DIY (cheap) Canvas Saddlebag

[islaysteve]

Much as I would like to buy a nice medium size bag for my Bleriot, I just will not be using it enough to justify the expense. Therefore I decided to buy an inexpensive ($12) bag that I could try to adapt. I think I've been successful, although it hasn't been road tested. The galley with more detail in the captions is here: https://picasaweb.google.com/109191668701158452616/SaddlebagForBleriot?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCI7V2b-cwf7F4wE&feat=directlink. The bag measures to over 7 liters and will hold my tools, tube, Abus lock, and some clothes or food. Cheers,
Steve

[WETH]

Steve,

You made some nice modifications.  That seems spacious enough for what you want to carry.  I will be curious to learn how it handles on the road. 

Erl

[cbone97]

Good job.

Coincidentally, I recently bought a few bags from the military surplus store.  None are actual military stuff, just similar bags they also sell.  I bought a little medic shoulder bag that works brilliantly strapped to the rear rack, a smallish utility bag with belt loops that I'm using as a saddlebag, and two insulated Nalgene bottle bags that work great strapped to my basket on the front.  This stuff is dirt cheap compared to bike bags, constructed stoutly, and has enough straps and MOLLE loops to secure it to whatever, however.  I particularly love the Nalgene bottle bags.  My water stayed cold all day.  Wasn't going to mention my unfaithfullness to Sackville on here, but you're onto something. Thanks for sharing.

[Jon in the foothills of Central Colorado]

Steve,

Frugal is good . Nice looking bag. Looks like you saved about $200+.

Jon

[LF]

waterproof it (google is your friend) and Bob is your uncle.  Nice job.

On Monday, April 27, 2015 at 10:14:06 AM UTC-4, islaysteve wrote:

[islaysteve]

Thanks folks. It's nowhere near as nice or functional as Sackville, Carradice, etc, but as I said, anticipated frequency of use does not justify a costlier bag for me. Also, I enjoy projects like this. I'm not done messing with it, I may change the location of the mounting straps. Also thought about waterproofing, either with wax, Scotchguard or ??
Steve