laptop bag. Some details:

canvas, 12mm high density foam surrounds every edge and side, zip closure, soft lining fabric, webbing finger loop.

Ron will fully release these into his online store and stockists over the next few weeks. Connect with him via Facebook or Twitter (or come back here and visit) and give your laptop the protection it deserves.

Sustainable Living Festival 2011

2011-02-10T11:19:00.000+11:00

Ron is exhibiting in the Green Market at Sustainable Living Festival, Federation Square Melbourne. The big weekend is Friday 18-Sunday 20 February and we'll will be down along the river this time, near where the bike path splits to go up to Fed Square.

Our big news is our new cycling-specific padded laptop sleeve. Many of you have asked us for some serious padding to protect your laptop in our panniers. So we'll have a series of sizes as a pre-release for you to check out.

SLF will have some great cycling features this year - have a look at Treadlie magazines overview.

We're particularly excited about Bike town run by Melbourne Bike Fest. Ron is currently negotiating his involvement in the event....

Castlemaine Cycle Chic - 1

2011-01-14T21:55:00.000+11:00

Ron D Swan is very impressed with the style of Castlemaine ladies and gents who ride their bicycles. We'll be posting photos over the next little while to show you what we mean.
First up we have spotted Sal near the Theatre Royal with her newish Allegro W2 from Bill at Human Powered Cycles. Upright bike, comfortable, stylish.

Another new stockist

2010-12-28T10:49:00.000+11:00

Sherman+Betty is a new store in Katoomba selling many beautiful things, including Ron's A4 bags in Vintage and regular colours.
Shop 9, Town Centre Arcade, 81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba.

Rons new stockist

2010-12-09T14:40:00.000+11:00

Ron is proud to announce his new stockist at Green Collective, 71 Anderson St, Yarraville, Melbourne Victoria. They have a wide range of panniers, A4 satchels, reflective vests, sashes and legbands.

Exhibition in Castlemaine

2010-11-30T10:10:00.000+11:00

Invitation

You are invited to the launch of

Flying the flag for sustainability

A collection of beautiful flags designed in partnership with local community groups and organisations
And artist Alice Steele

(Ron D Swan has a very beautiful flag, thanks Alice)

Supported by:
Mount Alexander Sustainability Group
Helen Macpherson Smith Trust
Greensprings Foundation
Focus on Community

Where: Phee Broadway Foyer
When: 11am, Thursday 2nd December

(The flags will by flying at the Phee until 14th January 2011)

temporary glitch

2010-11-26T10:38:00.002+11:00

We're updating a few things in the online store and are experiencing a glitch. Please email us if you'd like to put an order through today.

Tweed Ride at Melb Bike Fest

2010-11-19T11:41:00.005+11:00

Ron is very proud to be a prize sponsor for Melb Bike Fest's Tweed Ride on Sunday 28th Nov 12-2pm starting at the State Library steps. Visit the festival website for more details.

Melb Bike Fest 2010
Staged over 5 days in November (Wednesday 24th - Sunday 28th), Bikefest is a community initiated celebration of bikes in everyday life.

Through partnerships with cultural, industry and community organisations, Bikefest places bikes at the centre of life in the city, offering a broad program of events addressing ideas around transport, health, sustainability, design, safety, planning, youth and cultural engagement.

Our goal is to improve conditions for bike riders on the road by positioning bike riding as a high status, desirable and above all, enjoyable activity. We recognise bikes as important tools for change and celebrates the optimism, creativity and diversity within Melbourne's bike riding community.

Bikefest aims to normalise bike riding in Australian culture by providing an accessible, non-competitive and celebratory event for bike riders of every ability and riding style.

Roll on down to 1000 £ Bend (361 Little Lonsdale Street, City) and see what all the fuss is about!

Check out our full program of events at http://www.melbournebikefest.com.au/

gift vouchers available next week

2010-11-17T13:18:00.001+11:00

Ron knows how hard it is to choose which colour bag, especially for someone else. So, next week you'll be able to purchase a gift voucher from his online store.

