Madison, the UK distributor of Shimano, used its iceBike trade show to unveil the Japanese company’s all-new range of backpacks.

We told you about Shimano’s move into the backpack market earlier this month but iceBike allowed us to take a closer look at the four-bag range, which will be available from September.

Of most interest to trail riders is the Unzen, named after Mount Unzen, a volcano in southern Japan. The Unzen is “specifically designed to power an aggressive off-road riding style”, according to Shimano. As a result it’s hydration compatible and features Shimano’s unique Rider Fit X-Cross harness. What makes it different? The straps come over your shoulders and clip together across your chest in order to keep your arms free so you’re not restricted and can focus on that aggressive riding style.

Other features on the Unzen include a breathable back panel, side access, a felt-lined valuables pocket, key holder, stretchable side pockets, loop zip pulls for easy access, a tool organizer compartment and a loop on which to attach a light. Three colours are available (ash black, lava red and amber orange), in three sizes – 6L (£74.99), 10L (£84.99) and 15L (£99.99).

Next up is the Rokko, named after a mountain range in western Japan, although the bag’s the all-rounder in Shimano’s range. “Able to handle weekend rides in the hills as well as weekday jaunts in the city, the Rokko is the ultimate all-rounder,” reads the brochure.

The Rokko comes in one size (12L, £49.99, ash black or lava red) and it’s also hydration system compatible, while plenty of reflective detail ticks the commuter boxes. Like the Unzen, it’s features include a tool organizer compartment, a valuable pockets and a breathable back panel.

The final backpack in the range in the Tsukinist, a word derived from a combination of tsukin – which means commuting in Japanese – and cyclist, so the bag’s designed with the ride to work in mind. As a result it’s packed with commuting-specific features, including a padded laptop compartment, smart phone pocket, an organizer panel, a breathable back panel, plus there’s a rain cover. Two sizes (20L and 30L) are on offer, in ash black or lava red, and costing £79.99 and £89.99 respectively.

Finally, the Osaka messenger bag, named after the city where Shimano are based, has a quick adjustment system which allows you to quickly tighten or loosen the shoulder strap, while there’s a a series of compartments, including a padded laptop section. Two sizes (25L, £79.99 and 35L, £89.99) provide plenty of storage space, with two colours (lava red and shiny magnesium) on offer.