frame mounted saddle bag, or side bag

[JohnD]

I've been asked to make a frame mounted saddle bag, or side bag. I have an example of what the guy wants, but was wondering if anyone with some experience with them might have some ideas? Having talked to some folks who've used them I know of some of the shortcomings of some of the designs, things blowing out while riding noise from the flapping and such and was curious if anyone had ideas on how to remedy some of these things.

Here's the example he wants duplicated with different dimensions:

Any input would be appreciated, Thanks.

John

[Roger]

i have not had any complaints. mine are pretty thick. i use 10-12oz for the body and either the same or 5-6oz for the gussets

[JohnD]

I have the patterns done and cut the pieces out of 6-7oz. The back panel (where the gussets will be ) is actually two pieces if 6-7oz stitched together to create a pocket inside.

One thing I'm wondering about... Do you leave a flap on the sides that can fold over to keep stuff in? I might do that. I'm alittle concerned it might look sloppy.

10-12oz sounds good and sturdy, I might try that for future versions. Thanks Beez.

John

[TimberWolf]

Post a pic when you get 'em finished! At first glance the bag looks alot like an Aussie saddle accessory. Are you planning on using Ghost brackets at the mounting points?

[Roger]

those tend to be kind of a droopy bag to start with.

the back should be stiff to help the bag maintain it's shape and support the weight.

the ones i have made do have flaps more to keep stuff in and keep the rain out

the flap also adds some stiffness to the top of the bag

[JohnD]

Timberwolf, Ghost brackets? I'm not sure what they are, but the bag will attach to the frame rails with buckled straps at the top and, I guess, tie on at the bottom . I should actually do a search on saddle bags for ideas, huh? Will do on the pics

Beeza, The doubled up 6-7 oz back is pretty stiff. The guy who wants it was asking about stitching some some metal in between, from mounting point to mounting point, but I dont know if it needs it.

Those flaps are what I was thinking. I used them on a purse I made for my wife. I think I'm going to go with them here too.

Thanks, John

[Roger]

yes, the doubled up leather is plenty thick but, it would not hurt to add some metal. if the bag gets wet at all it will droop

[TimberWolf]

John,

Ghost brackets & Easy brackets are available for specific models. The bracket is a quick on/off system that the leather bag is attached to. You can do a web search abd get the details. They are a great way to mount bags, but are about $150. pair. What model bike are they being built for?

[JohnD]

My Brother-in-law owns a custom bike shop and is starting to manufacture his own frames. These bags are something he wants to start offering for sale so, as the dimensions are for his frame they have to be somewhat universal.....for rigid frames of course.