Hello

I like the Dahon carry on cover better than the one that comes with the Brompton because the former is much lighter and more compact:


However, it's meant for much bigger bikes, so the bag is needlessly big for the Brompton.

Before I find the fabric and learn how to use a sewing machine… I was wondering if someone knew of a cover with the same type of light material but meant for the Brompton instead.

Thank you.

Have you seen the Ikea Dimpa bag? Lots of bromton folks use it. Cheap, too.

CM Wasson [foldabikes] sold one thru his site , but he is in California, and actually has retired and shut down his shop and website.

he was the 1st dealer in the US of Bromptons , now there are so many more.

I Bought my Schlumpf- Brompton Mountain drive crank and some Fizik Vitesse for Brompton saddles from Him .

And several replacement parts to improve My Mk 2 , which I have recently sold..

I'd rather something opaque so people (bus drivers…) can't see that it's a bike.

For some reason, folding bikes are considered by bus companies as regular bikes, and thus require paying extra, even if they're no bigger than a suitcase.

If you like the dimpa, it's easy enough to shove a bit of cardboard around. I have a friend who actually puts the bike inside one of the blue ikea bags and then inside the dimpa, think the whole thing cost her $12.

But then, I'll have to either carry those cardboards with me or try to find some when I board a bus.

An opaque fabric solves the problem.

Get on with the sewing..

Well, another option (it won't be cheap) is if you have a camping repair place near you. Maybe check with your REI equivalent to find someone. I have place near me, and I am sure they would sew a custom bag to my exact specifications. The could do cool things like put zipper pockets on the outside and put detachable straps, etc. They could even sew in velcro dividers which are moveable on the inside, I'm sure. If there's a place near you - and it is worth the money to you - then start designing!

I have the Tern carry cover (not sure if same as Dahon's) and have to say it is a very smart design but way big for a Brompton considering I could cover a Dahon Dash with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LSsoqb1-N4
You could just buy one and just sew it to make it smaller.

Or spray paint the Dimpa bag.
First spray on adhesive, then paint, because I doubt paint would stick to that tarp material.

I'll give sewing a try. If that fails, I'll just pay someone to do it for me.

Thanks.

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Edit: I'd like to find/order the same type of fabric. The Dahon cover has no info about it: If you know about such things, is there a specification I could use?

All I know is it's lighter than a windbreaker jacket.

Problem solved: It only took a bit of spinnaker sail, which is cheap, light, strong, and easy to sew even when just starting with a sewing machine:

Sharp needle and even 1000 denier cordura sews easily..

Well done!

Here are some more sewing for you: male pattern boldness

That looks great! May I ask where you got the fabric?

It's not just the fabric + needle: If the fabric's too thick, you need a more powerful sewing machine.

I bought the fabric (1x1.50m) from a small store that makes/sells kites, but obviously, it can also be found from shipchandlers.

I used a Home sewing machine to make a pair of Cordura Panniers

I have grown to love my simple Brother sewing machine.
I have made a frame bag and modified other packs to go on my bike, and simple tarp bags for wheels.