Saddle bag for touring on road bike

master_grunthos

Hi

I'm considering doing LEJOG on my road bike. I have no mountings for a rack so want to use a saddle bag instead and hate using rucksacks for cycling, at present I use a Carradice SQR Tour bag to commute and the the SQR system is my favoured mounting. Can anyone suggest which of the larger Carradice saddle bags is best for touring? There are a few that are around 23-24 litres but variations on side pockets, fastenings and fabric. Not being able to try them out I'm looking for some advice.

Thanks

MG

master_grunthos

Sorry, should have added that I intend stopping in B&Bs so won't need a tent or much sleeping equipment

Cheers

MG

andrew_s

The 2 options are the Super-C and the Camper Longflap.
The sizes are about the same. The fabric is the same.
The Super-C has fastex fastening nylon straps on the main compartment and side pockets, and it has a shaped top.
The Camper Longflap has leather straps & buckles for the main compartment and side pockets, and an extending plain top.
Current versions of the Longflap have a nylon drawcord top under the flap (as does the Super-C), but watch out for old versions that don't.

The Super-C is probably a little more weatherproof as the plain top on the Longflap can leave gaps at the ends. On the other hand you can't carry so much extra, or stuff like baguettes, under the flap of a Super-C as you can with a Longflap.
The leather straps on the Longflap are probably a little easier to open & close with one hand when riding.

The SQR uplift fits either.

There is a nylon Carradura version of the Super-C, but I'd recommend sticking to one of the cotton duck bags above, for durability and weather resistance.

I'd go for the Camper Longflap, probably.
(Got a Super-C and Nelson Longflap)

Eurostar

I think the Longflap is for me. Andrew, does your Longflap wobble and rattle when on the SQR bracket? There seems to a quite a bit of free play in the bracket...which irritated me when I had the SQR Tour (now stolen). I was wondering if there was a bodge?

carlstone

Hi MG

I'm in the same boat, planning a trip (hopefully before I'm 40 ). I also have a Carradice SQR tour. I have reduced everything I will need so it will fit in the SQR tour (with my waterproof jacket bunged to the top). Even down to cut down toothbrush! (tip from ultimate lejog website)

If I were you I'd look at trying to reduce everything to fit in the SQR tour as in my opinion it is a great size without being too bulky.

Eurostar

I'm trying to go 'luxury camping' without panniers. But with a laptop.

master_grunthos

Thanks for the advice. Not sure I can reduce my luggage enough for Just the SQR Tour though.

I've never had a problem with the Tour rattling or moving about in the SQR bracket on mine and it always seems pretty soild. Does the Camper rock back and forth on the metal frame of the SQR mounting much?

MG

carlstone

My kit list:

Lightweight shorts
Lightweight T Shirt (short sleeve), also works as another layer if cold
Water-proof jacket (bungeed to SQR tour)
Cycling jersey (worn, washed and dried overnight)
Cycling shorts (worn, washed and dreid overnight)
Cycling socks (worn, washed and dried overnight)
Helmet (worn)
Hedy (worn or wrapped round seatpost)
Full finger gloves (worn)
Cycling glasses (worn)
Overshoes (worn)
Cycling shoes (worn), spd type so can be worn off bike
Leg & arm warmers

Multi-tool, two tyre levers, small cable ties
Spare tube & self-adhesive patches
Chain lube in eye-drops bottle
Spare chain links
Emergency spoke
Polythene bags
Duct tape (wrapped around seatpost for emergencies)
String (wrapped around seatpost for emergencies)

Compact pump (frame mount)
2 x 750ml water bottles (frame mount)
Map holder (handlebar mount)
Computer (handlebar mount)

Sudo-crème or similar (small tube), travel toothpaste, pain killers
Antiseptic wet-wipes (small pack)
Toothbrush & razor (handles all cut off)
Small microfibre towel
Small bar of soap

Front and rear flashing lights (rear smart ½ watt bag mounted, front electron backupz mounted anywhere)
Mobile phone with camera & GPS (handlebar mount/jersey pocket)
Cash, credit card & cash point card
Map pages, other docs, pen

If I can fit anything else in, pack another pair of cycling shorts and waterproof gloves

As much food as you can stuff in your jersey pockets, to be replenished en route.

nun

master_grunthos wrote:

Hi

I'm considering doing LEJOG on my road bike. I have no mountings for a rack so want to use a saddle bag instead and hate using rucksacks for cycling, at present I use a Carradice SQR Tour bag to commute and the the SQR system is my favoured mounting. Can anyone suggest which of the larger Carradice saddle bags is best for touring? There are a few that are around 23-24 litres but variations on side pockets, fastenings and fabric. Not being able to try them out I'm looking for some advice.

Thanks

MG

If I'm staying in B&Bs I use a Nelson Longflap supported by a small rear rack and a Carradice zipped roll on the handlebars to carry stuff like cell phone and wallet. Total weight of my gear comes in around 12 to 13lbs. If I want to go "loaded touring" and add my camping equipment I use a small front rack and my gear weight goes up to 18 to 20lbs. I carry my sleeping quilt in the saddlebag, the tent gets strapped under my saddle and the sleeping pad and cooking gear goes on the front rack. Here's my gear list:

CAMPING, 5lbs
Tent, Contrail
Summer down Sleeping Bag
Prolite 3, Sleeping Pad
Pepsi can stove, pot, cup
Dish cloth
Denatured Alcohol
Ti Spork
BIC Lighter
50' Cord
Plastic Bags

CLOTHES CARRIED, 5lbs
Shorts
Convertible Long Pants
Wool Long Underwear
Padded cycling Underwear
Wool Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Long Sleeve "Adventure" Shirt
Microporous Rainsuit
2 x Socks
Flip Flops
Gloves
Insulated Primaloft Jacket
Windshirt
Beanie hat

TOILETRIES, 1lb
Mouthwash
Razors
Sunscreen
Microfiber Towel
Shampoo
Toothpaste and Brush
DEET
Dental Floss
Toilet Paper

BIKE STUFF, 3.5lbs
Bike Cable Lock
Multitool
Leatherman, Juice
2 x Kevlar Spokes
Chain Lube
2 x inner tubes
Pump
2 x Patch Kits
Tire boots
2x Powerlink
Brake cable
Gear cable
Brake Pads
Misc Nuts and Bolts
4x AA batteries
Plastic Bags
Duct tape

MISC, 2lbs
Wallet and keys
Map
notebook and pen
First Aid Kit
Sewing kit
small FM radio
Cell phone/camera/mp3 and charger

CLOTHERS WORN, NOT INCLUDED IN WEIGHT
Padded Underpants
Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Cycling Knickers
Socks
Cycling Shoes
Helmet
Bandana

BAGS, 2lbs
Carradice Nelson Longflap saddlebag, small handle bar bag and 2x
silnylon compression sacks