petebowden

I've been checking out this forum for a couple of reasons. Of course one of the reason's is just to see how people are here and from what I've seen so far is that, all in all everyone is very helpful and willing to contribute. I'm glad to have stumbled onto this site, it’s a great site. My bike is a the first and only bike I've ever bought or owned, other than the hand me down bikes I grew up with. It was purchased way back in 1975. It's a Schwinn Super Le tour II. The guy that sold it to me said it was the largest frame built, because of my long legs. I can remember him telling me it was a 27in frame and that if I told someone the size they would think I was talking about the tire size. But I've measured it and from the top of the down tube to the middle of the crank, it's measures 25in. Maybe someone can tell me which measurement it is the correct one?

I rode it off and on for a few years then put it away and the bike collected dust for next 20 or so years. A few years back I got into backpacking and have really enjoyed getting out on the trail and doing the camping thing. Then I saw some YouTube videos with people and their bikes loaded with Panniers and bikes with trailers going cross country. That got me thinking about my old bike again. So I dusted her off, fixed a flat and replaced a couple of cables and went for a ride. That was 6 months ago.

I had bought an old Singer Sewing machine to do some mending with and to make some camping gear with, so I thought, why not make my own set of Panniers. I found a pattern that I liked and after looking at all the different styles online and a way to attach them to the bike rack which I also made, because I didn’t really like the one the pattern had, which still needs some improvement on how to secure them, they’re somewhat easy to put on and take off. Was wondering, and here’s my other question. I’ve had some great comments on the Panniers that I made. I’ll tell people that I made them and they can’t believe how good they came out. The local bike shop said that I should start selling them and that there’s a market for them. I would like to know from you folks what you think. I know I would rather purchase an American make product if given the choice to do so and of course price is always a deciding factor.

I hope I’m not stepping over my bounds here by posting this or if this is even the place to do so. So please let me know if I am.

Sincerly,
Pete

10 Wheels

Hi Pete,

Welcome to Bike Forums.

Join in here to access the market and for sale threads

https://www.bikeforums.net/payments.php?

bluegoatwoods

Hi Pete,

Welcome aboard and good job!

I doubt if you can make any real money marketing your own panniers. But if you do it as a labor of love, then that would be great. You would be one of us 'hard core' bicyclists right off the bat.