Classic & Vintage - Bolt-on Bag Loops?

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View Full Version : Bolt-on Bag Loops?


dk2ck
05-17-11, 09:33 PM
Hey guys, I'm interested in buying a saddle bag for my bike but my current saddle is a San Marco Concor, which unfortunately doesn't have bag loops. I've heard that they make bolt-on bag loops for saddles like this and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations? The more affordable, the better.

Thanks!


due ruote
05-17-11, 10:09 PM
I don't know how well that will work with a concor, due to the shape of the rails/shell. It seems to me the bag will hang pretty low. This type of bag seems best suited to a plastic saddle. http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQyCA-l49deUzBHwGJHaAObPwTTOMM5tj-CKV_g5vTbDPxlvmHlPg
If you're set on trying it, Velo Orange sells bolt-on loops (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/viva-bag-loops.html). I did a cheap version using rubber-coated 1/4" stainless p-clamps and some d-rings that I found in the local hardware. Not super elegant, but it works.

dk2ck
05-17-11, 10:45 PM
I did a cheap version using rubber-coated 1/4" stainless p-clamps and some d-rings that I found in the local hardware. Not super elegant, but it works.

Thanks for the help. Do you have any pictures of this setup?

Edit: Also, does anyone know if there is a name for the ring used in the Velo Orange setup?


mkeller234
05-18-11, 12:57 AM
I have the viva bag loops that Velo Orange sells. They work fine but there are some draw backs to consider. I had to wrap my saddle rails with handlebar tape because the clamps were bigger than the rails. Occasionally the hardware has become loose or the loop has slid down the rail a bit. Some of those issues could probably be fixed by taking more care during installation, but I haven't put any extra thought into it.

dk2ck
05-18-11, 02:31 AM
I have the viva bag loops that Velo Orange sells. They work fine but there are some draw backs to consider. I had to wrap my saddle rails with handlebar tape because the clamps were bigger than the rails. Occasionally the hardware has become loose or the loop has slid down the rail a bit. Some of those issues could probably be fixed by taking more care during installation, but I haven't put any extra thought into it.

Do you have images of your set up with the ViVa bag loops? Any shots with bags on it would be great. What saddle do you have them on?

Thanks for the help, guys.

mkeller234
05-18-11, 02:35 AM
I am using them with a Brooks Professional saddle, so unfortunately that doesn't help in that regard. I can post better pictures when I get home, at the moment this is all I can find:
http://velospace.org/files/DSC00427.JPG

dk2ck
05-18-11, 02:56 AM
I am using them with a Brooks Professional saddle, so unfortunately that doesn't help in that regard. I can post better pictures when I get home, at the moment this is all I can find:
http://velospace.org/files/DSC00427.JPG

Beautiful bike. Thanks for the images! Do you feel that the saddlebag is held up high enough on the saddle with the ViVa bag loops? Also, does the bag sway too much without the support? (If it does, is that just because of the size of the bag?)

mkeller234
05-18-11, 03:10 AM
It is a decent sized bag, I think it's comparable in size to the Carradice Barely. I think the Viva loops hold the bag plenty high on my bike, not really much lower than a saddle with built in bag loops.

I bought the bag before I bought the support, hoping that I wouldn't need one. Without the support the bag brushed against the back of my legs and was noticeably less stable. It didn't enjoy riding it that way and I thought it looked goofy too. I didn't want to spend the money to buy the bagman support, but I feel it was worth it in the end. YMMV of course, I have seen plenty without supports so they aren't required. It could be that my frame is large and allowed the bag more room to hang closer to my leg. I have pictures of it without the support, i'll post them when I get home.

mkeller234
05-18-11, 08:07 AM
Ok, here are a few more pictures of the loops. You can see that I replaced the leather strips on my bag with hooks for a DIY quick release. The bag could be pulled tighter to the saddle if I wasn't using those hooks.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/5733246531_fa42601c21_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/5733791290_6d44f98fa6_b.jpg

Here is a picture I took before I got the bagman support. Without the support the bag brushed against the back of my legs and was noticeably less stable. It didn't enjoy riding it that way and I thought it looked goofy too. I didn't want to spend the money to buy the bagman support, but I feel it was worth it in the end.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/5733248947_6409a1c764_b.jpg

dk2ck
05-18-11, 01:15 PM
Thanks for the images. Did it feel less stable only when the bag was relatively full? Or did it feel pretty unstable even with light loads?

Sorry for all the questions, haha. I'm a bit low on cash so I'm trying to make sure everything is perfect. Thanks a ton for the help!

mkeller234
05-18-11, 03:51 PM
Yeah, it was only noticeable with a heavier load. To be honest, instability wasn't a huge problem it was mostly the brushing my legs that bugged me. You could always go without a support, then add one later if you feel it's needed.

dk2ck
05-19-11, 12:27 AM
Thanks for the help! I think I'll wait for the Army Surplus Bag to come in the mail and try to attach it just to the saddle rails to see how it fairs. Then I'll purchase the ViVa bag loops if necessary, and from there I can decide on a support. Thanks a ton!

catonec
05-19-11, 12:47 AM
there are seat bag systems that have a plastic clip that attaches to you seat rails, then to your seat. the bag I have is a trek, quick clip similar to this.
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