Let’s go out with iruCover

iruCover, the traveling bag specially designed for iruka has been released. As the developer, I’m here to give all Flippers (the collective term for iruka owners) a quick tutorial on how to use it.

iruka is light, but I wouldn’t say it’s ultra-light. Instead, one of its standout features is its ease of rolling transportation when folded. With this in mind, iruCover was developed with a key requirement: enabling iruka in Walk mode to roll smoothly without exposing itself.

 

Inside the outer bag, you’ll find the main bag and a strap. The outer bag closes with a Velcro strap, which also serves another purpose  (more on that later).

 

From left to right: the outer bag, the main bag, and the strap. You might find the outer bag larger than expected. The main bag has an open bottom, which can be secured with a drawstring for opening and closing.

 

Now, let’s use these three components to roll iruka in Walk mode.

 

 

Step 1: Place the outer bag over the saddle. The large size of the outer bag is for this purpose.

 

 

Step 2: Fold the lower half of the main bag back, just like hemming a pair of pants.

 

 

Step 3: Use the four Velcro straps to secure the folded hem in place. A stitched line marks the folding point, making it easy to find the right position.

 

 

Step 4: With the height reduced by half, place the main bag over the bike. Let the seat post stick out through the rear opening at the top, and zip it closed. The open bottom allows the front and rear wheels, along with the casters, to remain in contact with the ground. You can now roll the bike by pushing the saddle.

 

 

If the tires or the main bag are wet, the bag might stick to the tires and be pulled off while rolling.

 

 

To prevent this, pass the strap through the loop on the top-left corner of the main bag. Lightly pull the strap upward as you walk, like leading a dog on a leash. For a hands-free option, you can tie the strap to a belt loop on your pants—a handy hack!

 

 

 

Switch iruka to Sleep mode and fully store it in the main bag.

 

 

Remove the outer bag from the seat post and unfold the previously folded hem of the main bag.

 

 

Lower the seat post, zip the rear opening closed, and pull the drawstring to secure the bottom of the bag. Tuck the excess drawstring into the loop.

 

 

If you are using the strap, thread it through the top front and rear openings of the bag. Attach the strap to the frame, ensuring that no strain is placed on the wires. The buckle allows for easy attachment and detachment, and the length is adjustable.

 

 

When folded in the outer bag, iruCover fits into the slit of iruka’s top tube. Wrap the Velcro strap from the outer bag around the top tube to secure it. Bonus: it also acts as a fender for the front wheel.

If you feel that neatly folding is a bit of a bother, just stuff the main bag and strap into the outer bag and shove it into a backpack or a bag. I usually do it this way.

 

 

Masaki Mark Kobayashi

Founder and President, iruka Inc.