Rapide – Sports Moto Commuter Backpack

The central challenge in designing the Rapide was balancing the distinct demands of two very different settings, on-road performance and in-office convenience. Working with Zac’s community of riders, it became apparent that the needs of each world were not only demanding, but often opposed. For performance riding a cumbersome pack that spoilt the enjoyment of the ride defeated the purpose. Riders wanted a sleek, stable and quiet all-weather pack that allowed them to comfortably tuck in an aggressive riding position. On the other hand, the office setting required access, practicality and organisation that met the benchmark of modern work.

The foundation of the Rapide’s design success lies in the structure. By combining rigid and flexible panels the pack adeptly handles both on-road performance and office requirements. Rigidity provides stability which greatly improves ride performance, but a fully rigid pack is impractical for everyday use as it limits access and organisation. The design of the Rapide cleverly integrates hard and soft elements to create a pack that elevates riding comfort as well as meeting the demands of office life, uniquely catering to both settings. A solution that required overcoming the significant technical constraints found when combining hard and soft elements.

As cities evolve towards more sustainable models, micro-mobility emerges as a crucial element in reducing congestion and emissions. The Rapide backpack addresses practical barriers that often discourage the adoption of new commuting routines. By offering a safe, comfortable, and convenient solution for carrying essentials on bikes, scooters, or other light vehicles, the Rapide makes it easier and more appealing for commuters to shift away from car use. This encourages a transition to more sustainable transport options, aligning with broader efforts to create environmentally friendly and less congested urban spaces.

As the Rapide is focused on the complex needs of highly demanding users it is a feature heavy product. It’s complex, with over 100 individual components and hundreds of individual manufacturing steps. Each element is designed to address specific user requirements, take for example the simple shoe storage for transitioning out of riding boots when at the office. There are too many features to list, but a few standouts are the Hyper Hinge, safety details and modular harness. The Hyper Hinge lower back panel was designed to solve a common problem when riding with a laptop. It allows the pack to curve to the rider’s position while still supporting the load, greatly improving comfort during rides. This system is adjustable in tension and designed for easy repair. Safety is another major focus of the Rapide’s design, featuring a suite of protective elements. These include removable spinal protection to safeguard against impacts, reflective attachments for visibility in low-light conditions, and abrasion resistant layers. Additionally, the Rapide is built to be compatible with the Configure 8 modular system developed by Zac Speed. This feature allows riders to personalise their gear setup to meet diverse needs, significantly extending the backpack’s lifespan and practicality.