Converting pannier fixings to use with saddlebag loops - Any ideas?

[Sara_H]

Right, my Brompton had arrived today. I have the M6L, which means no rack (hoping to add rack in the future

Most days I use a Basil shoulder bag (link below) which has concealed pannier fixings. I have it in beige for the summer, black for the winter! Its very useful bag, deceptively large and smart enough for me to take to meetings etc.

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/...g/aid:589981?gclid=COuVqNC4zr0CFXMRtAodSX8AmA

Since I haven't got a rack on my new Brompton I've bought a T bag, with the view of just chucking my shoulder bag in, but having spotted that my brompton has saddlebag loops am wondering it I can either adapt the pannier fixings on the bag and use it as a saddle bag or in some way add something to the saddle to allow pannier fixings to be used?
If I adapt the bag fixings it would need to be a temporary fix to allow the bag to still be used on my other bikes panniers.

Any ideas?

 

[Crankarm]

Why not just buy the mounting block to mount a Brompton or Ortlieb bag on the front such as the Touring pannier? It's so much easier than faffing with a saddle bag which will interfere with the folding and a rack which imho looks crap on a Brompton. Mine is an L6 - 6 speed rackless model and so much better for it. I have the large and original touring pannier with metal frame which has been absolutely fantabulosous, taking a second to put on and take off.

You also need spds and stubby bar ends.

Enjoy your new Brompton they are fabulous bikes.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I'm doing exceptionally well on my Brompton without SPDs and stubby bar ends. One of the nice features for me is not p**sing about with clicky shoes like I do on others in my fleet, the pedals are plenty grippy and the more upright stance, even at 5'11" on a standard S type doesn't put the same sort of stresses through the hands as a longer cockpit and more thrust forward riding style does. Each to their own rather than such a dogmatic my way or the highway.

that said @Sara_H I agree with Cranky's opinion on racks, they are also expensive and a bit of a chore to retro fit, new rear mudguard and all, I'd see how you go without for bit and make a decision then rather than commit in your head to one now.
I've zip tied a little belt looped first aid pouch to my saddle as a saddlebag and it works fine, the eyes on the saddle are tough and you can get plenty on there without cramping your riding style.

enjoy.

 

[Sara_H]

Well I've been inventing.

I have bought a luggage block and T bag, but would like the option of just taking my handbag sometimes.

I've seen a couple if blogs on the web where folks have used a bit of doweling through the seat to help support a rucksack on the rack of a Brompton and wondered about something similar for my handbag.

I made a prototype with a pencil and some cardboard about 20cm long and cable tied it to the rear of the saddle rails. It protrudes by a couple of cm each side of the seat.

My handbag fits onto it perfectly. I'm very pleased with my invention, and to this end I've ordered a 20cm length of 10mm stainless steel rod, which I'm going to cover with handle bar tape or similar and replace the pencil with.

Dragons den here I come!

 

[rualexander]

What saddle is on your Brompton?
If its just the standard Brompton saddle then I don't think the saddle bag loops are designed to carry any significant weight, just the folded up Brompton cover and maybe a repair kit of some kind.
To carry any decent weight you would need a Brooks saddle or similar with metal frame and loops.
Maybe the Brompton folding basket instead of the T Bag would be another option, you would only need the basket and brace at £30 as you already have the frame with your T Bag presumably.
http://brilliantbikes.co.uk/brompto...et-with-brace-but-no-frame-5053099030200.html

 

[annedonnelly]

I'd be a bit worried about hanging my handbag off the back of a bike. Are you making it very secure? You'd don't want it falling off while you're riding.

I have the C-bag and the pockets at the back are ideal sized for my purse, wallet & phone. I made myself a little bag which holds purse, etc. and goes inside the pocket. When I go shopping from work I take the little bag. Then it goes back inside the pocket for the commute.

 

[Sara_H]

It's fairly solid, I can't see it coming off, no more than it would on the rack.
I'll post some photos in the morning.

 

[Pikey]

It's fairly solid, I can't see it coming off, no more than it would on the rack.
I'll post some photos in the morning.

I have a carradice barley looking for a home, it's brand new and should fit the saddle perfectly. Yours if you want to buy it?

 

[Sara_H]

I have a carradice barley looking for a home, it's brand new and should fit the saddle perfectly. Yours if you want to buy it?

Thank you for the offer, but I think I'm fairly happy with my set up now. That said - I haven't tried it in anger yet!

 

[Sara_H]

Here's my prototype bag hanger.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Welcome to the fold, I've had quite a few bromptons and only have two now. The rack is an easy retro fit, I once fitted one in Piccadily Station after I met the guy I bought it off. The rack is very useful both unfolded and folded, plus it stopped the invevitable rear mudguard failure of a frequently folded L type...you'll learn in a year or two.

Re luggage, if you become a serious Brompton user you'll eventually come to the conclusion that only the Ortlieb bags or similarly waterproof bags make sense in the UK weather - silly prices yes but without doubt the most functional commuter bags for B's at the moment.

And as your a girl perhaps this lady's blog will be helpful as she went down a similar route to Ortlieb discovery as I did...

http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Bags

 

[Sara_H]

Welcome to the fold, I've had quite a few bromptons and only have two now. The rack is an easy retro fit, I once fitted one in Piccadily Station after I met the guy I bought it off. The rack is very useful both unfolded and folded, plus it stopped the invevitable rear mudguard failure of a frequently folded L type...you'll learn in a year or two.

Re luggage, if you become a serious Brompton user you'll eventually come to the conclusion that only the Ortlieb bags or similarly waterproof bags make sense in the UK weather - silly prices yes but without doubt the most functional commuter bags for B's at the moment.

And as your a girl perhaps this lady's blog will be helpful as she went down a similar route to Ortlieb discovery as I did...

http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Bags

Hmmmm..... I know this is very, very rude but, I find all of the Brompton luggage to be quite ugly! I've reluctantly purchased the T bag because its so big that I'll be able to stuff everything inside!

 

[Sara_H]

Just an update in case any one is reading, I did away with the stick as I found that it was just as easy to hang the bag from two heavy cable ties looped through the the saddle loops and secure with a bungee.