LeBlaireau's bikes and bags

Haha ok. Actually, were you selling one of those fabric saddles with the air pockets? Might try one of those as I like their scoop (except in white).

Yeah that’s right, funny one that. The air padding I reckon would be super comfy if the shape works for you.
Sadly it is under lock and key at the office currently and I don’t expect to be going back there for a few weeks but I can let you know when I am able to pick it up if you wanted to try it

Yeah sounds great, thanks! No rush. I can live with the white saddle for now.

Nice job with the bags!

Nice work. Was that just with a normal sewing machine? Impressive.

Thanks!
Yeah just a singer home one.

Any particular needles? Most of the MYOG articles I've found seem to recommend jeans ones...

No I don't think so. Just the singer all purpose ones with Gutermann sew all polyester thread so nothing fancy. I should change the needle soon though and have some denim ones, so will try those. It's another world of gear to get into before you even start looking at fabrics and buckles!

Really really like that, especially the external pockets. Also really liking the Cotic. I've always thought pizza racks looked a bit odd when not used with a straight bladed fork, otherwise they look like they sit way too forward.

Thanks!

Yeah I managed to get it nice and far back on the cotic using tubus clamps, but I found it didn't work that well with the skinny fork and I got some judder. Might try to put it on the Bootzipper but would need to drill the fork crown or bodge somehow. Then sew a basket bag of course.

The other thing I'm thinking of is making some fork bags, either to attach directly with some sort of stiff back panel or with anything cages. Does anyone use this sort of bag? Thinking something like the Outer Shell Pico Panniers or these Helmut ones I have seen.

I'll take one of those, cheers

Haha one of what?

One of the fork bags that you're making :)

I had the same thought recently. I don't have anything cages, but I was wondering if you could use a rigid carbon sheet to hook around, like plastic in the Pico panniers. Essentially like a bolt-on bag with carbon stiffener

Noted! Will have a go at one and post it on here.

Haha carbon would be funny. HHS fork bags. Think I'm leaning towards something to go on an anything cage for more versatility if I want to carry extra big bottles and stuff.

First proper ride on the Bootzipper today. Super fun! Nothing too extreme, just some easy trails round Esher and Oxshott. I did manage to (half) stack it once... on a road. Hurdled out of it though and my right brake lever took most of the impact. Good thing this is a bike I'm not going to be too precious about...

The bags look really good on the bike! Good job on them.
I'm looking forward to see your attempt at micro panniers!

What size is the frame and how tall are you? Bike and framebag looks ace!

Bike is a large and I'm 6ft1 (with short legs). Thanks!

New project: birthday present for my dad - a basket bag for his beach bike. My sewing machine was really struggling with the layers of cordura, nylon lining (yellow) and grosgrain so somewhat tempted to look out for an industrial one.

Looks great!

I also picked up a new bike the other day. Barn find Motobecane mixte for riding around the Ile de Noirmoutier while I'm at my parents'.

As it happens there's #pasdegravé there (see below). The fun of riding it on 28mm tyres has contributed to my decision to consolidate my road and gravel bikes as the former is due an update and the latter gets too little use.

Also asked in the Gravel thread...

Re the above I'm thinking of a Standert Pfadfinder. The road geometry with the option of having some 650b wheels to throw on is particularly attractive. What else is there in this category that I should consider? Framesets plz (got most components on the other bikes), with the Standert about the most I would want to spend? Open to materials other than steel.