Bike Polo result

2010-09-15T13:21:00.002+10:00

You may remember Ron sponsored the Bike Polo team "polocalypse now" with exclusive "signature edition" hand luggage. Here are the results:

PN: Thank you so much for the awesome bags, a few people asked us about them
in Melbourne and at the Worlds so we pointed them towards your website

Here are some photos attached of us + bags :D

RDS: And the result was?

Ah well lets just say that we learned a lot while we were over there. The level of play in Europe / North America is far higher than the level we usually play at here in Australia

We came 64th of 64 :-) so in a way we did win the DFL prize which was kinda cool. Picked up some new mallets and t-shirts! hehe

Thanks again!
rob

electric trike basket

2010-08-23T20:16:00.002+10:00

Well it's a one off for now, but RonDSwan made Paul a basket cover for his electric trike. Now it's weatherproof, things won't fall out, and the very dodgy original basket won't fall apart. We're very proud of the sneaky electric cord hole and charger position.

Ausbike and our new favourite thing

2010-08-23T19:54:00.003+10:00

We went to Ausbike and found our new favourite thing - a Monark Transport Scooter. We're desperately trying to find a use for it.

"beautiful blue" vintage bike for sale

2010-08-12T11:50:00.003+10:00

Vintage 1980's Ladies 10 Speed Step Through
For sale $650 from Mechanarchy

This beautifully presented Ladies Bicycle has been lovingly restored in our Workshop. It has been fitted, for your safety, with a new chain, new gear / brake cables and casings, new rear freewheel, new brake levers, tyres and tubes.

We have selected the very best Second-Hand Components from our stock, including wheels, handlebars, seat, mudguards, front chain ring, front and rear derailleurs and brake calipers, and have meticulously refurbished them, so that your new bike retains its originality as much as possible.

This bicycle has undergone a ground-up restoration. The Frame has been fully repainted in metallic blue duco with contrasting hand painted Silver detail, and all bearings have been cleaned or where necessary, replaced, re-greased and re-assembled.

It is a delight to ride and will provide years of safe, reliable, comfortable and stylish riding pleasure.

Two High Quality Hand-Crafted Ron D Swan Vintage Panniers are included, providing you with lots of secure and waterproof picnic, shopping or clothing space.

Your new bicycle also comes complete with a unique owners manual, tool kit and 6 month written guarantee.

A note from Ron: The fabric these panniers are made from is one of our rarest canvas. We believe the fabric was printed over 40 years ago by Brella.

Sneak peak: Unique pannier colour in Foursquare competition

2010-08-04T08:48:00.005+10:00

This light orange and brown absolutely unique pannier colour will be on the streets of Melbourne over the next few weeks and is the key to our Foursquare competition. You could win a Ron D Swan pannier if you spot this bag ... more details to be announced.....

Ron D Swan in Photo Exhibition

2010-08-03T13:09:00.004+10:00

Ron D Swan is appearing for a short time in a Photographic exhibition as part of Energise Enterprise, the small business festival in Victoria. The exhibition "The Designers"will be on display from this Friday 6th August - 14th August in the Atrium at Federation Square Melbourne. We'll also be at the "designers market" in the same place Friday 13th August.

new A4 bag colours

2010-07-27T12:18:00.004+10:00

Our red and black A4 bags have made it into Ron's online shop. Same great bag, just less stripey.

new bicycle in the fold

2010-07-27T11:51:00.004+10:00

Our Floyd has a new old bike. We're in love with the retro red frame and our (potential) new product in the shiny bumpers. Tony at The Bicycle Garden has some lovely restorables and great know-how in making the bike rideable for a small boy.

Bike Polo World-Champs-To-Be supported by Ron D Swan

2010-07-21T13:32:00.004+10:00

Ron is delighted to support the Bike Polo team "polocalypse now" Tali, Rob and Virginia on their way to the Berlin World Championships in August. We just dropped of their "signature edition hand luggage" (Ron's A4 bags) with Bill at Human Powered Cycles (who are also supporting their quest). We'll keep you posted on their successes.

the designer at work

2010-07-19T16:07:00.002+10:00

Chris, our designer, designing Castlemaine winter style. Luckily not in the fashion industry :)

Ron D Swan and Cathy Parry an introduction

2010-07-14T16:45:00.001+10:00

last Fresco Green bag!

