Interbike Vendor Spotlight: Osprey

Osprey has been selling hydration packs for some time now, but 2010 sees significant growth in their cycling line. Spring/Summer 2011 will see a new line of commuter packs as well as an expansion of their Hydraulics™ collection. They now offer something for every kind of cyclist, from the casual commuter to the hardcore mountain biker.

Product highlights for SS 2011 include:

New Commuter Line

The Momentum and Metron series incorporate the superior fit and comfort of an Osprey Pack with the functionality that is particularly geared to the needs of a bike commuter.

Momentum
The Momentum series is designed with the avid bicycle commuter in mind. Whether the commute is beating city traffic or on rural roads avoiding highway speeds, these packs offer practical solutions for the bike commute lifestyle. Available in Bamboo and Carbide. Momentum 26 at $129; Momentum 34 at $149.

Momentum features include:

• Built-in snug fitting high visibility raincover
• LidLock™ helmet clip
• Separate, padded laptop sleeve, with file sleeve
• Large cell phone pocket on shoulder strap
• Key pocket on shoulder strap with retractable key clip
• U-Lock slot
• 2 side compression straps
• Padded top and side grab handle
• Tuck-away shoulder straps
• Reflective print to front panel
• Blinker light attachment
• Front stash pocket with organizer
• Internal organizer for pump, tubes and tools
• Zippered Side Pockets

Metron
The Metron brings a street look to bike commuting with a messenger bag inspired flap design. Beyond biking across town, the urban styling of the Metron offers an easy transition to days spent riding transit, hitting the coffee shop, or traveling by air or train. Available in Black and Earth. Metron 25 $139; Metron 35 $159.

Metron features include:

• Integrated Raincover in Lid
• U-Lock storage pocket
• Padded laptop sleeve
• Large cell phone pocket on shoulder strap
• Key pocket on shoulder strap with retractable key clip
• 2 side compression straps
• Lidlock™
• Blinker light attachment
• Reflective detail to front of pack

Expanded Hydraulics Line

Osprey is expanding their line of hydration packs for SS’11 with the new men’s Viper and women’s Verve Series. Designed for mountain biking and hiking, they incorporate a streamlined feature set and a more simplified “reservoir to pack” interface than the current Manta and Raptor series.

In addition to Osprey’s signature Hydraulics features – the BPA- and PVC-free  HydraForm™ reservoir and HydraLock™ System, which holds the water load securely, compressing as it empties, thus minimizing water slosh and bounce – the Viper and Verve packs are equipped with:

• LidLock™ helmet clip
• Top zippered pocket for quick access
• Elastic sternum strap, with magnetic bite valve attachment
• Cell Phone / MP3 pocket on shoulder strap
• Blinker light attachment
• Reflective graphics
• BioStretch™ harness
• Spacer mesh backpanel for a lightweight, yet supportive and ventilated fit
• Detachable webbing hipbelt with modified straight ErgoPull hipbelt closure
• Both Verve and Viper are available in 4L ($64), 7L ($74), 10L ($84) and 13L ($94) capacities.

Osprey also announced a partnership with Nalgene for their hydration bladders. The new design results in no “barreling” or “sloshing” of the bladder when it is in the pack.