Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Adams.
Brad, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As an avid cyclist, my passion for bags lies deep in the roots of who I am. Everything that I stand for is totally backed by my passions; whether it’s vegetarianism, US manufacturing or living as car-free as possible my passions define me. And believe me I’m making a big statement.
In the summer of 2010 I was cycle touring down the west coast seeking out my roots. After landing in LA/OC area I immediately found myself trapped in the “bubble” of what is Southern California and I loved every bit of it. Cycling through LA-Fullerton-Long Beach I soon figured out that I needed better “tools” for the job. Cycling is great but making the move from hobby to lifestyle requires a gear change. You need a bike that is quick, reliable and lock-able. The bike is only 1/2 of the equation though; the other half is your bag(s). Depending on the day and P.O.A. a different type of bag is needed. For instance, grocery shopping is most easily conquered by a back pack while commuting (in my opinion) is better done with a bag on the bike and for me it’s the Jammer Bag.
At the end of the 2010 summer, I began sampling different durable/outdoor materials and ways to sew em! Late nights fueled by the next ride always kept me going. One sample led to another and the doors only kept opening from there. The next summer I had 2 bags in my product line and began accepting orders. If only it was that easy. going to every bike shop in the bikeable radius I soon found myself connecting with other industry workers and orders started to slowly flow through.
As the business began to grow, my riding also grew and I soon leaped off of the road and onto the dirt. By 2012 I was deep into Cyclocross and bags. Needing different bags for different rides and uses, my product line began to build up and I hired my first seamstress in the summer of 2013. The two of us rocked it and began pushing product out left and right. By Spring 2014 (after my previous sewer leaving) I hired Ashley, my current production manager. Soon we moved the shop from dark ADU in echo park to a large private facility in DTLA where we began refining our production and developing products. Ester joined the crew the fall of 2015 and immediately began proving herself. By the spring of 2016 we had our full production crew and had our sights set on a ground floor retail space. In Nov. 2016 we moved out of the skids and into Gallery Row where we set up our full ground floor retail/manufacturing shop located in the heart of DTLA.
Currently Road Runner is employing 9 full time skilled workers. We have 6 people on production (operating a variety of machines from automatic bar tackers to simple single needle machines and then the more technical seam taping machines for our weatherproof line). The majority of our fabric and hardware is USA made and the shop is fully vegan.
We strive for a minimal carbon footprint and are extremely conscious of our actions. All of our scraps are saved and we are always creating new little “one-offs” made from those scraps.
Our goal is to inspire/inform and lead the future with gear made to last by cyclists for cyclists!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some business owners define assets as their product stock or maybe the company vehicles but at RRB our biggest assets are our skilled sewers and laborers. The largest hurdle that we have had to hop is training our staff to operate as we would. Sure, it’s easy to seek out a company to handle the manufacturing process, probably an offshore company that will offer the lowest price but to sit down and think “how can WE make this” well that is a whole new challenge.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Road Runner Bags – what should we know?
Road Runner Bags is a cycling specific bag manufacturing Co. We specialize in bags for your bike as well as bags for your body. Everything is made in house and has a lifetime warranty. At Road Runner, we’ve got your back and sometimes literally!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Major props to Kevin Kang of Engine 11 who told me that college was for suckers and I should make bags.
My older brother Nate who showed me the ropes of business and helped to set the moral foundation of RRB.
Ester/ Ashley/ and Juan who have been the true force behind Road Runners success. Without their loyalty to the craft, we would still be stuck in that echo park garage!
My sister Candace for buying all of my early prototypes so I could afford to purchase more fabric and keep the cycle going.
To all of my friends who keep buying my rad bags because they too are in search of the stoke!
Contact Info:
- Address: 818 S. Main St.
- Website: roadrunnerbags.us
- Phone: 213 221 8638
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/roadrunnerbags
- Facebook: facebook.com/roadrunnerbags
- Other: instagram.com/bagsnbikes
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Image Credit:
Michael Yates Photography
Hifi_Wifeeye
Street Impresssions Photography
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