Customs bag... and sewing machine?

Hello all,

 

I've been digging around amazon, ebay, aliexpress, wiggles and more... and I've never really found the type of bags I'm looking for.

 

When they are slightly good enough for my needs, they are overpriced:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001VS1J3W/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000OZGI2U&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1CV6272RAB4S01DNYKZ0

 

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=57623

 

 

My needs are actually quite simple, I want a bag I'd fit on my bike that is:

- Able to contain my laptop (small macbook air 11") and have 2-3L of additional space for 100 * 18650 cells. Bag should be around 6 kg.

- Is quick release so I can bring it home every night with my bike parked outside

- Is relatively safe against thieves.

- Not looking too ugly or dumb as I'll also bring it to work from time to time... (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ryde-17l-Small-Motorcycle-Top/dp/B00CJC5E8U/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1PD09CP54S78MQN48Y21)

 

 

I was thinking to create my own bag with this:

Sewing machine:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AYZ5MLS/ref=gno_cart_title_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2JO3HY5OF3CNS

Heavy duty needs:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jean-Denim-Machine-Needles-Size-100/dp/B004BP6D2O/ref=pd_sim_kh_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0W6S6X4V2SVA2YV56NNN

Heavy duty thread:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STRONG-BONDED-NYLON-THREAD-40S-3000MTR-UPHOLSTERY-ASSORTED-COLOURS-FREE-P-P-/130860547069?pt=UK_Thread_Floss_1&var=430123179870&hash=item1e77e57bfd

Heavy duty fabric:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACKOUT-WATERPROOF-BLACK-CANVAS-FABRIC-150CM-WIDE-PER-MTR-SUPERIOR-QUALITY/141218884324?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28111%26meid%3D76cd4486f3f84631b9d3e0c364eba817%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D11472%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D141292243755&rt=nc

 

This way, I have for sure the bag I need to the exact size. What I envision to do:

- First thing would be to sew some quick release to my current backpack so it can fit to my bicycle.

- Then sew an additional battery bag with quick release to the seat post

- Create some custom frame bag with quick release.

- Create some customs bicycle bag so I can fold them inside and take the train with my bag.

 

 

Only issue is it's still tissue, so potentially someone can take a knife and open it... but it would still be a great improvement.

 

Good idea?

I like your basic idea. I often find that to get exactly what I want, I either have to create it myself, or do extreme modifications on an existing product. The sewing machine is quite expensive, and probably costs more than having a custom bag made. It could be justified if you are likely to use it for other projects, and have fun using it.

 

Another approach would be to cut out the material and pin it together, and then take it to someone who has an industrial sewing machine, for example a local shoe mender.

 

When finished, put a label on it that reads "Warning, this bag contains hazardous biological samples." People will tend to leave it alone.

trouble is cwah the holes with stitching let in water when it rains, rely has to be heat bonded to make it water proof,i have made panniers in the past using old panniers as a template , the thread +fabric+needles and the machine, would all do the job, pippeing foot would make a nicer finish to the job sometimes suplyed with machine (one of my talents city and guilds in upholstery) had to repair car seats at one time.

You might have a look in your local camera shop.. They do all sorts of bags of varying sizes and most pro togs carry laptops and stuff, they are pretty tough and waterproof to boot. I wouldn't worry too much about the waterproofing as most decent bags come with a built in nylon waterproof cover.

I like your basic idea. I often find that to get exactly what I want, I either have to create it myself, or do extreme modifications on an existing product. The sewing machine is quite expensive, and probably costs more than having a custom bag made. It could be justified if you are likely to use it for other projects, and have fun using it.

 

Another approach would be to cut out the material and pin it together, and then take it to someone who has an industrial sewing machine, for example a local shoe mender.

 

When finished, put a label on it that reads "Warning, this bag contains hazardous biological samples." People will tend to leave it alone.

 

I have been thinking about that... some sort of warning so people don't touch that.. Biological sounds good. May worth a try

trouble is cwah the holes with stitching let in water when it rains, rely has to be heat bonded to make it water proof,i have made panniers in the past using old panniers as a template , the thread +fabric+needles and the machine, would all do the job, pippeing foot would make a nicer finish to the job sometimes suplyed with machine (one of my talents city and guilds in upholstery) had to repair car seats at one time.

 

So if I buy the list I mentioned it's all good to go? And to heat bond I can just use a lighter I suppose?

You might have a look in your local camera shop.. They do all sorts of bags of varying sizes and most pro togs carry laptops and stuff, they are pretty tough and waterproof to boot. I wouldn't worry too much about the waterproofing as most decent bags come with a built in nylon waterproof cover.

 

Problem of these camera bag are that they are not made to fit my bike. There isn't any quick release to the bike, and I'd be left with the same frustration as I currently have. Unless they do specific range of camera bag for bicycle that I'm not aware of

Wye not make something with sheet ply, waterproof it then cover with material. Would be more secure and could be held on with straps or bungees.

Cwah you could use one of those heat seal you get for food sealing bags or a glue sealant applied when you put it together as you sew.

Wye not make something with sheet ply, waterproof it then cover with material. Would be more secure and could be held on with straps or bungees.

 

Main benefit of fabric is that it is lightweight. Much more than hard cover.

 

Fabric can also be already waterproof and with cordura and 1000D alike they are very much tear proof and strong.

Provided you've got a rack this one's not expensive:

 

Dawes Messenger Pannier

 

Although heel clearance may be a problem, particularly on a small wheeled bike.

