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)