Po Campo Handlebar Clutch

PoCampo is a small Chicago-based company that makes fashionable-yet-functional bags and accessories for the modern bike-gal.

While I don’t mind hauling a backpack or messenger bag on my commute, when I have more professional and dressy events to attend where only a small purse is needed, I have wished for a nicer bag that stood the part. The Po Campo Handlebar Clutch is definitely it. Just as advertised, it’s easy to install, and has enough capacity to carry just the necessary basics for a ride out. I love its modern design, which in my case was the Contrast Damask with Laminated Cotton that has a nice contrasting aquamarine-green inside lining for a splash of color. Notwithstanding its trendy design and look, the material is indeed durable both in regards to dirt and construction, and I felt safe carrying my personal items in it while riding. More important, when cycling around the city with the clutch installed, I got compliments on the bag—both from gals and guys. One of my friends said they’ve never seen such an accessory before, and I loved that!

Now, as much as I loved the bag, I do have a few gripes with it. Unless you live in sunny California or similar fair-weather state, this might not be the bag for you. While the snaps and closers for the bag are substantial to keep things in, and the bag material is laminated to keep the weather out, it won’t keep rain out of its openings. Perhaps an additional zipper or some flashing material could solve that. Also, if you’re planning to use this clutch long into the evening and will be riding with it at night, managing the clutch with a handlebar light will be tricky. Either you try to aim the bike light to point its light through the opening of the bag’s handle—which isn’t easy—or you attach the bag so the clutch hangs lower from the bike’s handlebar. Also, and this might be more of a personal thing, but I wish the bag had more interior depth. Also, an additional extension strap would be nice so you can carry the bag on your shoulder when off the bike instead of just in your hand.

All in all, I highly recommend this clutch bag even though there’s room for improvement. More important, I applaud the ladies at Po Campo for identifying the need for more stylish-yet-functional bike-accessories. I hope to see more from them in the future. Personally, I don’t mind getting down and dirty just like the boys, but on those occasions when it’s more about beauty than brawn, Po Campo’s products are the chic way to go.

The Handlebar Clutch measures 10? x H 6.5? x D 3.5? and retails for $92. Visit www.pocampo.com for more info.

By Bikeygirl

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