Classic & Vintage - My Project - Handmade Saddle Bags.

I've been working on this idly for the better part of a year now...its been a long process getting the materials and tools and bringing my skills back up to snuff...

Here's my best work to date....I intend to start making these pretty regularly and see if I can sell a few at the next Trexlertown Swap....I owe a couple of Members bags too and rest assured they are coming before the fall.

I'd love to hear some feedback or comments or criticism...I've been using my bags constantly since the spring and I think I'm finally happy enough with the results to put my name on it and give it to someone else.

This is my own design for a Tri-Fold style bag, the pockets have been sized to fit an innertube/folded tire/wallet/phone in any of the 3 pockets. There's a slim pocket along the edge to fit a small flashlight or writing implement.

Construction is of Waterproofed #8 Cotton Duck, Latigo Strip Leather and heavy duty synthetic stitching. It ties on to your saddle's bag loops using the D rings on top.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_C_ZmRsQylO0/TFHSIFvBIxI/AAAAAAAABXs/EU0DFAzC5R8/s640/IMG_1596.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_C_ZmRsQylO0/TFHSF2mLpcI/AAAAAAAABXk/cftPEmBJ8wo/s640/IMG_1598.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_C_ZmRsQylO0/TFHTSnoX4FI/AAAAAAAABYE/ca9ytRZpHYo/s640/IMG_1593.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_C_ZmRsQylO0/TFHTVWmEMJI/AAAAAAAABYM/B67v4GqsT40/s640/IMG_1591.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_C_ZmRsQylO0/TFHTRhHlFhI/AAAAAAAABYA/ri1NoWvGghc/s640/IMG_1594.JPG

There's been some hiccups as to be expected along the way...This is the 4th or so revision since I started...I'm pretty satisfied with this result and I'm willing to call it my "Production Model" but there may still be some changes to the binding that goes around the edge of the bag.

Wow. Nice work!

Fantastic work!
Do you have an idea of how much you will be pricing these out, once the design is solid?
Also, I'd love to see what one of your bags looks like attached to an actual bicycle.

Looks great...and it would look a lot better on my Voyageur than anything I've got now.
What have you been using to tie the D-rings to the saddle? Are you attaching it to the seatpost somehow too?

These are fantastic! I'm curious to know, how do altoids tins or those cheap wallyworld patch kits fit in the pockets. It'd be cool to see a few pics of how they might be loaded up. That lil side sleeve looks pretty good for a tire gauge.

lets see a picture of it on your bike!

Ah-hem,

Cough cough

Hint,Hint....

:D
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/InternetExplorerWallpaper.jpg


I'll take a matched set. :innocent:

Ask and Ye shall receive,

This is the other Color I've been working with. The strap holding it shut is a nylon Toe Strap rather than the attached Leather strap as on the Tan one. I'm actually not sure which way I prefer the strap.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_C_ZmRsQylO0/TFHl4D9f-BI/AAAAAAAABY8/IlHC3BEAsxU/IMG_1600.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_C_ZmRsQylO0/TFHl3QzFb8I/AAAAAAAABYo/G2u1FD1qydU/s512/IMG_1601.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_C_ZmRsQylO0/TFHl2fw3rdI/AAAAAAAABZE/fejRUCR6MBk/IMG_1602.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_C_ZmRsQylO0/TFHl1QUjj9I/AAAAAAAABZQ/Mtjr5_7BkjI/IMG_1603.JPG

I've been tying them on with pieces of Shoelace. I picked up some small carabiners for that but I didn't like how low they made the bag hang.

No idea how I'll price these but I know about how much I've got in them in terms of materials (its quite reasonable). I'd like the price to be low to make them accessible but then again I'm a one man show and doing this more for the enjoyment than the money but hey if this becomes a serious thing its something I could see myself being plenty satisfied with quitting my day job over it. At this point I don't think I could sell em for less than 45 bux but I know thats fairly reasonable when you think that this is of similar quality to an Acorn bag. Actually I like my fabric quite a bit better than the stuff Acorn uses.


Jimmy, these bags are pretty much designed to fit the kind of stuff you're talking about...its meant to be something you can tie to your saddle and have everything you'd need for a day out...Phone, Wallet, Tube/Patch Kit some tools, a Camera...it will hold all that pretty easily. I'll load one up tonight and snap some more pics.

Ah-hem,

Cough cough

Hint,Hint....

:D
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/InternetExplorerWallpaper.jpg


I'll take a matched set. :innocent:

Sweet ride!! That is seriously classy and would look great with the Tan bag on the saddle....They work well on handlebars too :thumb:

My other design i'm still in the prototype stages of is a pannier set patterned after the Brooks Brick Lane panniers (which sell for 300 bux!...I want to make a $100 version)

I'd love to hear what you folks think these kinds of things should sell for too...there's so much variation in the market for bags that its hard for me to tell where mine fit into the lineup....its Nicer than the Rivendell MUSA stuff, but not as nice as a Carradice or Berthoud . I'd like to think its a close runner with Acorn's quality...thats around the level I'm aiming for.

looks awesome! Talk to me when you're ready for a website to start selling them :)
also, when is trexlertown?

