Kirtland Tour Pack Handlebar bag
Bracket mount instructions for a vintage bag
I've been using these bags since the 80's, and every time I need to instal the mounting bracket, there's a good deal of head scratching needed because it's kind'a tricky and easy to forget.
On this site, I will show some photos that will clearly illustrate how the bracket works.
There are 3 parts to the bracket.
The primary suspension form. It's the largest piece and should be slipped onto the handlebar first.
An opposing brace piece.
The clip with tension bolt and thumbscrew.
I came across this promo from Kirtland and it's a good place to start. Look carefully at the magnified circle showing the bracket assembled and in place.
And here are some photos of the bracket on my 1980 Trek 412
This first image shows the complete bracket assembled and on the bike. You have to slip the main piece under the stem extension then up and over the handlebars. The opposing bracket pieces drops in from the top, with its open end forward and under the bars.
Finally, the tension bolt must capture the main piece on top, and the ends of the opposing bracket from below. It's tricky to capture the ends of the smaller bracket, but once you get it, you can turn the thumbscrew several turns to tighten.
Side view of the opposing bracket under tension from the thumb screw
As viewed from the front, showing how the tensioner captures the ends of the opposing bracket piece
Once you have the bracket installed, slide the handlebar bag over the main unit's posts, and don't forget to snaps the metal clips on the bag to the main bracket. (shown in the Kirtland promo at the top of the layout)