Shop Friends: Lucy Mannall

Features

May 01, 2023

"I love riding my bike...it's a great tool and outlet for so many things. Cycling is healing and rewarding and hard and easy all at the same time."

Lucy Mannall is a Los Angeles based cyclist, adventurer, and friend of ILE. For the past couple years she's been one of our leading brand ambassadors, utilizing ILE pieces on countless inspiring rides. We recently caught up with Lucy to talk bikes, life, and of course, bags! Check out our conversation below:

Lucy, tell us a bit about yourself, what you do for a living, and your interests outside of work.

I'm Lucy, originally from the UK but now living in Venice Beach, Los Angeles. I currently work for KAV, a US made, 3D printed, custom-fit cycling helmet brand as part of their marketing team. I love sunshine, carbs, and exploring new places. Getting out of my comfort zone is something that I’m trying to do more of this year, what’s the worst that could happen?

What does cycling represent for you?

I fell into cycling over ten years ago by accident but I had no idea how it would change my life. From friends to a career to pushing my body further than I thought was possible to finding my partner and moving countries.

I love riding my bike, whether that's a long day in the mountains, a cruise along the beach for sunset, or to get to the bar to meet my friends for happy hour. It's a great tool and outlet for so many things. Cycling is healing and rewarding and hard and easy all at the same time. I love the places it's taken me, opportunities it's brought me and the people I've met through riding bikes.

What ILE pieces are you carrying? How do they complement your daily life?

ILE gear in my rotation includes the Race Day Bag in Olive XPAC––I LOVE olive as a color and this is the backpack that I use the most. I love how much space there is inside it; it's perfect for an overnight bag for a weekend, carrying on a plane, or just packing it full with my groceries. I love the attention to detail with the zipper closures, the ergonomic fit and the big mesh section in the front to stash a jacket, my helmet or a bag of chips. This is my go-to bag for trips and it’s showing no signs of wear over two and a half years on!

My Luft Musette bag is wonderful and the item that my girlfriend "borrows" the most. It was made for a collaboration between ILE and the best bike shop in the world, Luft, based here in Venice Beach. I went to visit them on my third day in LA and they’re so welcoming. Cody is the ultimate LA route master and is always down to make you a brew. Their commitment to community is unmatched and I've really found a cycling home here through this small shop (something that I was admittedly worried about before moving to LA). This Musette bag is incredibly durable and I love the textures and simple branding. I have taken this bag with me on many errands, adventures, nights out, or packing up beers and burritos for sunset on the beach. I don't have handbags but this is my equivalent.

I put a Seat Bag on my bike in April 2021 and haven’t taken it off since. It’s the perfect size, not too big and not too small. The camo pattern is great and matches my bike, it's neat and simple.

My large Dopp Kit is always an essential I bring with me in my backpacks. It's easy to find inside any backpack or tote bag so I can grab it quickly when needed. I keep all sorts of stuff in it, from portable phone chargers and cables, to hand cream, a couple of pens and sometimes a roll of 35mm film.