Let's see....I need a handlebar bag, trunk bag, and two medium sized panniers.

what size chain rings are you running on that ta crank and how does it shift?

thats awesome i would buy one of those!

Looks great!!! Would you make them one at a time per customer request, or are you sticking to your design, color(s) and materials?

-holiday, thanks I'll keep that in mind. :thumb: T-Town is Saturday October 2 I believe. The TA Cranks have got 50/28 rings and it shifts very well with the 1st gen Cyclone Derailleur I'm using. I don't ever drop the chain on shifts to the small ring but I do lose it occasionally when shifting up to the big ring.

khatfull & jamesj , i'll add ya to my short list of people to contact when I get some of these all made up. The panniers are still a ways out, but I'm really hoping to have them sorted out by the fall.

bwientjes - Thats something I'm still not sure about and something I'd love some feedback on...My most recent thinking has been that I'll make enough of them the same way so I can have some back stock and then play with the idea of doing some by customer request. For colors Its kind of limited until this starts paying for itself a little...at this point I've spent some money on supplies and tools and a new machine but not sold anything yet. Its enough fun for me that I could care less if I ever make a profit, The downside is that my fabric supplier sells by the full bolt and I had to really beg them to break me off 10 yards as a "sample" to get me started.

I'm not 100% final on all the materials either. The Cotton Duck is the only thing I am 100% sure about. The stuff is great. Tough as nails, keeps everything dry in a downpour, fairly easy to sew...I love it. The Leather trim I really like because It gives an air of quality and sophistication, but I am open to different styles and colors of that. The Trim around the outside of the bag may still change...i'm never 100% satisfied with it but my prototypes all show that it holds up very well.

ideally I'd love to have a more basic fabric trimmed line and a higher end leather trimmed line but thats the little entrepreneur in me getting ahead of myself.

Really nice work. I think small straps with buckles to attach directly to the saddle would be an improvement over the D-rings. Also +1 on the seatpost attachment.

You mean like leather straps with buckles?

That would look nice.

The snaps and the buckles are the most expensive part of this thing so I do try and keep from overusing them, but I really like that idea.

I personally think that two versions of the same design (black & tan) should be sufficient. You can always see what happens later.

FYI - that's a great looking SC, but why did you have to use white shoe ties to attach the bag to the saddle?

Update: disregard my last comment. I did not realize that the leather straps on top of the bag do not include buckles (yet.)

-holiday, thanks I'll keep that in mind. :thumb: T-Town is Saturday October 2 I believe. The TA Cranks have got 50/28 rings and it shifts very well with the 1st gen Cyclone Derailleur I'm using. I don't ever drop the chain on shifts to the small ring but I do lose it occasionally when shifting up to the big ring.


that might be the same day as the ms150 in joysey. If I'm not doing that I'm going to try to go.

thanks for the info on the TA. That's very close to the setup I wanted to go with on my ta, although I thought about trying a 48 instead of a 50 just because of such a big jump.

khatfull & jamesj , i'll add ya to my short list of people to contact when I get some of these all made up. The panniers are still a ways out, but I'm really hoping to have them sorted out by the fall.

ideally I'd love to have a more basic fabric trimmed line and a higher end leather trimmed line but thats the little entrepreneur in me getting ahead of myself.

If you're going to make a go of this, and you certainly have the skill to do so, the one thing you;re going to need is a quality, consistent supplier for your materials. You want someone you can get consistent colors and quality from on a regular basis.

Personally, if I were you, I'd make the bulk of the business custom. Have one or two common colors/styles for stock but really push the fact that the customer can choose material and color. Keep the designs the same, trying to modify your design on a one-off basis would be an exercise in frustration...you need to have the design down so that 1) you get better at it 2) you get faster at it and 3) you deliver a more consistent product. Check out LOTS of different materials, get samples if you can. You can then have the customer order a la carte. "I'll take the tan cotton duck with red fabric trim and silver buckles" Half down at the time of order, other half payable upon completion. Website allows the choices.

Just some thoughts...

FYI - that's a great looking SC, but why did you have to use white shoe ties to attach the bag to the saddle?

Because I was out of my usual Day-Glo Green Shoelaces that I use for that purpose ;) for real.


Holiday - I was concerned about the big jump too but it worked out. I like the double better than a triple, the chainline is good enough that I can get all 5 cogs in the Big ring and the top 3 while in the small ring.

