DIY Bike Accessories Made During COVID-19 2020 Pandemic--- Post Your Creations!
#1
Freewheel Medic
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,878
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1448 Post(s)
Liked 2,177 Times
in
957 Posts
DIY Bike Accessories Made During COVID-19 2020 Pandemic--- Post Your Creations!
I'm in a unique circumstance for my "Shelter in Place" coronavirus lockdown. Instead of being at home in NH, I left for a 3.5 month sabbatical beginning March 15th. Currently Mrs. PB and I are practicing social distancing on Saint Simons Island, GA. I have my Dahon folder and have logged 400 miles of flat, sometimes windy, riding. I can't participate in the Covid-19 build a bike challenge.
However, I brought my leather crafting tools and a good supply of leather. This is the first project I worked on.
It is said that "imitation is the highest form of flattery" and I have to admit it is copied and based on this saddle bag sold by Brooks.
While not an exact copy, I did use the measurements of the above bag and traced an oval from the side in order to make my bag.
This was the first time I worked with zippers and I was surprised at how easy they were! I should mention I made this saddle bag to complement the handlebar bag I run on my '71 Paramount P-13. I've had this Bridgestone bag since the early '90s and I've never been able to find a saddle bag to match. Only took me nearly 30 years and a pandemic to make one!
A couple more pictures.
Please add your DIY Bicycle Accessories made while sheltering in place during these challenging times.
However, I brought my leather crafting tools and a good supply of leather. This is the first project I worked on.
It is said that "imitation is the highest form of flattery" and I have to admit it is copied and based on this saddle bag sold by Brooks.
While not an exact copy, I did use the measurements of the above bag and traced an oval from the side in order to make my bag.
This was the first time I worked with zippers and I was surprised at how easy they were! I should mention I made this saddle bag to complement the handlebar bag I run on my '71 Paramount P-13. I've had this Bridgestone bag since the early '90s and I've never been able to find a saddle bag to match. Only took me nearly 30 years and a pandemic to make one!
A couple more pictures.
Please add your DIY Bicycle Accessories made while sheltering in place during these challenging times.
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Likes For pastorbobnlnh:
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 3,291
Bikes: '82 Univega Competizione, '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '83 Mercian KOM Touring, '85 Univega Alpina Uno, '76 Eisentraut Limited
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1088 Post(s)
Liked 1,204 Times
in
700 Posts
Love it! The light brown bit at the end of the zipper path looks like a bit of Keith Haring saying hello.
Likes For noobinsf:
#3
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 277 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2182 Post(s)
Liked 4,526 Times
in
1,743 Posts
Excellent choice, pastorbobnlnh, and nicely executed! Mrs NF's favorite saddle bag. She's been schlepping an Isle of Wight around for a good few years now.
Pic from just a few days ago:
Pic from just a few days ago:
#4
Freewheel Medic
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,878
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1448 Post(s)
Liked 2,177 Times
in
957 Posts
However, I just needed a practical way to cover up the zipper cloth ends hanging down below the blue leather. Straight across was too boring. I was going more for the look of "a fender mud flap." I was also thinking if I can find an appropriately sized round reflector, that might look nice there as well.
non-fixie thanks for posting the picture of your wife's Isle of Wight bag. I couldn't remember the model name for certain on mine, and didn't want to disperse any "fake information" about saddle bag models.
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Last edited by pastorbobnlnh; 04-17-20 at 11:34 AM.
Likes For Mr. 66:
#6
Pedal to the medal
Likes For romperrr:
#7
Full Member
I needed a smaller bag for closer-to-home adventures, my rando bag was just too much. This little mini-loaf bag has a top zipper, 2 small internal pockets, a hooded slip pocket on the drive side and shock cord on the non drive side. All sides, aside from the top, are padded. It’s just big enough for a small sandwich, a camera and, in a pinch, stashing a light layer.
Of course it needed a matching tool roll
I took the mini loaf on a non-C&V forest road ramble the other day. The padding keeps things quiet on rough roads.
Of course it needed a matching tool roll
I took the mini loaf on a non-C&V forest road ramble the other day. The padding keeps things quiet on rough roads.
Likes For fliplap:
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,672
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1924 Post(s)
Liked 1,954 Times
in
1,086 Posts
I swapped stems and needed a cable hanger.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
Likes For Classtime:
#9
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,934
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,071 Times
in
633 Posts
I laced up the 2nd (final) set of the 8+ year old Velo Orange elkhide bar wrap this past weekend. They don't seem to sell it any more. Was curious what you're using, as it looks great.
I despise bar tape, but like the wrap. Go figure.
I despise bar tape, but like the wrap. Go figure.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,854
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 104 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2304 Post(s)
Liked 2,739 Times
in
1,498 Posts
super nice..... I expect people will be putting orders in soon say, how about a tubie holder?
