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  #1  
Old 29 Mar 2010
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 39
DIY soft panniers
Hi guys,
I've set my mind on getting a set of soft panniers. Would love a set of Andy Strapz or Steel Ponies, but getting them sent over from Oz to Europe + paying import duties will set me back at least 300 euro's... seems like a lot of money for a set of canvas bags.
Has anyone tried fabricating softpaniers themselves? Can't be too hard i've been thinking. Buy some reallt heavy duty truck canvas, some velcro, some nylon straps and a couple of nights behind a sowing machine should do the job.
Am I missing something / seeing it too simplified? Has it been doen before? Please share your experiences.
cheers
Paul
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  #2  
Old 29 Mar 2010
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Grenada MS
Posts: 15
soft luggage
I've been thinking the same thing - more because I want something that I know will fit my needs vs looking for it.

Another place you might want to look before you start making your own is a bicycle shop - Not sure of the brands to look for in UK/ Europe but Cannondale here makes nice stuff that could be modified with a strap or two. If nothing else it would be a good place to get ideas for your own bags
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  #3  
Old 29 Mar 2010
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 166
If you are anywhere near a sailmakers go and visit them and tell them what you want, they will have someone who will help you out.

You can have them made to your exact specifications out of all sorts of material that will last.

Don`t think of the white sail material that you know they have a choice of a lot tougher laminated materials.

I know this because I am a sailmaker in Denmark.

Steve
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  #4  
Old 30 Mar 2010
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Weymouth, Dorset, England
Posts: 56
My friend Pat bought a couple of cheapo rucksacks in Weymouth market for £3.99 each plus a bunch of straps to tie them on with and travelled 15000 miles round South America with them - no problems. Of course everything needs to be in plastic bags..... but that's normal! Mind you they were a bit knackered by the end of the trip (the original dusty old bags if you saw our Derby HU presentation. She's now upgraded to somebody's cast off Helds for our current trip and they're holding up well so far (8000+miles to date).
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  #5  
Old 30 Mar 2010
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 39
Oké, couple of good ideas there, especially the sail makers seems like a good source of knowledge.
But my original idea was to basically copy the andy strapz (Andy Strapz - Motorbike Bags, Straps, Panniers, Over Gloves - Australian Made) / steel pony (Steel Pony Luggage Home) concept. Simple, waterproof, throw-over saddle bags with a folding top. Buy some heavy duty pvc (used to cover trucks / circus tents etc), buy some vynil straps and velcro and stich it all together. You'd be done for 50 euros max i guess.
Any feedback on this idea?
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  #6  
Old 30 Mar 2010
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Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
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Will a normal sewing machine handle heavy fabric? I've always thought you needed a special machine for sails, duffels, that sort of thing, but I'm not sure I know how I might have determined this.

There is a lot of skill in the design and fabrication of high-quality gear, including fabric stuff....but much of what I've seen and used which is aimed at the bike market isn't really too sophisticated (to my dismay when it leaks, tears, breaks, fails to close and fasten or otherwise function as intended). C.f., expensive roll-top panniers which leak but don't drain (hence fill up several inches deep with water when it rains), draped in multiple straps which fail to secure properly, then promptly rip when tightened. Or maybe that's just me.

Use more stitching than you think you need, plus the better grades of velcro and/or buckles, and bring some plastic bags and rubber bungies to tie it all back together when it explodes.

And post back to tell how it all worked out.

Mark
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  #7  
Old 29 Mar 2010
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 90
Panniers
Hi Paul
Have you tried the army n navy stores for the larger knapsacks i have used these before dirt cheap and meggar strong and abrasive but leak like a tea bag.

cheers

steve


Quote:
Originally Posted by pauldelft View Post
Hi guys,
I've set my mind on getting a set of soft panniers. Would love a set of Andy Strapz or Steel Ponies, but getting them sent over from Oz to Europe + paying import duties will set me back at least 300 euro's... seems like a lot of money for a set of canvas bags.
Has anyone tried fabricating softpaniers themselves? Can't be too hard i've been thinking. Buy some reallt heavy duty truck canvas, some velcro, some nylon straps and a couple of nights behind a sowing machine should do the job.
Am I missing something / seeing it too simplified? Has it been doen before? Please share your experiences.
cheers
Paul
Reply With Quote
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