polymorphself 

I’ve got my uncles old rear rack bag here and want to be sure I’m using the pieces effectively. I’ve been attempting to fit the frame piece inside but can’t seem to get it to feel right. Also not sure how the two smaller loose straps work. The carrying strap is obvious. Thanks!

DiegoFrogs

Are you sure it isn't a handlebar bag? Looks like the wire frame goes over the stem and the "legs" maybe slip into a small sleeve in the bag?

chain_whipped

Those wire supports are Cannondale for their original handlebar mount bag. The bags had specific sleeves on each side for the wire bracket. They also had side bungee type cord that attached to the lower fork / small bracket clip. Was used to stabilize the bag.

polymorphself 

The wire frame does seem to sit on a stem nicely, though no slots on the bag for the legs. Also nowhere for the steam end of the frame to protrude from the bag. Perhaps they were not meant to be together. This bag has two straps in the front and towards the rear (if looking at the bag long ways), and one strap on the very rear. This is what lead me to believe it was meant to be strapped to a rear rack.

The best I’ve got so far…

RCMoeur 

They might serve on the same bicycle, but they definitely do not work with each other. As noted, the wire frame is for a handlebar bag (apparently not included), and the red bag does indeed fasten to the top of a rear rack without the need for additional hardware.

Now you just need to find the rest of the handlebar bag.

Here's a DDG image search for that type of handlebar bag illustrating how the bag mounts ahead of the handlebars.

Update: that image search led me right back to BikeForums: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ispreloading=1

polymorphself 

On closer inspection two of the loose straps as well as the rear strap (or front?) appear to be Jerry rigged/sewn together. Not sure these are needed. The four small straps may be enough

polymorphself 

Got it, thanks!

Vintage_Cyclist

The red bag is a rear rack bag. Presumably it attaches by straps going underneath the rack.

The metal piece is a handlebar bag bracket from a different bag. That type of bracket was used by multiple brands including Cannondale, CyclePro, Eclipse, Nashbar, etc.

polymorphself 

Thanks all, this seems to be the way then, with any of the extra straps being unneeded:

polymorphself 

Thanks all, this seems to be the way then, with any of the extra straps being unneeded. Does not seem it would be the most secure if loaded but we’ll see!

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The Golden Boy 

Having the Cannondale arms should make it pretty easy to find an inexpensive Cannondale bag missing its arm/rack thing.

When I was looking for Cannondale bags- I used to see those all over Craigslist for like $5-12, but weren't usable unless you had/fabricated arms for them.

If you do go looking for the Cannondale bags- get the upper end ones- with all the pockets- they all come in handy.

polymorphself 

I looked at a set today actually and only brought home the rear panniers. May go back for the handlebar back and low riders, but they aren’t needed for current project.

Prowler 

These photos seem to show a pocket on the bottom of the bag, one that would accept a stiffener suck as corplast or plywood or an aluminum plate. If so, thats what I would add. It would sit better on the rack. I have or make stiffeners for my bags. I use a trunk bag a lot in the winter as I often need to carry an additional layer or different gloves or shed a layer or two as the temperatures and winds change through the ride. So keep this one handy. It’s also handy for carrying the bits and bobs the grandkids want on a ride.

Oh, and I also often “jerry-rig” straps and fasteners with my sewing machine to create what’s needed rather than trying to make do. Like cooking, if you can read you can sew.

Peruano

Can't see details from your photos. . . . but some bags like this had a pocket under the main compartment into which a U lock could be inserted and secured with the velcro strap at the rear of the bag. Otherwise bags were reinforced and made to hold their shape with an internal box like liner.(stiff or merely foam/styrofoam). Its time to design the bag the way you want to use it.

pastorbobnlnh 

I'll second @Prowler and his comment that bag is missing the stiffeners.

In my leather bags I sew in 4mm thick high-density foam. Craft stores carry it or of course there is Amazon, etc., which is where I purchased my last order. Your uncle's old bag would really enjoy a good stiffiner installed. The foam is easy to cut to size with scissors.

Pompiere

I can't tell by the first picture, is the black bag supposed to be the stiffener/liner?

pastorbobnlnh 

If it is, it needs a big dose of Viagra.

Saudadeii

I have a similar bag from Nashbar. The two straps hold very securely to my rack. The pocket underneath is for my Ulock. Mine also has straps to hold a pump. It came with a vinyl liner originally but it has gone to that big recycle bin in the sky.






I also have a Cyclepro under seat bag for tools and a few spares (tube, zip ties, patches)