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#11
Freewheel Medic
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,878
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1448 Post(s)
Liked 2,177 Times
in
957 Posts
I'm dreaming up a module bag. Different layers will snap together depending on the ride's particular needs and I expect it to include a tubular spare sleeve.
Mr. 66 did you make your own leather bar cover? Your work is impeccable! Well done!
I made my first set of bar cover (and hoods) this winter before the pandemic hit the US. I cut the leather just a tad too wide so I needed to pad it slightly so it wouldn't be loose on the bars.
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Likes For pastorbobnlnh:
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,440
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1124 Post(s)
Liked 1,704 Times
in
941 Posts
Thanks! The dark leathers came from an abandoned couch skirt it's fairly thick but very soft and full stretching. The redder is a lot more heavy it does not stretch the same manner, it came from an old ottoman that I bought new bitd. I bet my red is more like your V/O.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,440
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1124 Post(s)
Liked 1,704 Times
in
941 Posts
I've fit a spare tubular in the Brooks Isle of Wight Bag, so I think this one could handle one as well.
I'm dreaming up a module bag. Different layers will snap together depending on the ride's particular needs and I expect it to include a tubular spare sleeve.
Mr. 66 did you make your own leather bar cover? Your work is impeccable! Well done!
I made my first set of bar cover (and hoods) this winter before the pandemic hit the US. I cut the leather just a tad too wide so I needed to pad it slightly so it wouldn't be loose on the bars.
I'm dreaming up a module bag. Different layers will snap together depending on the ride's particular needs and I expect it to include a tubular spare sleeve.
Mr. 66 did you make your own leather bar cover? Your work is impeccable! Well done!
I made my first set of bar cover (and hoods) this winter before the pandemic hit the US. I cut the leather just a tad too wide so I needed to pad it slightly so it wouldn't be loose on the bars.
#14
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,934
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,071 Times
in
633 Posts
A couple years back, I tried my own, but the leather I had was not pliable, and is rather hard on the hands. Coloration courtesy of leather paint.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#15
Freewheel Medic
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,878
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1448 Post(s)
Liked 2,177 Times
in
957 Posts
In my case, the aero levers are vintage Dura Ace AX, Shimano's first aero levers. I started out just making hoods since original ones sell for north of 100 bucks. After perfecting the hoods I felt as if the same lever would make a nice bar cover. I wish the bars had come with a grove for the cables. I believe it would make for a neater appearance.
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,153
Mentioned: 200 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2992 Post(s)
Liked 3,704 Times
in
1,392 Posts
My home office is in the basement, where I decorated with my bike stuff. I was looking at a picture of Cino Cinelli from 1939. He is with his teammate Olimpio Bizzi in Rome after a Giro stage. Bizzi is wearing a Unis Sport tee shirt.
Joel Metz posted a 1938 Unis Sport catalog - https://archivalblog.com/shopping-fr...sport-catalog/ They made athletic wear back in the day.
I recreated the logo, made a silk screen and printed a shirt for myself.
Joel Metz posted a 1938 Unis Sport catalog - https://archivalblog.com/shopping-fr...sport-catalog/ They made athletic wear back in the day.
I recreated the logo, made a silk screen and printed a shirt for myself.
Likes For iab:
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Visalia, CA
Posts: 2,275
Mentioned: 45 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 981 Post(s)
Liked 1,838 Times
in
608 Posts
I recently decided to make some saddle bags and other cycling accessories, since I'm currently finishing up my last big leather commission for a reenactor client and am really not part of that scene any more... This is the first (almost) finished one but it still needs to be coated in wax balm.
-Gregory
-Gregory
Likes For Kilroy1988:
#18
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,775
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,102 Times
in
1,366 Posts
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 05-04-20 at 01:27 PM.
Likes For Darth Lefty:
#19
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: PAZ
Posts: 12,394
Mentioned: 255 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2588 Post(s)
Liked 4,823 Times
in
1,709 Posts
I recently decided to make some saddle bags and other cycling accessories, since I'm currently finishing up my last big leather commission for a reenactor client and am really not part of that scene any more... This is the first (almost) finished one but it still needs to be coated in wax balm.
-Gregory
-Gregory
DD
Likes For Drillium Dude:
#20
Freewheel Medic
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,878
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1448 Post(s)
Liked 2,177 Times
in
957 Posts
Kilroy1988 I share Drillium Dude's sentiments as well! Fantastic work! I'm guessing you made your bag from thick cow hide? I've not tried to work with any yet but hope to in the future.
At the moment Mrs. PB has me making her a purse from the same blue goatskin used on my saddle bag above. This is a first. In the past I've re-purposed used leather purses into bike bags. At least this time I'm not re-purposing a bike bag into a purse!
Darth Lefty nice job on the ramp for the kiddos! Better be careful, they might want a half-pipe next!
