How to Order a Custom Framebag

Here at Cycle Cats, one of our favorite pieces of gear is the Custom Framebag. We believe it’s one of the most essential bike bags for loaded riding, and it’s fun to make each one unique based on the bike and rider’s preference.

In this article we’ll outline the basics of ordering a custom framebag. We draft all our patterns in AutoCad, so the first thing we need is a photograph:

• Prep your bike as you would like the framebag to be installed. If you want it fitted to the triangle, remove all water bottle cages, pumps, and other accessories that you won’t have mounted. If you would like to accommodate bottle cages, batteries, etc, then make sure those things are in their final position. Stand the bike vertically against a bright, solid colored background such as a wall or garage door.

• Place a tape measure somewhere close to the bike. You can use tape, magnets, a friend, or whatever to prop things up. Horizontally on the top tube is ideal, but anywhere it fits is fine. Make sure the tape is not curved or distorted in any way, and that at least 12 inches are clearly visible. This will be used to scale the photograph.

• Take a photo perpendicular to the bike, and make sure that both wheels are fully visible in the frame. You may need to kneel or squat to get the correct angle, and minimize distortion. Your eyeballs and the camera’s lens should be looking directly at the center of the frame, not angled up or down.

• Make sure the photo is in a standard format that we can view(.JPG or .PNG preferred). Email to Cyclecatsdesign@gmail.com along with any ideas, comments, or questions you have about the design. Check out the Custom Framebag Order Form for a rundown of the options, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

• Upon receiving your photo, order form, and deposit, we will get started drafting a pattern. We will contact you when pattern making is complete, and may send you a PDF proof of the pattern design for approval. This is usually only necessary for complicated, multi-compartment bags.

• Cutting and sewing usually takes 2-4 weeks from the time that we receive your order. Each order varies though, so let us know if you have time constraints to consider.

• Enjoy your new Custom Framebag! Use it hard, but take care of it like any other piece of equipment. Keep zippers clean and unobstructed(and don't strain them!), and don’t forget to re-wax the canvas every couple years.