Edited December 28, 201411 yr by jhruk

Provided you've got a rack this one's not expensive:

 

Dawes Messenger Pannier

 

Although heel clearance may be a problem, particularly on a small wheeled bike.

 

It does look nice but isn't it a side panier on the rear?

 

It would significantly increase my bike width and will be a problem when I need to filter cars in london

It does look nice but isn't it a side panier on the rear?

 

It would significantly increase my bike width and will be a problem when I need to filter cars in london

No, you'd be fine. I filter cars in and out of London every day with a rear rack and pannier. You don't notice it at all as it's right behind your legs. The limiting factor is handlebar width (and that's me on a road bike with 440mm handlebars!)

 

Michael

trouble is cwah the holes with stitching let in water when it rains, rely has to be heat bonded to make it water proof,i have made panniers in the past using old panniers as a template , the thread +fabric+needles and the machine, would all do the job, pippeing foot would make a nicer finish to the job sometimes suplyed with machine (one of my talents city and guilds in upholstery) had to repair car seats at one time.

For waterproofing fabric spray examples see

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/search/go?view=grid&w=waterproof+spray

No, you'd be fine. I filter cars in and out of London every day with a rear rack and pannier. You don't notice it at all as it's right behind your legs. The limiting factor is handlebar width (and that's me on a road bike with 440mm handlebars!)

 

Michael

 

I'm filtering the cars so close that I'm bending sideway to allow handlebar to go through. And sometime I have to move pedals around to avoid hitting the pedestrian pavements..

 

Not sure I can do that with side bags?

I'm filtering the cars so close that I'm bending sideway to allow handlebar to go through. And sometime I have to move pedals around to avoid hitting the pedestrian pavements..

 

Not sure I can do that with side bags?

The answer is to have custom made bags ,made with the sort of material that roll top bags are made with, a strong PVC covered fabric, used in off shore kayaking and other sailing pastimes, I can't find my boating mag right now ,but a company advertise in it, who in deal solely in this. A trip to the boat show perhaps?

Try a frame bag. Bikebags.co.uk are good - small husband and wife team. Made to your spec and made to measure your frame.

The answer is to have custom made bags ,made with the sort of material that roll top bags are made with, a strong PVC covered fabric, used in off shore kayaking and other sailing pastimes, I can't find my boating mag right now ,but a company advertise in it, who in deal solely in this. A trip to the boat show perhaps?

 

Not sure to get what you mean... are you saying some fabric such as the one for boat should be the one I need for filtering cars, or is it unrelated?

Not sure to get what you mean... are you saying some fabric such as the one for boat should be the one I need for filtering cars, or is it unrelated?

No! silly, I meant the making of custom bags for your bike!!

I'm filtering the cars so close that I'm bending sideway to allow handlebar to go through. And sometime I have to move pedals around to avoid hitting the pedestrian pavements..

 

Not sure I can do that with side bags?

I think that you should have a happier life if you didn't ride so aggressively. Is there a pressing need to get through such small gaps?

My thought as well, the only cyclist I have seen take such "gaps" bent the mirror on one car and had to use his hand on another to stop hitting it.

All he acheived was to make drivers hate cyclist more.

This is an example. What I meant is that I like the agility I get from the bike.

 

And adding width is going the wrong way around in which I take more space.

 

Obviously, when I have more time I don't filters car, but there are time where there is a massive traffic jam (quite common in london), and the red light barely allow a few cars to pass before it goes back to red.

 

I know for a fact that if I wait there, I'd have to wait for something like 15mn and I'll arrive late to work.

 

Then I need to "filter" to the pavement to walk out of this traffic jam.

 

 

That's the main benefit of bicycle, being agile, and that's why I won't get a 3 wheeler or any thick bikes

This is an example. What I meant is that I like the agility I get from the bike.

 

And adding width is going the wrong way around in which I take more space.

 

Obviously, when I have more time I don't filters car, but there are time where there is a massive traffic jam (quite common in london), and the red light barely allow a few cars to pass before it goes back to red.

 

I know for a fact that if I wait there, I'd have to wait for something like 15mn and I'll arrive late to work.

 

Then I need to "filter" to the pavement to walk out of this traffic jam.

 

 

That's the main benefit of bicycle, being agile, and that's why I won't get a 3 wheeler or any thick bikes

 

 

I can well imagine the situation you described. Normally, it happens to me when I am on my motorbike in a heavy snarl-up - a right b*gger to get past. I am sure this is a regular feature in Central London during rush hours. It is all remote frustrating when on a bicycle you should be able to "walk out of it".

I'm filtering the cars so close that I'm bending sideway to allow handlebar to go through. And sometime I have to move pedals around to avoid hitting the pedestrian pavements..

 

Not sure I can do that with side bags?

You can. I filter exactly the same traffic on a bike with narrower handlebars than yours and with a single rear pannier - the pannier isn't noticeable at all. I can comfortably and safety get through gaps that motorcycles and scooters have no hope of doing. Obviously safety and courtesy are key though.

 

Michael

You can. I filter exactly the same traffic on a bike with narrower handlebars than yours and with a single rear pannier - the pannier isn't noticeable at all. I can comfortably and safety get through gaps that motorcycles and scooters have no hope of doing. Obviously safety and courtesy are key though.

 

Michael

 

Which side pannier did you use? A lot of them seem to add noticeable width to the bike.