My newer Voyageur (1986) is setup for loaded touring, but I'd like to outfit my 1980 with some bags for lighter loads that don't need racks. I have a Carradice Camper saddlebag that I may try to fit, though it might be a tight clearance with the rear wheel. I was also thinking of adding a handlebar bag, and Carradice makes the Keswick bag that would match the Camper saddlebag and they both look vintage compatible with cotton duck cloth and leather but with modern quick release attachment. I can't find a single image on google of it on a bike though, but here is a couple product images so you know what I am talking about:







I am wondering though how you would route the brake cables on my old Voyageur. I was thinking of replacing them anyhow, the red is a bit faded and dingy. Would you make them extra long and loop around front of the bag, or bring em behind the bar. I'm not sure if behind the bar would be too sharp of a bend for the top tube cable guide, or if it would mess with your hands. I know some older bikes had em behind, but none of mine have. Here is a pic, excuse the torn handle I need to decide on some new wrap (I'm also not sure can old foam be wrapped on top of or do I have to remove it?), and also need to remove the turkey levers if I go for the bar bag. I know they make some smaller ones too, but I'd like to at least be able to fit my SLR and a couple lenses in there with some extra padding.



Then again after looking at em side by side maybe the red trim of my V'ger would clash with the green bag, hmmm.

Cables should be behind the bar anyway. If you put them there they will be out of the way of the bag. I agree lose the red housing! Silver would look nice, or black or grey.

Nice bag! I just got some Carradice goodies myself in the mail. Perhaps I'll post them later after work.

I'd pull off the grab ons since they are so beat up anyway. Replace with modern gel padding, or simply use thick tape or wrap twice if that's your preference.

+1 on cables behind the bar, that's the way they're designed to go. Consider getting rid of the turkey legs (brake extensions). They may interfere with the bag, and aren't nearly as effective for stopping as the front levers.

Put aero levers on and eliminate the bag-wire conundrum altogether.

First- Look into the Carradice Bagman support- if you really want to go without a rack, but still want to have a saddle bag that may hang low enough to interfere with your rear wheel.


Second- Although there's no "right" or "wrong" way- Schwinn did it both ways in different catalog pictures. Unless you've got a reason to have the cables in front of the bars- it looks better and works better to have your cables routed behind the bars. If, for some crazy reason, the cables are in the way of your hands, you can either get or make one of the connector clips that hold the cables together where they cross- then you can control where they cross. I have never had a problem with cables being in the way in behind the bars. Or you can route them in front of the bars.


Third- I like the red cables with the chrome, but then again, you really can't go wrong with the chrome. My "Ranger Tan" Acorn bag and my OG107 M1945 bag goes quite nicely with my maroon Trek 720.


Fourth- Get rid of the ripped, crappy Grab Ons. My left hand got crushed and I have permanent nerve damage- I have to protect my hand from as much shock as I can- I had some Grab Ons- on their own they felt nasty, underneath any kind of bar tape, cloth or gel/cork- it made the bars too big. If you're concerned about shock and gel/cork tape isn't enough- get some of the gel pads that you place on the bars under the tape- they're like $12 for the Planet Bike ones.


Fifth- I don't inherently hate turkey levers- but if you're going to have a front bag- they have to go. They're not as good as interrupter levers and they're in the way.


Sixth- that's a beautiful bike and I'm sure, seeing your other Voyageur, that you're only going to make this one even MORE beautiful!

A bit more costly than just new cables, but if you put aero levers on, you could put brake interrupter levers on the
bar flats and have much more brake leverage than what you've got now. Looking at your picture, if you angle them down enough, you'd still have room for your handlebar bag.

I didn't know folks put the cables behind usually, all of my older bikes had the cables ahead, but I don't suppose it matters as long as it fits ok. And I probably wasn't clear that I may replace the cables but I'm sticking with red... I only posted a partial pic but all the decals are red and has the red stripes on the seat tube. I'll likely stick with black for seat and bar wrap though. And on second thought, maybe their Super C bag would match better if i stick to red accents, as it's black but with a red logo.


Might work better than green on a chrome bike with black and red accents?

Perhaps, I got a couple TRP retro levers hanging around. But I really wanted to keep this one as original s possible. Hmm, I'll think about it.

