Folding Bikes - Folding bike luggage

Ok, so I've just bought a (very cheap and slightly heavy but functional) folding bike. Unfortunately the panniers I already own hit my heels when mounted, so I've removed the rack. I'd really like to get something using the Carradice SQR system to mount on the back of this, rather than using the rack, because from what I can see almost all of the weight will be removed once the bag is taken off. But I'm having a little difficulty justifying the cost right now.

Does anyone think that some kind of system could be rigged for a single pannier, so it hangs behind the saddle with the base up against the seat post?

Or alternatively, help me justify the cost of the Carradice stuff! :) I don't think it'll transfer well to the Trek 1000 I commute on, or I could justify it easily...

(The bag I'm looking at is http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=12045 this one!)

Check out the Brompton and Dahon bags at Carradice. The large front bag is usually preferred to panniers.

If you are on a budget the Chinese Brompton copy caled Merc bike also sells all the Brompton style accessories including very reasonably priced bag & QR mounting bracket :-
Mercbike Accessories (http://www.sheeaune.co.uk/shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?page=2)
The prices are in UK pounds, don't know where you are based.
Hope this helps

Unfortunately the panniers I already own hit my heels when mounted, so I've removed the rack.
I don't know which panniers you have, but my Ortliebs are very adjustable. The mounting points can be moved quite far off center to one side, such that the pannier could be half off the back of the rack while still being firmly attached with both top mounting points and the lower. Depending on the size of your feet, this might give you enough clearance.

In terms of justification - Ortliebs are really tough, waterproof - and they would fit on your touring bike!

Can I ask why the front bag is prefered? I don't have a lot of experience with these small-wheeled bikes, but any bike I've tried with a basket has felt very perculiar handling-wise.

I am indeed in the UK, so pounds is good! :) And definitely on a budget at the moment. That site you've linked to seems to be having issues this morning - I'll have another look later!

Hi Ellie,
The difference between a basket & a brompton type bag is that the Quick-release bracket for the bag is fitted to to front of the frame. This means that, unlike the basket, it doesn't turn with the steering. Therefore less of the wobble factor. ;)

Ok. But from the look of it, I'd need something on the frame for the block to attach to. Right?

I'm on too much of a budget to actually afford a brompton. Guess I should come clean. I bought a 'Tiger' bike off Ebay for less than £100. This is it folded next to my desk (forgive the phone camera quality):
http://www.geocities.com/eam31/Pictures/foldedcub2.JPG

So, not having the front braze ons leaves me with a barbag, or something at the back. Am slowly talking myself into that rear bag. Looking at the price of the Brompton stuff, it doesn't seem like such an extravagance.

Ellie

The stuff I pointed out is not original Brompton, but the cheaper Chinese copy, but the parts are all compatable.
The QR block would only require two small holes to be drilled and threaded.
One cautionary note :-

If your handlebar stem angles forward when unfolded then the bars would foul the bag when you turn the handlebars (as I found out when I tried to fit my Brompton bag to my GoBike)
I can't tell from your folded photo if this would be the case for sure, but it does look as though you could easily fit this replica block and waterproof bag.
The black QR block can clearly be seen in this photo (http://www.long-john.com/GoBike%20(59).JPG)

Hmm so is Mercbike still in bizz then? I thought they had some issues with Brompton for nicking their designs? Anyway about your query, it isn't exactyl what you asked for but i have a long post on a different pannier or "bag" option, maybe it will be usefull to you:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=154805&highlight=jerrycan

Good Luck and please let us know what you opt for and how it works out for you!

Well, Mercbike's web site is still up, haven't tried to order anything yet though............

Chop, thanks for that. I finally managed to get into the site and view the pictures (had to go a long way round - work firewall I think!) and it does look like a good, cheap alternative. The stem doesn't lean forward, so that wouldn't be an issue. I'll mull over how nervous I feel attacking my bike with a drill.

Of course, v1nce's post is giving me ideas about attaching a bucket behind the saddle. Now that'll look classy!

You may see me flying past, next time I do The Corn Exchange or The Junction. I'll look out for the buckets! Lol!

Hey not a bad word about the buckets ha ha! KISS (keep it simple stupid) = Classy, ;)but that's just my view. Plus i am cheapskate. :) The bucket could be easily modified with some sort of quick release/hooks that works with a Brooks saddle. But i wouldn't put lots and lots of weight in such a set up. Cool thing is the buckets come in lots of colors and sizes. I think a dark one would look nice.

Hey V1nce! Who knows? Brookes may bring out a matching leather bucket! You might have started something here! ;o)

Hmm so is Mercbike still in bizz then? I thought they had some issues with Brompton for nicking their designs? Anyway about your query, it isn't exactyl what you asked for but i have a long post on

It doesn't appear as though it would make any sense to buy one of their bikes. 400 GBP is roughly the same price as a normal Brompton. Perhaps they've integrated licensing fees better into their price structure for this market.

Agreed i don't know if that on-line review still reflects their quality today, but if it does it sounds like they are a pretty terrible knock off (although i have no idea whether that holds for the accesories or not).

It sounded like their quality was poor for the components, and that's the part I care the least about. I'd be perfectly willing to buy one of their frames for US$200 if I could get one. I'd prefer to customize a Brompton-sized-folder to my own liking anyway.

Sure a Brompton Frame Of near or the same quality would def. be a deal and i might even buy one. But, that $ 200 is hypthetical right? They are not available or are they?

Sure a Brompton Frame Of near or the same quality would def. be a deal and i might even buy one. But, that $ 200 is hypthetical right? They are not available or are they?

No, I don't think so. That was an imaginary price based on how much they were selling their Brompton clones for.