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06-12-12 | 11:10 AM

#9

redeyedtreefr0g

Mrs. Hop-along

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 338

Likes: 0

From: Seville, FL

Bikes: Ladies Schwinn Super Sport and Gateway

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil_gretz

Helmet covers can be useful, too, if they either permit ventillation or, in colder weather, stop air flow. The fabric print choice would need to have some solids and maybe a classic longitudinal center stripe...

Mine is permanent

The helmet was very cheap ($13 for a set with knee, elbow and wrist pads), but came in a silly baby blue color that I hated. I fixed it. I'm debating on adding the other ventilation holes. I'm worried that the edges with fray, and it was a pain to get the fabric properly glued around the edge of the rear holes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil_gretz

Your bags are cute - do you have any user feedback on their durability?

As for durability- it doesn't FEEL very durable. I'm worried that over time my ribbons will pull out from stress of having weight on them, but they are all that I had to work with as far as straps go. I will let you know! I don't plan to stop commuting by bike if I can help it. Wwithout a crate strapped to the rack, that pannier will be forced into use!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil_gretz

Most bike stuff gets very, very worn, dirty, wet, abraded, and smelly. Do you treat the fabric with anything for water or stain resistance? How are they cleaned? Do you have gusseting or leather reinforcement at the key joints, mounting points?

That was my first-ever attempt at a pannier, Phil_gretz. I'm sure I'll find out the hard way about all the things you've mentioned! If you or anyone else would like to chime in with loved features of your own, I'll keep the ideas handy for my next project. I do NOT guarantee any sort of timeline, however. Sewing is a hobby at the moment.

I did not treat the outside layer of fabric, but the interior lining is Babyville Boutique waterproof breathable PUL (polyurethane laminated) fabric. I've never used it before, but I'm trusting that it should be able to keep the contents relatively dry. At the same time, if I have to stuff sweaty bike clothes into the bag, the outside is protected from the moisture or smell. But it is easy to clean.

I can throw the entire pannier into a machine machine if it gets dirty. Actually, I need to throw them into a dryer now in order to seal the seamlines for waterproofing. Babyville Boutique's website says I can do this by putting it into a hot dryer for 20 minutes, but for common washing I will likely line-dry the bag to reduce wear and tear.

I did not gusset any seams. I am an amateur seamstress and had honestly never heard the term before. I did double-stitch most of the seams. I'm worried that the ribbons will be the weak link as far as weight-bearing stresses go, but that is all I had to attach the bag with. There are five to help spread out the load. My next bag will probably be more user-friendly in that it would be easy to remove from the bike to use as a grocery bag or something, and probably include smaller outer pockets. I like the roll-up feature for general cuteness and crosswind resistance when not in use.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro Grouch

I hope you post some other projects when the opportunity presents itself.

I will! Thanks very much for looking, and your comments!

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