2010-07-06T10:49:00.004+10:00

Great colour, dreadful picture, but this is the last Green Fresco bag we have for sale. Ron has searched high and low in his fabric stash for more to no avail. This bag has the Green Fresco design with a navy body and navy strap. He's lonely, he needs a new home.
Maybe email us or purchase one of the other vintage colours leaving a note that you'd like this colour instead.

Ron's garden thoughts

2010-07-05T16:29:00.005+10:00

Ron's been thinking about his garden again, now that it is a huge pile of clay (yet with plenty of earthworms). So he thought he'd re-post his How-to-make-a-tyre-swan how-to.

For those of you who are really really interested, Ron has initiated this blog dedicated to Tyre Swans. He'd love your input.

Thanks to Jenny and Karen for their pics.

quiet, but not really

2010-06-30T16:40:00.003+10:00

We've been a bit quiet of late (communications wise that is). Not because we haven't been busy. But we've been building our new little house. Ron's HQ's HQ. We're now keeping warm in our toasty wooden quilt.

offcut arrival

2010-03-29T08:52:00.003+11:00

Thanks go out to our secret supplier for the latest pickup of offcuts. There is so much thrown out in industry, and it is surprisingly rare to find a manufacturer who is willing to put their discards aside. I've spoken to managers who say they throw their offcuts out, and there is no opportunity for that to change.
These offcuts will go into pockets and other items yet to be dreamed up. When we get quite a bit of a certain something we never expected, it really gets the ideas going and you never know what will result.

vintage canvas 101

2010-03-12T10:36:00.008+11:00

Ron touts vintage canvas in his range of Pannier and shoulder bags, but what does he mean by this?

(original colour names: fresco yellow, fresco green)

The canvas in your vintage bag is between 20-40years old but in pristine condition. It was sourced from a factory that had a hideaway corner and a manager that couldn't throw anything out (we like his style!).
Some of that canvas is the end of a roll, some is from an awning that was made up for a customer but then rejected for some reason (eg it might not have fit properly).
The canvas made at that time was all Australian made cotton. They are often very bright or highly patterned (not just linear).

(original colour names: Wrought Iron Mandarin, Brella p95 "fruit shop" design)

These patterns were discontinued in the early 1980s when presumably people became more boring.
Ron is an avid awning spotter and the bags pictured have been seen on houses recently.

(original colour names: Madrid Ming, Brella p223)

In whatever form this canvas came to us in, one thing remains: once it is gone, it's gone. Unless of course we are very lucky and find another stash in another enlightened managers' factory.

favourite pannier colour returns

2010-03-08T15:31:00.002+11:00

Ron has one of his most popular pannier colours back in stock. As you know, due to the nature of reclaimed fabrics, they sometimes disappear for a while, then reappear with much excitement (from us anyhow). The colour is called Blue/Grey.

Facebook Land

2010-03-02T11:39:00.002+11:00

We have entered Facebook Land. We have been guided with a friends hand and are tentatively walking on our own through this new landscape. What we need now is fans to help us find our way, please join us!

what a weekend

2010-02-22T16:48:00.004+11:00

Well SLF 2010 was very big and exciting. Thanks to all of you who visited and had a chat or bought something from Ron.

Whoo Hoo, we're off to the Sustainable Living Festival

2010-02-17T22:35:00.005+11:00

Well this is the big outing for Ron's year. The Sustainable Living Festival at Fed Square, Melbourne, running from this Friday 19th-Sunday 21st 10am - 6pm (until 5pm on Sunday).

A few features of our stall this year:

- New to Ron D Swan is "Choose your own strap colour". We'll have some of our Commuter Panniers there in an mostly finished state and you'll be able to choose your own strap colour.

- due to high demand, we'll have another new design called the Safety Sash. It's a simple sash vest at an affordable price. Stylish and very easy to use.

- Just what you've been asking for … our Commuter Pannier now comes in a range of plain colours. All the features of a great bag on and off the bike, just without the stripes!

- Just when you thought there was enough colour, we have made up a few extra very limited edition Vintage Panniers. You won't see them in shops or even our website, just at the Festival.

