Lets talk bike bags

[wi_bigfoot]

I find myself to be turning into a long distance rider. I like the rides that are 50-100 miles long. So far all of my rides have been day rides so there is no reason to camp etc. On my current bike Trek 6000 I have a rear rack with the Topeak MTX bag with the fold down panniers. I'm would like to upgrade to a Trek 8500 but the 8 series for Trek doesn't have the bolting areas for the rear rack.

Through this site I have found the Epic Design and Carousel Design seat bags. How well do these work? How supportive are they? To me they look like they aren't supported much and hang out quite a bit from the back of the seat. I would be looking at the normal size. Is this a good step to go in getting away from the rear rack?

Later I will be asking more about equipment etc and that one would take on a trip should I want to overnight but for now I'm thinking just the seat bag.  Is one of these brand bags better then the other? They both seem to be pretty good.

[jonesy792]

I have a carousel seat bag, it works very well and the quality is second to none.  If you are willing to spend some time to learn how to sew you can make bike bags super cheap.  I just finished sewing a frame bag (first sewing project ever) and it cost me less than $20 for fabric and zippers.  I also have enough material left over to make a couple little top tube bags.

[DaveC]

I've made two frame bags, and just finished my home made seat bag today. 

Frame bags are about 400% easier to design and execute (unless you get super fancy).

[jonesy792]

very true, I would not want to attempt a seat bag anytime soon, but mabe a bivvy......

[Pivvay]

I think you'll find most people here use bags from either Epic or CDW. My Epic bags are awesome and I'm getting a 2nd "big" set for winter use. Highly recommended.

The seatbag is great for soft goods like a sleeping bag and clothes.

[700see.]

I use Carousel Design Works stuff tip-to-tail (I have a seatbag, full triangle frame pack + bento box deal, and a partial frame pack for shorter trips). The seatbag stays on the bike all the time carrying tools, a spare undershirt, and a rain jacket. On bikepacking trips it takes my sleeping bag and light bivy. You can cinch them down plenty tight and they are more stable + quiet than any wedge pack I've ever used. They are also properly designed to eliminate any leg bumping or rubbing. Go for it.

[ne_dan]

For those who are making their own bags.  What fabric are you using are you using and where are you sourcing it from?  I'm having a hard time finding Cordura.  Anyone know a good place?

[DaveC]

For those who are making their own bags.  What fabric are you using are you using and where are you sourcing it from?  I'm having a hard time finding Cordura.  Anyone know a good place?

Dan,

I bought Ballistics nylon (1050 denier cordura with a very thick poly coating) from Seattle Fabrics for a backpack project in the spring.  I had enough left over for the seatbag and several frame packs.  It's heavy (16 oz a yard!), very water resistant, and super abrasion resistant.  Also not the easiest thing for a mere-mortal sewing machine to run through when you start adding multiple layers and webbing.  Fair warning.

Beyond Seattle Fabrics, check Oware.com and Thru-hiker.com.

[jonesy792]

I went to the local fabric store, unfortunately the fabric that was sold to me as water resistant is anything but.  I'll just make sure that I don't put anything that is sensitive to water in them.

[daveB]

Two sources for material:

http://www.questoutfitters.com/
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/

Quest's order fulfillment is faster, but it may depend on where you live (I'm in VT)

[sherpaxc]

anyone care to share their frame pack pattern?  I think it would be neat if CDW or Epic came up with something where you could buy a kit from them (fabric, pattern) and you sew it ala Ray Way kits. 

[Eric]

www.owfinc.com
much, much better prices than seattle fabrics.

