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[Brompton] DIY waterproof front bag?

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[Brompton] DIY waterproof front bag?

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Old 09-20-19 | 01:26 AM
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[Brompton] DIY waterproof front bag?

Hello,

"Make Brompton bags" returned a lot of threads… that didn't help, so here goes.

I would like to add my own waterproof bag to the frame.

If some of you have done it, what are good options that don't require serious seamstress skills? Or if it does, I can ask a nearby shop.

Thank you.

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Old 09-20-19 | 03:32 PM
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This is dead easy. You're welcome.
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Old 09-22-19 | 10:25 AM
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More expensive than the T-Bag, so no go.

https://www.tombihn.com/products/pil...15776004833343
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Old 09-26-19 | 07:14 PM
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Hey Winifred,

That's just an example.

If you got to a thrift store, you'll likely find a bunch of laptop/messenger bags with a slide-out for carryon luggage handles.

I'm not sure what it's called--there's an opening on top, and bottom---it's in many "business/executive" messenger/laptop bags.

You could probably find something fairly cheap off amazon or ebay....or in person.
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Old 09-27-19 | 08:58 AM
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if you got through the part of making the bag, you can make any bag waterproof by using nikwax seam sealant
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Old 09-28-19 | 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by mlau
If you got to a thrift store, you'll likely find a bunch of laptop/messenger bags with a slide-out for carryon luggage handles. I'm not sure what it's called--there's an opening on top, and bottom---it's in many "business/executive" messenger/laptop bags.
Thanks for the hint.

Would you have a picture of that kind of bag?

https://www.google.com/search?q=laptop+messenger+bag+slide-out+carryon+luggage+handles&tbm=isch
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Old 09-30-19 | 07:46 AM
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You want the frame to be inserted/sewn into the back panel of the bag cleanly or you just want a way to attach a waterproof bag to the frame?
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Old 09-30-19 | 08:21 AM
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I have made bags, a quiver and tool rolls very easily using fabric glue and canvas with stitching only at stress points. Any waterproof bag you like can have a pocket for the frame glued on, so you do not need to stitch by hand nor find a sewing machine that can handle heavier fabric. Before I attach a cloth panel the edges are folded in and glued and clamped or weighted down to ensure the glue penetrated the cloth properly. The folded edges prevent unraveling. By the next day it is cured and ready to be glued to the bag. Since it wasn't stitched there are no seams to seal. There are lots of YouTube lessons on how to convert regular cotton material to oilskins if that appeals, but glue the bag together first.
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Old 09-30-19 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by residuenyc
You want the frame to be inserted/sewn into the back panel of the bag cleanly or you just want a way to attach a waterproof bag to the frame?
Both are OK, although the former looks better.

Originally Posted by 12boy
I have made bags, a quiver and tool rolls very easily using fabric glue and canvas with stitching only at stress points. Any waterproof bag you like can have a pocket for the frame glued on, so you do not need to stitch by hand nor find a sewing machine that can handle heavier fabric. Before I attach a cloth panel the edges are folded in and glued and clamped or weighted down to ensure the glue penetrated the cloth properly. The folded edges prevent unraveling. By the next day it is cured and ready to be glued to the bag. Since it wasn't stitched there are no seams to seal. There are lots of YouTube lessons on how to convert regular cotton material to oilskins if that appeals, but glue the bag together first.
https://www.google.com/search?q=quiver+and+tool+rolls&tbm=isch

Thanks for the tip. Would you have an exemple of one of the bags you made?
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Old 09-30-19 | 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Winfried
Both are OK, although the former looks better.
I used a small Lowepro camera bag that had a strap to attach to a belt. I used zip ties to fasten it to the bottom and top of the frame. If you're looking for a bigger bag, it's unlikely it would have a belt passthrough but maybe there are rings or other attachment points you could use.
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Old 11-29-19 | 04:08 AM
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I've come accross this modified Brompton bag frame.

If someone's done it, what material do you recommend to hold a 20-30 liter bag, and how did you secure it to the native base on the frame? Would zipties do, or will they break after a while?

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Old 12-01-19 | 06:37 PM
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Zipties work fine. Mine have held up for several years. The disadvantage, other than aesthetics, is that the frame stays with the bag.
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Old 12-13-19 | 07:56 AM
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Ultimately, I didn't need zipties: I got a 35 liter "foldaway cabin bag", cut one of the handles and sawed some velcro onto it to hang the bag from the frame, added a bit of velcro at the bottom to keep it from moving up, and used double face scotch tape to hold a plastic tray upright inside to hold the bag.

Thanks everyone.



Last edited by Winfried; 12-13-19 at 07:59 AM.
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