Homemade Saddlebags

Homemade saddlebags can be easily and inexpensively made.

Saddlebags are a convenient way for a biker to carry essential items. Many kinds of saddlebags are available, but many can be expensive. Homemade saddlebags can be made easily out of cheap shoulder bags that you may have lying around the house.

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-1/4-inch strip of red oak, 4 feet long
• Two picture-hanging hooks with a 100-pound capacity
• Two eye screws
• Small bungee cord that fits through eye screws
• Epoxy glue
• Shoulder bag

Instructions

1. Measure the top of the shoulder bag and cut the 2-by-1/4-inch oak strip to fit the inside the top of the bag. Epoxy glue this strip to the inside of the bag as close to the top seam as possible. Use plenty of glue and press against a flat surface to ensure good adhesion. Make sure the bond will support the weight of the bag and its content.

2. Cut a strip of oak identical to the one you glued inside the bag. Place this strip on the outside of the bag in the same location as the strip on the inside. Do not use epoxy glue on the outside. Instead, drill screw holes and screw in the eye screws before the glue on the inside has fully set up. Ensure that the screws do not protrude into the inside of the bag. A 3/8-inch or ½-inch screw should work.

3. Mount the picture-hanging hooks in a position that fits on your rack and allows enough heel clearance. The hooks need to be modified by grinding off the part that nails into the wall. Use vice grips or a hammer to close up the hooks.

4. Hang the bag on your bicycle and adjust as necessary. Use a bungee cord to secure the bottom of the bag.

References

• Democratic Undergound.com: Inexpensive "Home Made" Saddle Bags That "Look Factory"