I crafted some saddlebags for the Cub

"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee) 06/09/2020 at 16:24 • Filed to: Project super cubby, two wheels good

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I needed to add some utility to the Cub to make it useful for what I want it for. Bags specific to these old models are hard to come by are $$$ as all get out, so I set out to DIY my own. I mostly followed !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , with some modifications.

The bag I went with is called a Musette bag. Most military surplus shops !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . They’re shaped and sized like a messenger bag except for one key difference: they have two adjustable backpack-style straps that clip onto D-rings. This is important to attaching them to the bike.

I cut some corruplast backs and bottoms for the bags to add structure and keep them from sagging against the wheel and exhaust. I also hit the bags with some commercially available waterproofing spray.

The bags are suspended from the bike by threading them up and over and clipping them to each others’ D-rings. One could also loop them back through and clip them to themselves but this way felt more solid.

Next up is some nylon straps to keep the bags located. A roll of webbing and bag of tri-glides (that’s what those slidey plastic things are called!) cost me $15. I secured the straps to the tri-glides with pop rivets but one could also sew/glue/whatever. After you cut it to length you just run the end over a lighter to keep it from fraying.

The straps secure the bags to the rear pegs and around the back of the bike to each other. This creates tension to keep the bags from flapping in the wind.

Tah-dah! We’ve created some snazzy retro-looking bags that match the bike nicely. Now it’s ready for trips to the grocery and post office and whatnot. Total supplies cost was about $60 , which is literally nothing compared to buying some ready-made bags.

Sovande > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:31

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Tri glides!! I learned something!

Cool little bike, the bags look great! Just needs a milk crate in that back rack. Do they make a front rack for those? 

DipodomysDeserti > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:32

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That looks good! I have a couple of those bags laying around. Super tough canvas too!

Only Vespas... > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:32

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Nice job on the Cub.  The bags are a unique and useful addition.  You are not wearing shoes.  Just sayin’.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Only Vespas... 06/09/2020 at 16:36

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I forgot to take that last pic so I ran back outside in my socks and grabbed it.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:36

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Very nice! Wondering if it need some protection on the bottom from the heat of the exhaust...

Thomas Donohue > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:37

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That’s a very nice color on the Cub !

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Sovande 06/09/2020 at 16:40

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They do in fact make front racks, AND center racks

Unfortunately the rear rack isn’t long enough for a milk crate. I’d have to shim it up with a block of wood or something to clear that lip at the back,

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 06/09/2020 at 16:43

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The bottom is a good three inches above the exhaust, I think the only protection really needed is for me to put  heavy things on the other side.

MonkeePuzzle > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:48

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no. wrong. bad.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:48

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Yeah, that should do it! Still worth feeling to see how hot it gets after a long-ish ride.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > MonkeePuzzle 06/09/2020 at 16:50

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You’re not my mom. I pay for my own socks so I can do what I want.

TheRealBicycleBuck > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:52

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M y wife yelled at me for doing the same thing! :D

Captain of the Enterprise > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:55

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Lol

Captain of the Enterprise > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:56

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Looking good!

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > TheRealBicycleBuck 06/09/2020 at 16:56

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Solution: just be gay. No angry wives to deal with.

MonkeePuzzle > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 16:57

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plot twist, I am your mother!

WASH BEHIND YOUR EARS DAMMIT!

Sovande > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 17:03

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Oh. I see now. 

TheRealBicycleBuck > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 17:33

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I think it’s well established that I won’t be going there...

I just pointed out that a pair of socks costs about a dollar. I spend less for a pair of socks than she spends on a cup of coffee. 

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > TheRealBicycleBuck 06/09/2020 at 17:40

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You never know where life will take you

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > MonkeePuzzle 06/09/2020 at 17:41

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I can’t wash behind them, they’re all raw from wearing a too-tight mask.

jminer > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/09/2020 at 17:55

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I love it -they look great!

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 06/09/2020 at 18:03

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I have a roll of foil tape somewhere that I could slap on the bottom of the bag if need be.

shop-teacher > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 06/10/2020 at 10:49

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That looks outstanding!  I need to take a good look at my scooters, and see if I could pull this off with them.

shop-teacher > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/01/2020 at 12:44

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I just ordered a pair of bags and the necessary supplies to do this to my Hooligan. I think they’ll look great with the mat green paint, and there’s room  for them to hang off of the rear bar.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > shop-teacher 08/01/2020 at 13:10

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Word of caution: Mine have bleach ed severely in the sun and are now an orangey beige. I think 3M makes a spray-on UV protectant that you can use to prevent that.

shop-teacher > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/01/2020 at 13:11

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Duly noted!  Thanks!