Where do bike tubes go when they die? Well, if they’re lucky, they head to Boulder, Colorado, for a second life as a part of super-cool, bomber Green Guru gear. Green Guru has specialized in building products from used-up pieces – including wetsuits, bicycle tubes and vinyl billboards – for several years, and the company has continued to refine its products along the way.
I’ve been testing two of Green Guru’s offerings, and have been very impressed by both. Although they serve quite different purposes, they share a rugged construction and a well-thought-out design.

The sternum and removable waist strap keep the pack in place, and the inner tube bottom protects from the elements. © Cyclocross Magazine
Green Guru’s Ruckus backpack is a great candidate for those in the market for a multi-purpose bag. The exterior is made from re-purposed bicycle tubes while the interior is lined with 100% recycled PETE fabric (polyethylene terephthalate, often used in soda bottles). Nylon straps keep the bag cinched to your body, with adjustable shoulder, waist and sternum straps.
The interior features pockets galore, some zipped for security and some open to let larger items poke out. Should this serve as your commuter bag, there’s a laptop section, a loop to hook a tail light on the back, reflective straps to help with visibility and even a “secret” pocket beneath the mesh that helps to dissipate a rider’s heat designed for a hydration bladder.

The Ruckus backpack's inner tube and recycled PETE construction make it "green," as does its durability. © Cyclocross Magazine

Use it as a gear bag and/or to tote your laptop and work clothes on your commute. © Cyclocross Magazine
MSRP: $139.95. Made in USA.

The Shifter Saddle Bag combines great functionality, a weatherproof construction and a new purpose for used up materials. © Cyclocross Magazine
At the much smaller end of the bag spectrum is Green Guru’s Shifter Saddle bag. Small compared to a backpack, yes, but it’s perhaps the perfect size for its function. There’s plenty of room for a tube or two, a few CO2s, a multi-tool and some tire irons, and the stretchy nature of the inner tube construction means you could probably stuff even more in, should you want to.
Despite its ample storage size, the Shifter is streamlined and stays out of the way of your pedal stroke. A wrap-around neoprene strap from cut-up wetsuits goes through a rider’s saddle rails and Velcroes securely together underneath the bag. The stretchiness of the neoprene and the ample Velcro area mean that even if you normally have a tough time fitting bags to your setup, the Shifter should mount up easily and will stay securely in place, even off road. Recycled PETE fabric make up the rest of the bag, as interior liner and webbing. A reflective loop on the back provides a little visibility, and is also a place to clip a tail light.
The zipper is a thicker, more industrial model than I’ve seen on most saddle bags – and there’s nothing worse than a bag’s zipper failing mid-ride (or losing the contents inside as a result!). Even though the Shifter is made in the USA and eco-friendly, it’s price-competitive with most saddle bags on the market and its size and design move it up to among the top on my list.
Dimensions: 7.5″ x 3.5″ x 3.25″
MSRP: $24.95. Made in USA.
More info: greengurugear.com