Thanks! Well I'm not going to do much to her, trying to keep this one original. But the seat has got to go! I've got another black seat from my old LeTour that is fairly comfy and nicely worn that would probably look fine on this.

I think I'm ditching the idea of user the Camper Longflap on this. Based on what I found here https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...-w-bagman.html it will need about 1-2" more clearance than I have between the seat and tire. I might just stick with the handlebar bag on this ride and call it good. It doesn't have any bottle cages, maybe I'll look into those cages that go on the back of the saddle.

I'll just remove the ol foam when I wrap new, no biggie I was just curious. I do have an extra bar gel pack ready to go as well.

Maybe so. It would match your existing red housing and is possibly a bit more period correct. I think either way could be nice, just different flavors.

AFA the housing behind the bars: it's not written on a tablet or anything, but that is the typical way it's done. If you are using a handlebar bag and non aero levers, it's the only way that will work.

Interrupter levers, cane creek or sim with reach adjustment are the way to go with aero levers. Will get the cables out of the way and allow easy view of map and or bag access.
Never liked Grab ons, but the thin ones were a bit tolerable.

May I suggest a different approach for the handlebar bag? Consider going with an '80s Cannondale bag. Significantly more "period correct," especially for an '80s Schwinn. They come in all sorts of sizes and colors. A red or black one would look terrific. Possibly even a silver/grey one. Some will encourage you to keep a careful eye on the bars where the mounting bracket rests and watch for wear and possible cracks. I've never seen any.

Well I am not set on Carradice, but I do like them and their company. The biggest problem with the 80's Cannondale bags is finding one (and in like new shape). I just did a quick search and couldn't find any, though my results are rather muddled with newer Cannondale and other bags. I'll keep my eye out for one though. I suppose with only perhaps a month or so of nice weather left I may not even be riding this bike this year, so in no hurry. I'd like to take it for some long rides, but that is just the new bike anxiousness, I've got plenty other to ride that I've been neglecting. Though I really would like a handlebar bag that I can fit my camera and basic gear in soon, as currently only my fully racked out touring bike has bags large enough. Perhaps being able to somewhat easily swap it over to other bikes too.

Well just an update, thought I'd share a few pics but didn't want to start a new thread. I ended up deciding to give the Carradice bags a shot... I liked the style of the Super C and seemed to still resemble classic styling but modern hardware and good prices. I have a few red & black bikes, and this chrome voyageur with red and black on it so thought if it doesn't work well on one I can use it on another (or use it on multiple bikes regardless).

As for the Voyageur, surprisingly the handlebar bag would actually work without modifying anything. Plenty of room for the cables between the bag and bar, and even the turkey levers fit. Now that isn't ideal, and I wanted to better the setup anyhow, but just thought I'd mention it could work without having to do anything.



I wanted to put new wrap on it and those old levers are just not up to my comfort level anyhow, though I do like the vintage looks. I've got some TRP retro brake levers hanging around that I've been dying to try on something, so figured what the heck I'll put new levers on and route the cables under new wrap. The TRP's were gum colored hoods which I'm still debating if I like. But with gum walled tires this bike was a decent shot of them looking ok on. The wrap turned out to be the wrong color (black/red instead of just solid black) but decided I'd give it a try on the bike and see. I wrapped it to cover up the red edge, and the bit of red that shows through the holes actually looks ok I think. Its growing on me, I'll have to take a photo.

I did mock up the handlebar bag on the black & red Super Sport, along with the Super C Audax bag and rack in the rear. I really like this combo, and can carry everything I'd need for a daytrip or even if i did some short credit card touring and packed well. But at least enough room for tools, snacks, and my dSLR in just the handlebar bag. I just got to pick up another one of those Klikfix brackets and I can move the handlebar bag around easily, though it cost half of what I paid for the bag+klickfix. (well on amazon its 30-some bucks anyone know of a cheaper source?).






I've got new wrap for the SS to, but leaving the old levers and exposed cables on that one for now. They seem like it be nothing more than a minor annoyance when getting into the bag. The rear bag also can collapse down to almost half size for a more compact look (side pockets collapsed flat and lid pulled all the way to base)...



Just got to finish up the work and get them actually mounted, and ride.

Hey that looks great T-Stew. Somehow those Super C bags match your bike perfectly. I dig the semi dorky "Super C" red logo.

Now that looks right smart!