Jack the Bike Rack

Brotures OSAKA are keeping the fixed gear dream alive.
Although Osaka and Japan overall isn't so friendly or free for Alley Cat cat's to do what they do best (own the streets with a bike), we were very happy to see purist style fixed gear vibes alive and kickin' in the heart of Osaka.

There were some pretty slick rides on display, and the whole crew there were pretty slick themselves.
Sometimes rules are made to be broken, and that is what we love to see.
Keep up the good work guys 💪.

We're going back in a couple weeks, and we cannot wait to sip in those Osaka feels again.
**ksh*tup **kmylife

Toru has been creating such well-considered and beautifully finished packs in his workshop on the south side of Honshu, Japan.
As part of this, he's made this awesome bikepacking pack system, built specifically for JACK.

Toru explained to us that he developed this pack system with JACK because he felt it could help him achieve a system that stays quiet, stable and intuitive, and wouldn’t interrupt the act of moving or observing while fly fishing out in limited access areas of nature.

His packs are made with the goal of reducing friction (both physical and mental), so he kept the attachment mounts simple and minimal, avoiding overly complex structures.
Easy access to essential items as well as the main volume was also a main consideration.
The top pack can be fitted to any dual opening dry bag, large or small.

For the top pocket specifically, he has used a 210 Denier Dyneema for its balance of lightness and durability.
The mesh it to give visibility to some of your most essential quick access items (think chocolate or bottle opener ;)

This is a one-off project, but he is open to requests and might consider making a small amount more If there is some interest.

Thanks for the great overview of the product Toru!
And for the photo’s.

Please do go and check out his wonderful work.

Did you know,... we got straps!?
Stiff or Stretchy, to suit your packing style, with some nice little details that make the difference.
No rocket-science 🧬. Just reliable and strong. 💪

Bungees come as Standard with JACK, and can do it all.
Use STIFF's for the ultimate in secure loads.

And if you already use our STIFF's or BUNGEES, we'd love to see all the crazy and interesting ways you use them! 👀✨

We are STOKED that Luke (and Wholegrain Co-founder) has released the DX25 & DX35 super haulin' front bags.
What a journey he's been on, and a lot of different journeys (on the bike) to test and develop the bag. It's tough work! 😅 .
Find out more in bio.

DX25 is a particularly lovely partner for JACK + drop bars because it fits snug between the bars, but is built for carrying a lot and traveling far and wide (just like our JACK).
Luke's also sweetened the deal by making a load of other unique bags and pouches to help you stay organised when packing such a large bag! Get them while the limited stock lasts.

Swipe through some pics from when of had a play with a mid-development sample of the DX35. You can find his full thoughts up on bikepacking.com

📸Miles Arbour

Tomorrow is EARTH DAY 🌎🌍🌏 once again.
Every year it seems more and more important to us that we stop and think about how we can contribute more to our beautiful and powerful world.

This earth day we're reflecting on our time riding in Hokkaido, Japan. A place you can truly appreciate the power of the earth, and its methods of creation and destruction.
We rode there for 3 weeks, riding from inactive volcanic lake, over backroads and mountain passes to active sulphur springs, enjoying re-vitalising onsen baths at the end of most days.

Biking is the best way to explore our earth and appreciate its beauty, and the living things that live on it. I hope tomorrow you can be inspired to both enjoy it more, and help to protect it in the ways you have in your power to do so.

We were lucky enough to be able ride there, far from home, and believe that it is important to really consider every bikepacking touring trip we take, in terms of the transport we took to get there.
We all have an impact on this earth, and acknowledging it and then considering every trip is a great start to ensure our impact on the planet reduces. Riding close to home is often just as rewarding (if not more!) than in far away lands.

Big SHOUT OUT to for the route guidance through the island.

We spent some time with the crew and Wholegrain Cycles stockist Eirin late September last year - a small chain of bike shops each with their own vibe. The one we visited in Kyoto leans into the outdoors: gravel bikes, camping gear and all the good stuff. (Also… a thing for small birds 🐦‍⬛)

We headed out for a ride with , and Yoshi, rolling north of Kyoto into the hills. Good people, easy miles and incredible surroundings!

Was a great time 'premiere-ing' our film in person to a load of friends and a few new faces, and showing off CLIFF and CARRIE last Thursday (Thursday is really the new Friday)

BIG thanks to Megan and Piers and Diego and team for hosting us in such a fun and cool space.

Please tell us what you think of our Wholegrain film as well as our CLIFF and CARRIE.
LINKS IN BIO

Lovely 📸's by