Building a Bronson Bike - Bronson Travel Bags


I have made several sets of these bags, which replicate the back and front green cotton canvas bag Jim Bronson used. The bags can be purchased from Norm and Rosie Doolittle, they own Swenson’s Outdoors, Inc. located in Grass Valley California, 1-530-273-7315. These bags are 100% cotton, which is what Jim's bags look like on the show.

The bags come in a 24 and 21 inch diameter by 36 inches long, so you will need to shorten both bags, and for the front bag you will need to reduce the diameter down to about 15 inches (your call).

For the rear bag use the 24 inch diameter bag, first turn the bag inside out then stuff the bag with pillows and blankets to give it the full effect. Then measure across for the rear bag to be around 20-22-24 inches wide. You will not want it too wide or it will droop over each side of the bike once it is bungee corded on. The front bag maybe 18 inches long. Mark three lines, the first one is how wide you bag will end up being.

The second line (dashed) is the final cut line. The outer most line will be the first CUT line. Measure twice; cut once giving yourself plenty of ragged edge. Next with the bag still turned inside out, staple the end piece to the sew line; make sure you get the staples right next to the hemmed edge, so when the bag is reversed it has a clean appearance.

You can use the left over piece to pull thread from to use as sewing thread. Start by sewing a stopper into the zipper. Then work your way around the diameter sewing until you make the full circle. Care must be taken to allow for the bunching of the material or you will end up with a big bunch at the end.

Turn the bag right side out and look at your sewn end, if the sewing was done close to the machined hem you will have a clean appearance. Making the rear bag is very similar to a front bag. This is a challenge but is fun and gives you the homemade satisfaction of having done it yourself. Good luck, and until then hang in there, and I'll see ya on the long lonesome highway!