We were kicking around the idea of making a U-lock holder to work with Velo Orange racks. This is one design I came up with. It's simply a strip of leather tied to the rail of a rear constructeur rack; it would work with a front rack too. We used the leather we make
mud flaps from. There are notches to keep the twine from slipping off. You could probably make your own from an old thick leather belt. I don't think we'll make them.
On another subject. I notice that
VO Croissant bags, and other similar bags, are often attached incorrectly, which allows them to sway and bounce. The strap should come out of one the holes, go around one saddle rail, go back into the bag, then come out the other hole and around the other rail. Well, you can see what I mean in the photo. A further refinement is to have the buckle inside the bag. By the way, this style of bag is still my favorite. They hold just enough for a whole day on the bike.
The problem with the U lock belt thing is that it can still sway and clank of the frame/rack at the bottom. Though I would like a U lock holster that fits racks.
ReplyDeletethe problem with the leather u-lock holder is that today is 5/23, not 4/1. things like this are more acceptable on that day of the year.
ReplyDeleteJeez, now you tell us! (bags straps)
ReplyDeleteI have carried a u-lock on a rear rack like that and it jumped right out when I ran over a speed bump at decent speed. There should be some kind of retention strap, perhaps a simple leather strip that folds over the top and snaps/buttons down.
ReplyDeleteI can see the clanking becoming a problem, though I suppose a person could put some twine on the U-lock or rack at the points where they make contact.
ReplyDeleteI use a VO baguette bag attached to the bag loops on my saddle. There is just enough space within the straps connecting to the bag loops to slip my u-lock and lock it on. The lock hangs sideways, and the bag straps hold the lock tight enough that it does move. Only problem is that it takes away from the beauty of the bag and saddle, killing the aesthetic.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight on how to hang the Croissant bag, I bought one months ago but haven't used it because it seemed too floppy. What other tidbits aren't you telling us :-)
ReplyDeleteRegards the U-lock holder; I wouldn't use one, my lock rides in my Campagne bag quite nicely.
Well, heck, I am one of those people who ran the straps the wrong way on the Croissant Bag. Thanks for the correction!
ReplyDeleteI manage to carry two u-locks (I'm paranoid!) on the rear constructeur rack on my Polyvalent 1.0 by threading the open end of each "U" up through the rack, one lock on each side. The locking part goes on, and rests on the center part of the rack. There isn't that much clanking, given that the locks are plastic coated.
ReplyDeleteHmmm--I have the Croissant bag, and the 8" leather strap isn't anywhere near long enough to loop in this manner. Guess I need to purchase a long strap.
ReplyDeleteI made one of these last year: http://ruthworkssf.blogspot.com/2011/08/mud-flaps-and-u-lock-holder.html
ReplyDeleteTom, the standard strap that comes with the bag is long enough and will definitely work as shown. Just tighten it up so the bag sits right below the rails, almost touching.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the VO criossant bag trick! I had been using one the "wrong" way all this time and was always a little annoyed at how it swayed. Finally the solution!
ReplyDeleteno, don't make it - it just doesn't look like something that one would pay money for.
ReplyDeleteon the other hand, there are lost of artisanal leather accessory companies in the US with whom you could possibly partner on making something that looks like some thought went into the design and production of it. billkirk, noah lambert, corter leather, jepsen, leather works mn, etc.
I must be doing something wrong, here's what happens when I try:
ReplyDeletehttp://sports.webshots.com/photo/2818669830101641497tNJXDD
http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2130713690101641497dxTzKx
It's a nice bag, BTW!
-tom
Tom, E-mail us and we'll send you a strap. Or use an old toe clip strap (I use a TC strap because it's faster to thread).
ReplyDeleteHey, the toe strap idea sounds good. I've got some old ones laying around. Will give that a try. Thanks!
ReplyDelete