At the moment Mrs. PB has me making her a purse from the same blue goatskin used on my saddle bag above. This is a first. In the past I've re-purposed used leather purses into bike bags. At least this time I'm not re-purposing a bike bag into a purse!
Darth Lefty nice job on the ramp for the kiddos! Better be careful, they might want a half-pipe next!
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Visalia, CA
Posts: 2,275
Mentioned: 45 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 981 Post(s)
Liked 1,838 Times
in
608 Posts
Kilroy1988 I share Drillium Dude's sentiments as well! Fantastic work! I'm guessing you made your bag from thick cow hide? I've not tried to work with any yet but hope to in the future.
I wouldn't call the carved leather on this bag "thick" because it's only 3-4 oz, or about 2mm. It's raw vegetable tanned leather, which allows me to do what I will with the surface. I've been making reproductions of ancient & medieval leather goods for almost fifteen years now, and for much of that time have accepted commissions for relatively time-consuming projects, often involving lots of ornate tooling or paint work. Without spamming the thread, you can see most of the stuff I've done that seemed worth sharing in these Flickr albums:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90721376@N07/albums
As mentioned, I'm almost done with what will be my last commission for the foreseeable future, and would like to play around with making some cycling goods, such as saddle bags, saddles, toe straps, brake hoods, etc... I'm surprised to say that this is the FIRST cycling item I've made, despite years of doing both leather work and restoring vintage bikes simultaneously!
-Gregory
Likes For Kilroy1988:
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Near Pottstown, PA: 30 miles NW of Philadelphia
Posts: 2,185
Bikes: 2 Trek Mtn, Cannondale R600 road, 6 vintage road bikes
Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 470 Post(s)
Liked 1,016 Times
in
398 Posts
These were finished as the 'stay at home' was getting started. I'd been thinking alternatives and designing over the winter but the fab and finish completed in early April. My thoughts for my rehab Fuji Touring Series III was light tourer - no rear rack, front rack and mid size saddle bag. I decided on the Banjo Brothers Minnehaha small bag. So
As I wanted the bag to secure tight to the back of the saddle and not swing into the brake cable or brake bridge I conjured a parcel shelf, just enough to secure the bag and take some of the weight if needed. Rummaged in my piles of "junk too small to throw away" to find the stainless steel and grabbed a piece of nice red cedar that actually used to be a tree on our property. Too nice to throw away. Fabricated it all then bent two stainless steel spokes to serve as stops and to wrap the bags lower strap through. It has worked real well so far. I've not loaded it much though. Only short rides these days, Tools only, no lunches nor rain gear.
As for the front rack, I did not have a proper front rack but had the low trail geometry. Located a single stay rear rack and decided to modify it. If I liked it then OK, If not then no great loss. I bent and bobbed, filed and fit and finished. Took another piece of that same cedar tree and created the stop bar to go in front of the front brake cable. Also an artistic tie in to the rear shelf. Bit of sanding and silver paint and bolted it on. Again, no heavy loads yet but I like the look. Actually only an inch or so longer than a "proper" front rack. We'll see how it goes.
I think I'll really like having a front bag that does not hang from the handlebars as my other ones do. I like the randonneur look too.
As I wanted the bag to secure tight to the back of the saddle and not swing into the brake cable or brake bridge I conjured a parcel shelf, just enough to secure the bag and take some of the weight if needed. Rummaged in my piles of "junk too small to throw away" to find the stainless steel and grabbed a piece of nice red cedar that actually used to be a tree on our property. Too nice to throw away. Fabricated it all then bent two stainless steel spokes to serve as stops and to wrap the bags lower strap through. It has worked real well so far. I've not loaded it much though. Only short rides these days, Tools only, no lunches nor rain gear.
As for the front rack, I did not have a proper front rack but had the low trail geometry. Located a single stay rear rack and decided to modify it. If I liked it then OK, If not then no great loss. I bent and bobbed, filed and fit and finished. Took another piece of that same cedar tree and created the stop bar to go in front of the front brake cable. Also an artistic tie in to the rear shelf. Bit of sanding and silver paint and bolted it on. Again, no heavy loads yet but I like the look. Actually only an inch or so longer than a "proper" front rack. We'll see how it goes.
I think I'll really like having a front bag that does not hang from the handlebars as my other ones do. I like the randonneur look too.
Likes For Prowler:
#23
Freewheel Medic
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,878
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1448 Post(s)
Liked 2,177 Times
in
957 Posts
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#24
Full Member
Stem bag for my SO's bike. Fits a 32oz Nalgene. The body is also padded with closed cell foam, so it works well for a mirrorless camera too.
Likes For fliplap:
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,528
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5218 Post(s)
Liked 3,564 Times
in
2,331 Posts
wow that’s way better than painting rocks like I do on vacation