[FeloniousDunk]

I'm a bit of a DIYer with some sewing machine experience and a decent machine.  I've had decent luck making a hammock, a backpack and a few other small bags so I thought I'd try to make my own frame pack.  Let me tell you, that was a whole nother beast.  Getting the tight corners to fit correctly of basically a box with the somewhat thick fabric (Cordura 600 I think it was) was a pita, basically I couldn't do it.  It's all sitting in a pile in the closet.  I ended up buying a Jandd and wished I had from the start.  It works okay for my frame but if I get REAL serious I'll likely buy an Epic.  I have a CDW saddle bag and handlebar bag and that construction job is amazing, and even more amazing after I tried my own.  I'm sure Eric's work is the same.  Of course, YMMV.   

[chrisx]

http://rosecitytextiles.com/
If your not particular about the color they sometimes have a very good deal, check back now and then.

http://www.seattlefabrics.com/
Any one tried heat sealable fabric.  I made a "fender bag" for my sleeping bag and mat. If you ask, Seattle Fabric will send an old article from a boat mag on building a dry bag.  I used some straps for backing when I made it.  

Some places like Jo Ann fabrics offer sewing classes for $40.00. First lesson, Rain pants.

[DaveC]

anyone care to share their frame pack pattern?  I think it would be neat if CDW or Epic came up with something where you could buy a kit from them (fabric, pattern) and you sew it ala Ray Way kits. 

Trace inside your frame on a piece of cardboard, cut it out, use it to cut two side pieces. 

Cut "edge" pieces 3" wide (2.3 inches plus 1/3" seam allowance on each side.  I like to add some thin foam, sewed directly to each side piece, for the lower pieces.  This keeps things from rattling against the tubes. 

Sew all the edge pieces together.  Sew velcro strapping to the points you need.  Keep in mind good zipper tension to closing and opening is easy with one hand.

Sew the zipper(s) to the side piece.  Make sure it's the right one!

Pin one side piece to the edge complex, inside out.  Sew each side from the middle out in both directions.  Then go back and do a heavier stitch, bar tacks, and so forth.

Repeat. 

Use.

(This all presumes a dead simple framebag.)

[FeloniousDunk]

Sew each side from the middle out in both directions.  

That seems (no pun intended) to be a simple tip but it may be just what I need to get around the difficulties I had trying to sew in the corners.  My wife still needs a bag.  Maybe I'll give it another go.  

Anyone know where to source 6 inch weather resistant zippers?

[daveB]

http://www.questoutfitters.com/zippers.htm#MAKE%20YOUR%20OWN%20ZIPPERS
Do read the note about the zipper pulls. 

Since sewing the zipper end into a tight seam can be a bit awkward, especially on a diagonal seam, I often use a few inches of 1.5" grosgrain tape on the end.

My frame bag made from Dimension Polyant sailcloth, a laminate of ripstop nylon facing, spectra diamond grid, and waterproof membrane.  All ready for my recent 3 day ride of the ACA's Green Mountain Loop.

[Gordo]

can I ask where you got that fabric?

[bmike-vt]

i've seen daveb's bag on a 300k event here in VT.
nicely done, and a perfect fit.

the fabric is pretty cool.

[daveB]

I used VX04; got directly from Dimension-Polyant.  Note that this is wholesale purchasing, you'll need to act at least a little like a business... just try to use the word "prototype".  Contact info below is from 2003.  Sales rep is probably different now.  Look up DP online to find current info.  I used this fabric to make a backpack in 2004.  It went about 5000 miles before dying a natural death.  The lightweight nylon facing on the VX04 makes it not very abrasion resistant (poor for pack bottom), and after long term flexing the waterproof laminate loses integrity (use something less stiff for a roll top/drybag closure).  FYI.

---------------

Hi Dave,

The price for VX04 is $7.90 per yard at 54 inches wide.
We accept Master Card and Visa to facilitate orders of this type.

Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.
Best regards,

David McGill
DIMENSION - POLYANT Sailcloth Inc.
78 Highland Drive   Putnam,  CT  06260
Phone: 860-963-7413
Fax: 860-928-0161
Voice Mail/Mobile: 401-369-4055
E Mail: dmcgill@dpcloth.com
Web: http://www.dimension-polyant.com