Here’s the second Roll Top bag. New features include:
- new roll top closure – a 9″ extension and three buckles to keep it closed.
- side reflectors for added visibility
- this image also shows a compression strap being used to stash a U-Lock. The roll-top strap actually keeps the lock in place. On the flap bags, a strap option will be available to acheive the same thing.
I tried something new with the shoulder straps. Instead of flipping over the top of the bag, they’re designed to tighten down against the back of the bag. The adjuster straps will be clipped out of the way and viola! No loose ends to impede the wheel. I’ve found this to be the simplest solution so far – it looks better, it’s a little bit easier to convert the bag, and it’s simpler to make.
My first Roll Top bag is finished.
It features:
- 8 x 11 inch base – a bigger bag to carry more stuff
- a waterproof liner made with 18oz Vinyl
- bike attachment
- a large box pocket on the front with organizer for my wallet, small notebook and pens (waterproof)
- new shoulder strap design with padding and sternum strap
Being a prototype, this bag is still a little rough around the edges (I still have to nail down the closure itself). I’ve been testing this bag out for the past few days – hauling around a laptop, binder, jacket, rain gear, some tools and other assorted things. The bag fits them all with room to pick up dinner on the way home. All that weight does make the bike perform differently when the bag is attached to it, but it’s nothing an experienced commuter can’t handle.
Other than that, the bag has performed exceptionally well as a pannier with no issues. The sternum strap serves a double purpose as a way of securing the shoulder straps when the bag is converted to a pannier. The shoulder straps flip over the top of the bag, and are clipped together with the sternum strap. See pics below.
I’ve also had a chance to test this bag boy out in the rain. Even with it’s current closure problems, my stuff has stayed bone dry.
…about a year and a half ago in Berkeley CA. My lifestyle as a bicycle commuter, budding bicycle mechanic, and overall bicycle enthusiast prompted the desire for a new bicycle bag. I was dissatisfied with certain aspects of my current bag (a messenger bag from timbuk2) and wanted something new.
I made the choice to go with a backpack – ultimately to save myself some back troubles down the line. Being fairly picky when it comes to style, (and also unemployed with plenty of free time) I decided to make one myself. At the time I was heavily involved at Waterside Workshops – a non profit organization that included a do-it-yourself bike shop, a community sewing shop and a wooden boat building shop. (It’s an excellent place – if you’re in Berkeley I encourage you to check it out, or check out their website here). I volunteered regularly in their bike shop as well as their sewing shop, and had access to their industrial machines. After many hours of work I came up with this:
This one didn’t quite attach to a bicycle, but it worked very well as a backpack. I used it everyday.
The bag features:
- flap closure
- easy access pockets on the front for my day planner, pens, ect
- elastic pockets on this sides for bike lights, tool & water bottle
- a loop for a blinky
- well organized interior with useful pockets including a laptop pocket
- compression straps to secure load
I also developed a couple of other ideas for bags:
This one’s a simple pannier which I use as a grocery bag. I take it right into the store with me. It’s made from vinyl from a recycled sale banner and anotherwise useless bike tube. I found a large amount of recycled banners here in PDX and plan to do a big batch of these to sell.
This is a tool wrap idea I had for touring – I was basically going for a tool board on the go. After a tourI was fed up with digging into the depths of my panniers for tools.
This is a simple saddle bag dubbed the “burrito” bag for the say it conveniently held my leftover burrito that one time.
No Comments - View and add comments »Introducing 3bags – My new bicycle bag company based (for now) out of my new home in Portland OR.
My shop is set up, as you can see, and it’s been running smoothly so far. The space is well lit for a basement, and surprisingly comfortable. I can’t beat the commute either (my bedroom is just to the left of this photo). I’ve found suppliers, bought a kick-ass industrial sewing machine, pounded out some new designs and am almost ready to start production.
Since I started working on this business about a month ago, my life has become one enormous math problem (think: those portfolio problems we did back in math class… only bigger and for real). I’ve learned a lot about starting a business, and am very excited to see it come to life. It’s kept me quite busy, but all in all I’ve enjoyed the process.
I’m still prototyping at the moment, but I’ll be taking orders very soon!
I look forward to your comments.
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