Making your own frame bag - DIY

[doc007]

[youtube]oWDRiexLA0I[/youtube]

http://www.bikepacking.net/individual_setups/frame-bag/

 

[Joseph C.]

Very good video.

Damn, his finished bag has immaculately clean lines.

 

[veloman]

That's pretty impressive. I think something with some more rigidity is in order for holding a battery though. But great bag for light cargo.

 

[biohazardman]

Just bend up some ABS and slide it in for heavier loads.

 

[Sacman]

That's pretty impressive. I think something with some more rigidity is in order for holding a battery though. But great bag for light cargo.

Kingfish made 2 framebags for his batts and he's a pretty skilled at DYI sewing too. Search for his threads and see the pics of how he made them.
IIRC he used wide reinforcement straps sewn to the top and sides of the bag and internal compartments to help hold the weight of the Lipo bricks.

 

[Kingfish]

Thanks Sacman :wink:
I thought this guy presented the concept well; no nonsense straight-up how-to video.

Some points for clarity:

• This is a good lightweight bag that can be made on a typical household sewing machine, something used to create shirts, dresses, patch clothes, etc.
• The bag is designed for light use, for holding cargo, keys, food, clothes, lotion, and some batteries.
• The wire-loop pull-tabs are an interesting idea, however I’d cut to the chase and double-over ¾” nylon-poly strip or even that grosgrain would do it. My worry is that my legs might hit that bit and cause irritation. Or one could make a tuck-pocket for the loop at the seatpost end. The question is: How often are we going to open the bag? If it’s cargo, then frequently, though battery… not as often. Moot point, but a detail nonetheless.
• I really like the water-resistant zipper, and have some in stock although it was never used. Good stuff though.

Concerns if used as a battery bag:

• I sort of cringed when he came to certain points that I knew would be very difficult to try with a heavy-duty bag on that sewing machine as with my industrial walking-foot. As you can tell, even for an experienced bag maker, it is a challenge. A person trying to make this particular bag having no experience might take one or two attempts before getting it right.
• The bag is supported on the top, bottom, and rear to prevent shifting in each of these directions. It could do with one Velcro strap in the front around the steering tube to prevent it from shifting backwards on take-off; don't rely on the triangle shape to arrest that movement if loaded up. Also possibly upgrade the bottom straps to something wider like the top support in case of bumps & curbs.
• The sides can be firmed up with HDPE for some spill-crash protection, and even sewn in to secure them in place.
• The thin rip-stop nylon will hold some load, but it won't last if trying to put 6 or 8 batteries in it. Don’t forget to pad the bag with closed-cell foam.

Otherwise, snazzy! Just needs reflective adornments, a personalized logo, and "Made at Home" tag 8)

Related: Epic Battery Bag Story
Cheers, KF

 

[docnjoj]

That was a neat video. I'm no expert but my grandfather was a tailor and I learned a bit. I think that not only would the industrial machine help, but something that did at least double row stitching or even serging would make much stronger thread joints, expecially with the thread he is using. Just my 2 cents 'cause it really is a fine job and he obviously knows how to handle the machine..
otherDoc