The D rings are made to be sewn with a tight loop at the straight stroke region of the D.

You are progressing, but these are not ready for prime time.

Harsh? I guess, but the market is harsher.

You mean like leather straps with buckles?



Yes. Something like this (http://www.velo-orange.com/mismbasabag.html). To me, the bag/bike interface is a rather critical feature. It should be as attractive as the rest of the bag, be relatively easy to install and remove, and be rock solid in transit. Personally I can't stand something flopping around on the bike.

Personally I can't stand something flopping around on the bike.

+1, it should be tight and never move.

khatfull http://www.bikeforums.net/images/yellow_jersey.gif (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?135637-khatfull)






http://www.bikeforums.net/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by due ruote http://www.bikeforums.net/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=11197758#post11197758)
Personally I can't stand something flopping around on the bike.




+1, it should be tight and never move.



Way to many responses jump to mind....none of them are right!

Way to many responses jump to mind....none of them are right!

Ok, ya got me...sheesh :thumb:

Great job! These look really nice. One of the nicest looking roll up bags I have seen. I am not much of a roll up bag fan, to tell you the truth, because in order to get to the things in it you have to unroll the whole thing. One of the things you might want to look at as far as getting the bag into the saddle loops through the D rings is small one piece cloth wristband watch straps. Here is a picture to get an idea of what I am talking about (but this one is expensive and would probably do not work) :

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41gPe48ZQOL._SS500_.jpg

You can find some vintage ones (shorter) on the 'bay in bulk for pennies a piece. Brown and/or black would look good and you can loop the extra through the strap loop.


Great job!

are you planning on doing something that is not roll-up? Like a Minnehaha style?

Wow! I haven't read through the thread yet but I APPROVE!!!

You guys are awesome. I really appreciate the kind words and the Critiques are great! I really need that because so often I show these to someone and I always figure they don't want to pick apart its shortcomings in front of me.

repechage thank you, I knew I wasn't using those D rings right but I didn't know the correct way. Much appreciated.
besides I wouldn't have posted here if I didn't want honest opinions.

As far as mounting options go, I can tell you that the D-rings don't have to be the only option for tying it on. With no modification it can be tied up between the saddle rails much like the Riv Burrito Wrap. I had the Leather strap the D-Ring was hooked to pull out on an early prototype and had to ride back home with the bag tied between the saddle rails...worked pretty well.

The interesting thing about this "Roll" bag is that it was designed so that you could, access the stuff in the pockets quickly without having to unroll the whole bag. Thats why all 3 pockets open from the short side rather than long ways. Initially I was worried that design might encourage stuff to fall out of the bag but the flaps are long enough that it hasn't happened to me yet.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_C_ZmRsQylO0/TFHTRhHlFhI/AAAAAAAABYA/ri1NoWvGghc/s640/IMG_1594.JPG

I would rotate the two leather mounting straps 90 degrees and just tie them directly to the rails, forgetting the D's all together. It would take a little extra stitching, though.

Would some quarters fall out of the pockets when you're riding? It's not like I've seen a payphone in a decade, but it's nice to be able to buy a bottle of water or some powdered doughnuts at a vending machine.

thats another definite consideration. I've often wondered if the D rings are unnecessary.

DiegoFrogs (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?24873-DiegoFrogs)


I would rotate the two leather mounting straps 90 degrees and just tie them directly to the rails, forgetting the D's all together. It would take a little extra stitching, though.



+1 Instead of the leather straps with the D rings you have, rivet toe straps in their place. My Raliegh bag is set up like that and it holds tight to the saddle. You just feed the straps throught the saddle loops into the buckle and pull it tight.....just a thought.

Very very impressive work.

The spirit of craftsmanship just oozes from your photos!

Thanks, much appreciated!




+1 Instead of the leather straps with the D rings you have, rivet toe straps in their place. My Raliegh bag is set up like that and it holds tight to the saddle. You just feed the straps throught the saddle loops into the buckle and pull it tight.....just a thought.


ANdrew, I'm having a hard time picturing what you're describing...can you show me a photo please?

I know there's been a thousand bag designs before this one so seeing whats been done right (and wrong) is a big help.

I think he means like this (the back of the bag):

http://www.velofred.com/images/bags/saddle_bags/zim.1002.03.02.jpg

aha, very cool. I could make that happen pretty easily.

I take it the piece of lanyard gets wrapped around the seatpost and the bag doesn't swing as much?

That looks great Zaphod! It really does look like a professional made it! :) Would be perfect for a day out on the bike.

Is that strap that holds it together long enough that you could jam something too big to fit in any of the pockets in there and buckle strap to keep it in ?

The bag looks beautiful!
I would suggest sticking with neutral colours (like the tan one you have, and maybe add an olive green or a black) and not the wine red. That will make the bag suitable no matter what colour bicycle people have.