Our new website will be uploaded very very soon. Very exciting times.

New South Australian stockist

2010-01-28T14:42:00.001+11:00

South Australians can see Rons panniers, bags and legbands in the flesh at his new stockist Ecolateral, located at 411 Magill Rd, St Morris. He's really, really excited!

Gearing up for Sustainable Living Festival

2010-01-25T14:47:00.004+11:00

Ron is getting excited about our major outing for the year, the Sustainable Living Festival at Federation Square, Melbourne, Friday 19th Feb-Sunday 21st Feb.
This is his chance to showcase new products and test prototypes, talk to his customers and have some great specials.
It's still about 3 weeks away, but put it in your diary now, there are some fantastic talks and workshops and a whole heap of interesting stalls.
See you there.

last minute orders

2009-12-21T11:26:00.002+11:00

It's nearly here.....!

If you order by today, we can post your last minute order. If you leave it to tomorrow (tuesday) we'd probably be best to try a Gift Voucher as parcels seem to take a little longer sometimes.

OK, elves are calling....

Christmas orders

2009-12-07T08:27:00.002+11:00

HI, It's nearly Christmas time. Ron's elves are very busy sewing your panniers and bags, but the post gets really slow at this time so remember to get your orders in in the next 2 weeks to guarantee delivery by Christmas.

Bicycle Film Festival Street Party

2009-11-27T14:45:00.002+11:00

Come to the Bicycle Film Festival Street Party on Sunday. Ron's Cathy will be one of the judges of the Bicycle Beauty Pagaent. You might win a Pannier or Legband.

....We all have talents. For some people the honing of talent involves years of research, training and dedication. For others, it involves waking up, scratching their head and thinking 'what will I excel at today?' Here at the BFF, we believe that every bike has a talent, and we are pretty sure (after years of rigorous testing) that no training, study, application or exertion of any kind is required to bring this talent to the world. In fact, we know that ALL YOU HAVE TO DO to uncover your bike's special talent is enter the two of you in the BICYCLE BEAUTY PAGEANT . You won't know what your bike's talent is until it's revealed to you on the catwalk. We've seen it happen. Prizes (and sashes) for second runner up, first runner up and Melbourne's most beautiful bike (and owner). Taking place at the BFF Street Party this Sunday 29 Nov, Cnr Cambridge & Peel Sts Collingwood at 3.30pm....

Canberra has panniers

2009-11-27T11:23:00.001+11:00

Wow, Mooble, our sole ACT stockist has jut received their delivery of beautiful panniers. Now you can check out the panniers in person.

Riding to work today

2009-10-12T09:34:00.003+11:00

Well I finally rode to work today. I've had a number of reasons for not riding in recent times - my best one is that my business was home based (others included being too pregnant, having a teensy baby with me, and living in a bike unfriendly place). So today it all came together - it nearly came unstuck yesterday when I over inflated my tyres and the front one split. But luckily I had my new old bike (pictured) and it got me here today.

My point is, after that extended intro, that riding to work is great! It is such a perfectly human scaled thing to do. I smiled and waved to several people, they smiled and waved back. I got to see so many trees and plants in their new spring state. I arrived at work quietly and slowly. It was a really great way to start.

I know all you guys know all that, but it's been a while for me and it's great to be back.

don't know about you, but I've stopped buying Bonds...

2009-09-01T09:37:00.002+10:00

an excerpt from AftMAg...

"PacBrands chief executive Sue Morphet said yesterday that sales of Bonds underwear, the company's most visible brand because of its association with sporting identities such as Pat Rafter, had suffered a "small dip" after the job cuts were announced.

Other shoppers dumped King Gee clothing because of its connection to the workforce, Morphet said.

But in both cases the impact had lasted only two to three weeks and sales had since recovered, she said.

"It was like we had a family argument and customers didn't like what they were hearing," the PacBrands chief said yesterday, unveiling a loss of $234million for the year.

"But the fact is they have continued to love us, and we've solved our problems."

Morphet said some customers had protested by switching from Bonds to Holeproof, unaware the latter label was also a PacBrands product...."

