 Topic Name: Two handlebar rolls - one made from repurposed hiking bag
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on: July 11, 2017, 04:30:21 AM
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camnrtn
Posts: 20
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« on: July 11, 2017, 04:30:21 AM » |
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I've been learning to sew recently for the purposes of making a frame bag (which I did - so much fun!), and recently turned my attention to handlebar rolls/harnesses. I found an old hiking bag someone was throwing away and realised that the top flap that a lot of hiking bags have can be easily repurposed into a harness. It's just the right size, is made of tough materials, and they usually (like this one does) have a zip pocket, so if you can make it work it becomes a harness and pocket all in one! What's more as they have these flaps/wings that extend beyond the pocket, it creates a recess that perfectly fits the sleeping mat. I recently finished this red one for my wife's bike. I've not seen anyone do this, it was super easy and cost nothing so thought I'd post. Check out the pics below. I really just added a system to attach it to the bike.
I also made a more regular harness for myself from scratch (only so many people throwing away hiking bags), mostly out of recycled materials from bags and the like. It had a lot of daisy chain action going on as I'm hoping to make another bag to strap to the front but haven't worked out the logistics yet.
I haven't taken these out on any trips yet but they feel pretty solid. Any issues i'll report back.
For anyone who's considering getting into sewing then I say go for it. It's loads of fun and once you get over the initial anxiety around the machine it's quite easy.
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« Last Edit: July 11, 2017, 04:53:37 AM by camnrtn »
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Topic Name: Two handlebar rolls - one made from repurposed hiking bag
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Reply #1 on: July 11, 2017, 04:32:25 AM
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camnrtn
Posts: 20
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« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2017, 04:32:25 AM » |
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And some pics of the one I made for myself.
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« Last Edit: July 11, 2017, 04:54:30 AM by camnrtn »
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Topic Name: Two handlebar rolls - one made from repurposed hiking bag
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Reply #2 on: July 11, 2017, 08:36:15 AM
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Adam Alphabet
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 968
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« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2017, 08:36:15 AM » |
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Nice work!
The first handlebar harness I ever made was from a repurposed backpack back panel and I hand sewed some attachment points to. Worked well enough for that trip but got me very motivated to learn how to machine sew. Welcome to the wonderfully addictive world of MYOG! Sky is the limit.
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@adamalphabet
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Topic Name: Two handlebar rolls - one made from repurposed hiking bag
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Reply #3 on: July 11, 2017, 04:42:56 PM
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camnrtn
Posts: 20
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« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2017, 04:42:56 PM » |
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Addictive is right! My only concern is that I'll run out of projects.
Hand sewing is hard and slow going, much respect for starting there:) Hiking bags are a real treasure trove of useful bits and pieces. I used the piece of plastic from the back panel of this one as a stiffener for the harness, and all the buckles and straps are useful.
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Topic Name: Two handlebar rolls - one made from repurposed hiking bag
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Reply #4 on: July 14, 2017, 11:16:38 AM
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fotooutdoors
Posts: 206
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« Reply #4 on: July 14, 2017, 11:16:38 AM » |
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Nice work! I agree that pack lids work great. My large backpacking pack lid detaches to become a waist pack, and works very well as a pocket over my front roll.
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Topic Name: Two handlebar rolls - one made from repurposed hiking bag
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Reply #5 on: July 15, 2017, 06:45:42 PM
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camnrtn
Posts: 20
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« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2017, 06:45:42 PM » |
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Too right, they're such a perfect size. I'm wishing I had another one to use for my own handlebar setup as my wife is taking this one.
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Topic Name: Two handlebar rolls - one made from repurposed hiking bag
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Reply #6 on: December 12, 2017, 12:47:26 AM
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Lindsay
Location: Australia
Posts: 10
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« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2017, 12:47:26 AM » |
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This is cool I've been looking at making my own harness after using the revelate harness we have at the shop. After seeing this I can see this working well with my original plan. I just happen to have a backpacking bag with the same hood bit, pocket is huge.
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Topic Name: Two handlebar rolls - one made from repurposed hiking bag
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Reply #7 on: December 12, 2017, 01:33:14 AM
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camnrtn
Posts: 20
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« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2017, 01:33:14 AM » |
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Go for it! My wife and I recently did 1 month bikepacking in the European Alps and they held up great, even over the super rough terrain and doing lots of pretty gnarly and technical single track. I ended up using the backpack pocket one, which held up perfectly. She used the from-scratch one. The only issue we had was when she was riding with nothing in the harness with the straps undone, and one of the straps got caught in her wheel and tore off. Can't blame my sewing too much for that one I feel! The backpack mod harness was amazing.
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Topic Name: Two handlebar rolls - one made from repurposed hiking bag
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Reply #8 on: July 28, 2019, 09:29:38 AM
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adlu
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 6
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« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2019, 09:29:38 AM » |
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camnrtn,
Thanks so much for posting these pics. You've already inspired me to buy a used sewing machine and look in local thriftshops and craigslist for old backpacks. I was wondering if you've modified your design for the made-from-scratch harness since your post, and whether you'd be willing to share more detailed pics/patterns for it.
Thanks!
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Topic Name: Two handlebar rolls - one made from repurposed hiking bag
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Reply #9 on: May 05, 2020, 06:50:51 PM
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