Quick DIY question...

[morphix]

I'm trying to convert my handlebar bag into a quick release..

At the moment it has the webbing straps with velcro on.. so the obvious way seems to be cut the webbing shorter, and fix on Gelert 2cm Quick Release buckles..

Question..what is the best way do you think of securing them buckles onto the webbing straps? Rivets.. glue...sewing machine?! I don't own a sewing machine, but I could look into it getting it done by someone I suppose..

 

[jerrysimon]

I am not a fan of things attached to my handle bars that then move when you steer. I prefer some form of quick release on the front tube which remains static.

Klickfix do some nice options though I guess on a smaller wheeled bike its easier to mount this type of luggage up front.

Then again these things aren't cheap and if you are on a budget.....

To answer your question I would favor the sown option especially if there is any weight (battery ?) in the bag.

Regards

Jerry

 

[morphix]

Thanks for the reply Simon...I will probably try and get it sewn then, will be stronger and neater.

Your bag looks nicely done..do you use it for carrying other goods besides your kit? Looks quite roomy.

Like yourself I wasn't keen on the idea of handlebar mounting, but after trying it I found it not a problem at all and it doesn't affect steering much or move about.. that said, this is a full size bike and the battery is small..I may put another quick release vertically for the tube bar as you suggested for extra stability when going over bumps etc..

I'm currently in the planning stages of starting a second conversion and looking for a suitable 20" folder.. I'm on a budget though and don't want to spend more than say £200 on the bike..

I've seen a couple of bikes I think may have possibilities..

This one has a magnesium alloy frame (10kg) which is within budget..

Lightest Folding Bicycle - Urban Lite 2 Magnesium Alloy on eBay (end time 23-Apr-11 16:10:26 BST)

And this one is ok too, aluminium frame..

BRAND NEW UNISEX FOLDING ALUMINUM BIKE / BICYCLE on eBay (end time 20-Apr-11 18:46:33 BST)

Would be interested to know what you think..

I loved that white downtube you posted a while back, but at £400+ way out of my price range ;-)

 

[jerrysimon]

Yes this one is my non assisted bike so no battery or electrics. I do need more room than many though, as I have to carry orange juice and bits and pieces for treating diabetes/low blood sugars. I usually also carry wet riding gear when I am commuting as well.

With smaller wheeled bikes you really should try them before you buy. There are some REALLY bad ones out there especially at the lower end of the price range.

The Brompton really is one of the best in terms of fold though, is only 16" wheeled but suspended at the back. Dahon might be an option for the larger 20" wheeled ones, though with no suspension unless you fit bouncy tryes (Big Apple are good) things get pretty uncomfrotable. You would get more for your money second hand.

Hope that helps.

PS strangely that second cheaper one looks slightly better and more like a Dahon. Go and try a Dahon and see what you think. Folders can be more uncomfortable for taller riders, so its important to make sure there is enough adjustment of seat hieght and handle bar position.


Regards

Jerry

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I just made a visit to Munich in Germany. I've never seen so many bikes. There's at least as many as Holland and many of them have baskets on the front. If you had a basket, you could easily drop your bag into it and take it out when you want. However, baskets look good on girls bikes: Maybe you could modify the shape to more of a cuboid to look more butch.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Just had another thought. Many of these baskets have a quick release mechanism. You could cut off the front of the basket to leave just the back rectangle and fixing bracket, and then sow your bag to the mesh.
Sport Direct Bicycle Bike Quick Release Basket Silver on eBay (end time 25-Mar-11 10:50:42 GMT)

or there's this mechanism that'll convert your bag:
HANDY BIKE/BICYCLE BASKET/BAG QUICK RELEASE MECHANISM on eBay (end time 22-Apr-11 17:16:29 BST)

 

[morphix]

Just had another thought. Many of these baskets have a quick release mechanism. You could cut off the front of the basket to leave just the back rectangle and fixing bracket, and then sow your bag to the mesh.
Sport Direct Bicycle Bike Quick Release Basket Silver on eBay (end time 25-Mar-11 10:50:42 GMT)

Thanks for the suggestions. The engineer in you as at work again ;-)

 

[allen-uk]

Many dry cleaners these days also have a bloke sitting at an industrial sewing machine who will do almost ANYTHING for ten quid, as long as it involves a needle and thread. (Not the big chains, if they still exist - I'm talking about independent shops, often run by Arabic people for some reason).

(I wanted long zips put in the left leg of a pile of track-suit bottoms, and he did it quickly and efficiently).

Just a thought, as most domestic machines might bend under the strain.


A