There are Buy Local campaigns springing up all over the place. This is also why we do what we do - you get what you see with RonDSwan and other small local businesses. It makes us quite mad, and it is hard to easily find replacement products when you're angry with a large company's dealings with its employees and customers.

new vintage A4 bags

2009-07-30T15:33:00.003+10:00

We just finished sewing up some very nice vintage fabric A4 bags.

just a thought

2009-07-30T15:19:00.002+10:00

maybe it's because I get a tiny amount of sleep every night, but .....

how annoyed do you think the human race would feel if aliens came to earth and made first contact with squid instead of us?

just thinking about the state of the planet and all....

I think we need a holiday...

2009-07-23T13:09:00.003+10:00

forward notice of price changes

2009-07-03T14:08:00.006+10:00

Ron has to concede that he can't provide free postage anymore on his bags, panniers, vests and legbands. From 15th July 09 posted products will be the following prices:

Panniers (regular): $165 + $10 postage
Panniers (vintage): $180 + $10 postage
A4 bags (regular): $110 + $10 postage
A4 bags (vintage): $120 + $10 postage
Vests: $49 + $5 postage
Legbands: $20 + $1 postage

New stockist in Brisbane

2009-05-11T09:48:00.003+10:00

Ron is swanning his way as we speak to our newest most Northist stockist. Epic Cycles at 81 Baroona Rd Paddington, Brisbane has a selection of panniers, legbands and vests. They have specialist commuter knowledge so if you live nearby, we hope you'll visit them and check out Ron in person.

pic from a customer

2009-04-23T16:03:00.003+10:00

Thanks Renata for this cute picture of one of our original Shopper panniers, taken on Wilson St bike super highway, Sydney.

Rons new Castlemaine stockists

2009-04-22T12:38:00.003+10:00

Our new most local stockist is Castlemaine Cycles in Hargraves St. The lovely Jason will be very happy to meet you. Ron also highly recommends eating and drinking next door at the Theatre Royal. The head chef Leanne is a very happy new owner of one of our A4 bags bought from The Down to Earth Store in Barker St.

Ron moves out of home

2009-04-20T14:15:00.003+10:00

Ron has finally grown up and moved out of home - into a little factory in Castlemaine. We're excited. And we have our house back. Actually, we have no idea how we did without all this space.

Ron welcomes his newest team member

2009-01-16T11:48:00.003+11:00

Meet Rolph, Ron's newest team member. He arrived last week very late for work, but luckily Ron is a very understanding boss. Floyd his brother has been assigned to give Rolph basic training.

Oakleigh Cycles now stocking Ron

2008-12-10T14:23:00.002+11:00

Hi. Ron can now be seen in Oakleigh Cycles at 61A Atherton Rd Oakleigh. Be sure to visit them if you're in the area! They have a selection of bags, legbands and vests.

Ron's moved!

2008-11-08T08:34:00.002+11:00

Ron has packed up his nest and flown up to Castlemaine, Victoria. From now on, Ron will operate his business permanently from here.
There are plans for next year to have a factory outlet. Until then, he hopes you will visit his stockists, persist with the website or call (0402 870 469) if you wish to inspect Ron's products or purchase anything.

new postcard out now

2008-09-28T12:23:00.003+10:00

We've just had a whole lot of new postcards printed up. They've been printed on recycled paper with vegie inks and are not laminated so they are totally recyclable (although we'd love you to keep them for a while and pass them on to your friends). You might find them at a cafe or our next festival stall.

Shop Bluebottle

2008-09-22T12:29:00.004+10:00

If you find yourself in North Melbourne and you really want a coffee and check your email in a really nice environment, Ron suggests you find your way to Shop Bluebottle. North Melbourne is Ron's birthplace and he is very excited to announce that he now has a very worthy stockist very near his old haunts. They have lots of Ron's bags and legbands in lots of colours. You can also buy your little niece/nephew/son/daughter a cute wooden bike or get a really cool torch for yourself.

Bike Now now stocking panniers

2008-09-05T13:43:00.003+10:00

Ron's spreading his wings as has flown some panniers into Bike Now, cnr Kingsway & Park St, South Melbourne.

