basket bags

[Beth H]

For those who can't spring for a basket bag from RBW,

A non-waterproof alternative exists at Wald, US makers of fine bicycle basketry.

http://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/store/bags-and-liners/1372-navy-blue-bag/

http://www.waldsports.com/index.cfm/store/bags-and-liners/1392-navy-blue-bag/

The downer is that they're not waterproof so probably better for Phoenix than for Seattle. Still they fit baskets nicely.

Cheers and happy riding!

Beth in pdx

--

Beth Hamon

Jewish educator, songleader & cantorial soloist

http://www.beth-hamon-music.com

[Lynne Cooney]

I found that a perfectly serviceable option is any reusable shopping bag, like a Trader Joe's bag. No zipper, but if you use a net over your basket, that's really not a problem.

[Julian]

At under $30 and MUSA, that looks like a possible bargain. Curious about quality, but pretty simple design, so if decent sewing and a good zipper, not much to go wrong. Not waterproof, but then again, neither are the Shopsacks (which I've used daily for years and love), which are water "resistant", but if you're riding in a persistent rain or a short heavy downpour they will let water in (I've learned to put anything that CAN'T get wet into a plastic bag before stashing in the Shopsack on a rainy day). 

I'll have to see if my LBS can get one of these -- if I do I'll report back. Thanks Beth for the link. 

Regards, 

Julian Westerhout

In currently raining and a blustery 48 degrees Bloomington, IL 

[Julian]

I just got one of the 1392 bags today. It's the larger of the two, and is a bit smaller than the large Riv Shopsack. 

It is made from a medium weight coated "cordura-type" nylon fabric -- I'd wager it is as watertight as the Riv bags. Very nicely finished -- taped and sewn seams inside, with taped edges at the top as well, so the zipper interface is finished (which it is not on the Riv bags). 

The bag has long carry straps that are sewn onto the front and rear of the bag all the way down to the bottom seam, which should distribute the load well, with little chance of strap tear out (although unless you're carrying your lead collection, that's not likely to be an issue with the Riv bags either!). The front straps have 2 ~10" reflective bands on the bag, there's a loop on the front where you can clip a "see-me" blinkie, and there are velcro loops front and back to attach to a basket. 

The zipper is a large coil zipper -- very beefy. The zipper brand is AP -- I do not know them -- the Riv bags use venerable YKK coil zippers in a smaller size. 

I'm impressed with this bag. Well built, nicely finished. I'd rate this bag as a real bargain at the price. 

Regards, 

Julian Westerhout

Bloomington, IL 

On Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 9:40:17 AM UTC-5, Beth H wrote:

[JohnS]

Thank you for the heads up on this bag. It's nice to know there is a good Shop Shack alternative at a reasonable price.

 

JohnS

[Justin August]

I wonder if you soaked this in Nikwax you could waterproof it....

[Julian]

John, 

The fabric is pu coated -- I believe it is waterproof (it passed my tap test, not used it in real rain yet), but the zipper and seams are not -- but neither are the ShopSack's. Like that bag, I'd call this highly water resistant, but if you cannot afford for something to get wet (camera, phone, etc) it would be wise to protect those things in plastic bag inside the sack -- regardless if you use a Wald or a Riv bag. 

Regards, 

Julian Westerhout

Bloomington, IL