[net.cycle] Bagman saddlebags

gary@sphinx.UChicago.UUCP (gary w buchholz) (08/28/85)

Question:  Alot of people have been writing in here about BAGMAN
saddlebags.  I am a new owner of these bags and there is one thing that
I'm concerned about.

BAGMAN instructions say that the limit is 10 pounds per bag.  I've been
reading in here where people "overstuff" the bags.  Stuffing them is
one thing and overloading them is another (weight)

The difference between the BAGMAN bags and (say) the ECLIPSE is that
the BAGMAN bags are stiched to the supporting straps whereas ECLIPSE
has a metal backing to which the straps are attached.

Has anyone out there "ripped" their BAGMAN bags by overloading them due
to this (I'd say inferior) method of attaching the bags to the mounting
straps ?

  Gary

prins@cornell.UUCP (Jan Prins) (08/29/85)

I've had a pair of the Bagmen for two years now, and have done some small-scale
touring with them.  Overall I find them to work quite reasonably, but I have 
noticed a few drawbacks:
   
   Although they are very convenient to mount on a bike "configured" for them
   with the attachments in place and the bag straps adjusted correctly, moving
   them between bikes is quite a bit of work, as the attachments have to be 
   installed correctly and the straps adjusted (in a very awkward manner).

   The bags are not held rigidly in place unless you're very meticulous about
   adjustments above.  I tend to get a bit carried away on back roads, and
   when the bags aren't adjusted very carefully (watch those metal through-
   fittings), they wreck the finish on the bike.

   I have often overstuffed the bags, the only problem appears to be that
   they look lumpy and don't hold the proper position if they are very
   unbalanced.  They are also a bit clumsy to walk with as luggage, because 
   the two bags are attached to each other in a funky way.

   Finally, they seem to offer permanent residence to any dirt in sight.

All in all, if I were a more serious tourer, I would get solid panniers.
But I treat my bike as an impractical sport vehicle, and find its looks spoiled
by any visible utilitarian attachment.  From that point of view the Bagmen
are ideal.

Regards,

jan    prins@cornell (UUCP, ARPA, Csnet)
       prins@crnlcs  (BITNET)