Thank you Bicycle Victoria

2008-08-21T12:03:00.005+10:00

Many thanks go to Bicycle Victoria for their donation of old (yet nice and clean) pvc banners. They are being made into quite a number of pannier liners and pockets.

Panniers waiting for you at Brunswick St Cycles

2008-08-20T17:21:00.003+10:00

Brunswick St Cycles, Fitzroy and BSC, Elizabeth St Melbourne both have Ron D Swan panniers in stock now. Go in and have a look. Please... if you're in the area...

ATA banner in your pannier

2008-08-11T15:52:00.004+10:00

Many Thanks go to the ATA - Australian Technology Association for thinking thoughtfully about their waste. Now their old banner will find it's way into several panniers. Feel free to send us your old banners (in clean condition).

Tyre Swans, Bicycles and French Toast: presentation

2008-08-11T10:50:00.003+10:00

Cathy is giving a short presentation at:

post post: here it is on You Tube:

The Sustainable Cities Round Table on
Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Tuesday 12 August night, 6 – 8pm
Copeland Theatre, Economics & Commerce Building
University of Melbourne
RSVP by Friday 8 August to rsvp@sustainablemelbourne.com

The challenge of climate change presents many opportunities for new sustainable ventures. Entrepreneurs working in this space are able to creatively develop innovative solutions that have environmental, social and economic benefits, yet like all entrepreneurial ventures it is not without risks. At this Sustainable Cities Round Table we will showcase examples of proactive entrepreneurs who have taken this step and bravely gone where no mainstream business has gone before!

The evening will feature a series of short presentations, musical interludes, networking opportunities and more!

Speakers:
Olivia Davis, Sprinkla magazine;
Nick Savaidis, Etiko Fair Trade;
Mitch O'Sullivan, Waterwall Solutions;
Kevin Huang, BinIt!;
Alexi Lynch, the Environmental Jobs Network;
Cathy Parry, Ron D Swan: Bags and Cycling Accessories;
Bruce Rowse, CarbonetiX;
Cam Hines, Mountain Goat Brewery;
Wilson Lennard, Aquaponic Solutions;
Elizabeth Boulton, Logistick – Sustainable Supply Chain Solutions; and
Aldo Penbrook, Central Victorian Carbon Auditing Service.

Abbotsford Cycles now stocking Ron's entire range (well, mostly)

2008-07-22T17:44:00.005+10:00

Ron's panniers are now in stock at Abbotsford Cycles, 27 Swan St Richmond (under Richmond Station). They also stock our A4 bags, legbands and vests.

New Brunwick stockist

2008-07-22T17:39:00.002+10:00

If you ride the Upfield bikeway to work, make sure you acquaint yourself with a new bicycle workshop and store. Huw at Commuter Cycles has just opened at 14 Prentice St, Brunswick (on the west side of the railway line at the Victoria St crossing, turn left at the pink Middy's building) . They have Ron's legbands, panniers and vests.

Sydney Pannier Stockist

2008-07-18T17:18:00.003+10:00

A bunch of panniers are on their way to Cheeky Transport, 3a Georgina St, Newtown. If you're in the area drop in and say hello!

glimpse into our workroom

2008-07-17T16:37:00.004+10:00

Chris has just made a beautiful new cutting table that just fits into our canvas storage room. It's cold in there, but nice. The fabric is a great vintage stripe that will make into a pannier for you to ride around with soon.

pannier prize winner

2008-07-15T12:50:00.004+10:00

We've finally drawn the prize winner for a commuter pannier from our competition the ran at the Going Green Expo 08 and the HomeBiz Expo 07. We'll be contacting our winner and sending out a pannier.
Floyd did a great job in picking the winning slip of paper. Thanks Floyd.

New Hobart stockist

2008-06-30T13:41:00.003+10:00

Ron is very excited to announce that Bike Ride at 74a Liverpool St Hobart, Tasmania is now stocking Ron D Swan panniers, Legbands and A4 Bags.

Cathy at Going Green Expo on You Tube

2008-06-16T16:51:00.004+10:00

Here's a video on You Tube taken by Roger Carthew at Going Green Expo. Cathy isn't used to being interviewed on video.