Flammenwurfer, yes the strap is long enough that even with the bag mostly full you can roll up a rain jacket or some other lightweight clothing and stick it in the center of the bag (not in a pocket) and cinch the strap down and it will keep in there.

Veloria, thank you. Olive Green is the next color on the docket to be ordered when I start re-ordering fabric.

I think he means like this (the back of the bag):

http://www.velofred.com/images/bags/saddle_bags/zim.1002.03.02.jpg

Yes! that's it!

My biggest critique is...why don't I have one now??

That said, if I were you, I'd move the mounting point toward the back. Perhaps it's just me, but when I'm using a BIG saddlebag (i.e. my minnehaha medium bags), I like using the big bag for stuff, and bringing along a little bag for tools. This would fit that perfectly - you can tie it to the outside of the larger bag, and you can also use it as a standalone bag on other bikes as well. Perhaps by building in an attaching system that allows for both, you might broaden your audience a tad.

Either way, I'd buy it now. I would appreciate one in a neutral color though - like cream or black, as not all of my bikes (or anyone else's for that matter) would look terribly good with the olive. Just ask my red Fuji, who is now wearing an olive Riv XS Saddlesack!

I have a blue metallic Bianchi and would like something for handlebar mounting that mounts BELOW the handlebars (so I can still use my cateye). Bag Manufacturers don't quite get that concept...which I think is a standard situation for most consumers for bags.

I just don't like the look of bag racks on an otherwise "sporty" bike.

I have a blue metallic Bianchi and would like something for handlebar mounting that mounts BELOW the handlebars (so I can still use my cateye). Bag Manufacturers don't quite get that concept...which I think is a standard situation for most consumers for bags.

I just don't like the look of bag racks on an otherwise "sporty" bike.

You mean something like the Brand V Bar Tube from Rivendell?

My other design i'm still in the prototype stages of is a pannier set patterned after the Brooks Brick Lane panniers (which sell for 300 bux!...I want to make a $100 version).

Sweet Job on the Saddle bag!

Having a little fun and hinting towards them Panniers.Have nt been able to find a set in a vintage/Classic/color style that I like yet other than the one posted above.

Keep us posted on those Panniers,Please..

I want to be added to the wait-list, too (black duck first choice)...while I like the snaps, one thing I don't like is fasteners that take two hands to secure, maybe these don't but consider Velcro (especially for those of us who don't insist on everything being/looking "vintage")

You mean something like the Brand V Bar Tube from Rivendell?

EXACTLY like that! Thanks, first bag for sale that I've seen that does the job quite nicely.

I want to be added to the wait-list, too (black duck first choice)...while I like the snaps, one thing I don't like is fasteners that take two hands to secure, maybe these don't but consider Velcro (especially for those of us who don't insist on everything being/looking "vintage")

Funny this thread came up today, I'm working on a run of a few Tan ones right now.

I've thought a little about velcro in the past but never really checked it out too in depth, the big negative was that its kind of expensive for good stuff. Besides, according to Wikipedia it was patented in 1955 so it's Period Correct for most applications ;) :lol:

I got this great new sewing machine attachment (there are so many options!) that does edge binding, which I think is my biggest shortcoming on these bags. That should be here by friday if not tomorrow and I really think it will improve the quality immensely. Additionally I'm going to be using 1/2" latigo strap leather for all the leather bits, not just the main strap. I've also re-worked the saddle attachment loops to face 90 degrees from where they were and they sport buckles to attach to the bag loops on the saddle. its nice. I'll show the changes when I get that edge binding attachment and get some binding done this weekend.

Really cool stuff! If I can get a switch for the T-Town show I'll be there w/ cash in hand (hopefully). They would look great on my Bianchi.

That is a really nice bag. It has inspired me.

I bought a sewing machine about a month ago with the intention of making something similar. Didn't really get around to doing much yet until I saw this thread yesterday.
This bag is about 6 inches wide and 3 inches across on the end, about the right size for a spare tube and some tools and maybe a very small snack and phone. The material was a scrap of some sort of upholstery material that looks sort of like canvas but really isn't very stiff at all.

My bag seals with velcro and attaches with a strap and buckle that run through two leather pieces on the bag:
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=163752&d=1281242196

The idea is that you loop the strap through the saddle rails and the bag is pulled tight under the saddle. In practice, the strap is too slick and not thick enough and it becomes loose and the bag flips itself over. This could be fixed with a more substantial strap:
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=163755&d=1281242206

The design is a bit rough and the fabric is certainly not ideal. I was having trouble with the thread tension as I was using some rather thick and wiry thread and I have little experience setting the thread tension and knowing what size of needle to use. I also don't know much about how to design items and what order to sew them, etc.

Really cool stuff!