Bespoke bikepacking bags from Edinburgh based Straight Cut Design

Handmade bikepacking gear is the name of the game for Straight Cut Design, including custom frame bags, and the increasingly popular dropper post saddle bag.

As designers of bespoke frame bags, alongside a range of off peg storage solutions, the Edinburgh based business has bags available for all kinds of adventures, on all kinds of bikes.

Focused on creating high-quality functional products, the team are set up to discuss riders plans, designs and fabrics, helping achieve the perfect bag for the adventure. To deliver this service, customers can book a consultation, with Head Designer, and Straight Cut Design Founder, Ross O’Reilly, as part of a truly design led, bespoke bag manufacturing process.

Born in Stirling in central Scotland, Ross has always been into riding and racing bikes. After graduating with a degree in Product Design at Edinburgh’s Napier University, Ross went to work in a bike shop but really wanted to use his knowledge and start his own brand. Whilst the journey was far from straightforward, this is how Straight Cut Design was born.

Undeniably, there are a host of options for bikepacking luggage, however, 2 areas are often less than perfect; frame bags, and dropper post saddle bags.

First up, custom frame bags:

Whilst conventional seat packs and bar-bags can typically be adjusted to fit most bikes, frame bags are far more problematic. Here, sitting down with Ross has clear advantages. The process for ordering a bag is quite simple and outlined here.

• Decide on the bag fabric and style.
• Take a side on photo of your bike, following the template guidelines found here.
• Emailed the images and details to Ross and let him work his magic.

Where the choice of materials is decided in consultation with Ross, factoring each individual use case, the designed is created and engineered to ensure each bag is constructed to meet personalized requirements – something even the best off the peg bags just can’t deliver. By going custom you’ll get a product that fits perfectly and has all the features that you want.

Now to dropper post saddle bag:

Designed to be compatible with the Wolftooth Valais dropper seatpost clamp, the Straight Cut dropper post saddle bag has tested and pushed to its limits over 4 years, ensuring a bag unlike any other, making it the go to bikepacking essential.

• Constructed using water-resistant 1000d Cordura and waterproof X-Pac fabrics
• Designed with a contoured profile including reinforced side panels
• Features an internal HDPE shim, neatly attached below your saddle, and clear of your legs
• Running a secure, triple point, attachment design utilises the saddle rails and seatpost collar
• Utilizing a rear roll-top closure with cam buckle compression strap for ultra secure closure (the bag should have the rear opening rolled 3 times minimum to be securely closed).

Compatibility: As with any dropper post / full suspension application – to ensure your tyre won’t rub the bag Ross asks that riders check the clearance between their tyre and seat at its lowest position, and account for movement from the rear suspension. The recommendation is to measure from the centre top of your seat post to the closest edge of the tyre

• The Straight Cut Design dropper seat post bag is compatible with tyre / seatpost clearance of 150mm or above.

With custom bags Ross points out they run a 14 day lead time, something you’d reasonably expect with  handmade to order products. Alternatively, off the peg stock is frequently updated on the Straight Cut Design website.