ABC radio starts taking cycling

2008-06-13T11:56:00.005+10:00

Geraldine Doouge talks to the new owner of the bicycle shop chain Goldcross Cycles - the man who also owns Super Cheap Auto!

Richard Aedy talks to Chris Rissell about the health benefits of cycling

Talk Back radio talks cycling

Going Green Expo Pics

2008-06-09T12:51:00.005+10:00

We had a great expo this weekend and managed to not use our van once! We caught the train about half the time with all our gear and car pooled with our friends from Going Green Solutions the rest. The only thing we couldn't take on the train was "lady", our vest display mannequin.

Here is our set up on the train, I don't think we annoyed anyone:

Our set up at the expo:

And off we go:

you can buy panniers from next week

2008-06-06T19:56:00.003+10:00

Our "Commuter" Pannier will be made available for general sales from next week. I'll populate Rons online SHOP with some pics and prices by Friday 13th. We think there will be a 2 week lead time from order for a short while. Thanks to the lovely people who have purchased our panniers at the Going Green Expo. Still 2 days to go to check them out in person.

10 reasons you might like a Ron D Swan pannier

2008-05-23T15:05:00.009+10:00

1. It's made in Australia using at least 70% reclaimed materials

2. It looks 100% better than any other pannier

3. It has the most innovative attachment system on the market - made for your comfort

4. It has a comfy shoulder strap that has a great hideaway position when you ride away.

5. A front pocket big enough for your wallet, keys, phone - all the little things you don't want to loose

6. a large interior - fits an A3 folder

7. inside is lined with a pvc offcut, this gives you your second line of defence against water invasion

8. 9. 10. a whole lot of other reasons I can't think of right now

pannier colours

2008-05-23T14:35:00.005+10:00

Well here are a few pictures I'm very glad to post. These pannier colours will be the initial available ones, with more to follow in future - but these are here to stay for a little while. First in-person opportunity to buy will be Going Green Expo in only 2 weeks time.

RRR interview

2008-05-21T10:39:00.001+10:00

Cathy was interviewed last night on the RRR "Along for the Ride" podcast show. Listen to it here. Or listen to past shows. Learn a little more about what Ron's all about.

no market today for us

2008-05-18T11:02:00.003+10:00

Apologies, but we couldn't get to Shirt and Skirt market today. To make up for it, we'll have a limited number of panniers for sale at the Going Green Expo in under 3 weeks time. In any case, we'll be definitely be taking orders from then on.

Prices and standard colours will also be avaliable then as well.

the pictures

2008-05-12T12:16:00.002+10:00

Well here it is. Ron's finalising a few things and he'll be taking orders very soon. Keep holding your breath!

Pannier Update

2008-04-24T17:16:00.002+10:00

Can it really be true? Is the design really finalised? Is there really a sample final prototype currently being sewn?

No pics yet, but stay tuned, and maybe even hold your breath!

Awning spotting - High St Northcote VIC

2008-04-18T10:55:00.005+10:00

As you may or may not know, Ron is a dedicated awning spotter. As he flies across the country/cityside he carefully notes all the awnings of interest. As a special initial image in this awning showcase, he's found an old and battered awning made from multiple old Brella colours.

You will never see anything of the like again.

Come visit us!

2008-04-17T09:46:00.004+10:00

Come visit us at the Shirt and Skirt Market (details in the column to your left). We'll be there on the 3rd Sunday of April, May and July. We won't be there in June because we'll be exhausted after our Going Green Expo marathon (also on your left).

We'd love to see you there.

Girl shapes v's guy shapes

2008-04-11T08:50:00.007+10:00

Ron's discovered a wierd thing (although perhaps it is a widely known fact) . Guys don't like square bags, but will wear a rectangle bag. Girls will happily wear either.

Is there some mystical fashion rule in a dusty old book on Giles's library shelves that we should know about?

Hi

2008-04-10T14:24:00.003+10:00

We've just uploaded images in our shop of the new A4 Bag. There's 7 or so colours and all have a reflective stripe, zippered full width pocket, rear book pocket, 2 little side pockets (for your phone and baby spoons etc). It's also our first shoulder bag that is pretty much rain proof. And all delivered to your door (within Australia) for $110.