Bullmoose Bag Project!
 

Hi everyone, I thought you might like this project from earlier this year.

I wanted a handlebar bag to fit under my Nitto bullmoose handlebars, but I couldn't find exactly what I needed. I wanted a canvas bag with rider-facing pockets, and I wanted the bag to hang from the bars instead of resting on a front rack or a decaleur. I needed a bagmaker with design talent and engineering skills.

I found Rambler Bags, a one-person shop in Pennsylvania, and I immediately knew Kuba was the perfect talent for the project. Kuba’s design philosophy and aesthetics matched mine: Rambler’s waxed-canvas bags are simple, they have drawstring closures instead of zippers, and all the hardware is easily replaceable.

I ordered a set of panniers and a saddlebag, and I sent Kuba sketches of what I was envisioning for a frame bag and a handlebar bag.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...51b8756ddf.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bf65e4230e.jpg

I then built cardboard mockups to fit in my frame and handlebars. I taped the mockups in place and went for a few rides to check clearances and fitting. Once I was sure the size and fit were correct, I sent the cardboard patterns and mockup to Kuba.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7c1cd36e14.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c096b9f989.jpg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c994502245.jpg

I also sent Kuba a pattern for the handlebars so he'd know where to place the daisy-chain attachment straps. After seeing the mockups, Kuba made several brilliant design recommendations and engineering solutions.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d1970c571e.jpg

The finished bags are amazing. I chose black waxed canvas and cords with nickel-plated hardware; the bag interiors are bright orange. The bags are sturdy, the craftsmanship is superb, the fit is perfect, and Kuba's engineering solutions are spot-on.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0c76177343.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b892f6f6ae.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...48f651b232.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ba39ab4e52.jpg

I've been on a few long rides this summer and I'm looking forward to many more!

Amazing work!

Beautiful!

Nice design work and execution. Unfortunately the Rambler bag website says he no longer makes custom bags! He got a day job (or two) no time left for custom bags.:(

Awesome bag, I wonder if there are folks out there still doing full custom stuff like this?