Commuting luggage

Gambatte

I think what I'm looking for is whatever the old style saddle bag has now evolved into.

I'm currently using a under saddle wedge bag to hold the emergency kit (spare tube, CO2 inflator, multitool etc.)

I also use a small rucksack for waterproof jacket and decent size 'snap' box, which over the winter will also include spare lights etc.

Basically I'm wanting something to get the rucksack off my back. I don't want a handlebar bag. I've already got one for our lasses bike and I've got HRM & cycle computer mounted on there anyway.

As I've said, I dont carry anywhere near enough to warrant panniers. Probably a max I'd use would be about 5lt

So, anyone got recommendations?

Aidocp

I usually just use one small pannier but if you are looking for something smaller I also use one of these Saddlebags, it still got plenty of room for the jacket and lights etc.

Gambatte

Thanks Aidocp, no comment on price got a bit more detailed info on here:
http://www.facewest.co.uk/pp/ortleib/saddlebag.htm.

Generally at 2.7Lt the large would be big enough, however on occasion I would probably need slightly bigger

baudman

Topeak do a few bags in the MTX range. That's what I use. A nice small pack - but I have the one with optional fold-out panniers if/when required.

adifiddler

How about something from these guys http://www.carradice.co.uk/type.htm

BentMikey

An SQR fitting and the carradice long flap camper is the dog's particulars for my purposes.

Roastie

BentMikey wrote:

An SQR fitting and the carradice long flap camper is the dog's particulars for my purposes.

Ha! That is very cool, exactly what I've been looking for. Assume you need to dump the carbin seatpost to use of those though.

BentMikey

Yes, though I have a langster with a metal seatpost, so no problem. It's funny how age changes your views - when I was at school I would never ever have had such a thing on my bike, and now I regard it as quite cool!

Roastie

Bentmikey, so right!

Got a spare ally post around so I can just stick that on. Not too attached to the carbon post, makes me nervous anyway.

Gambatte

Yeah, the carradice bags look nice.

However, as commuting is 50% about cutting my expenses, I reckon I'll probably wait till the clocks go back. That gives me 2 months to prove to myself its something I'll continue with over the winter.

Probably looking at the 'Barley'

Anyone using the 'Bagman' support?

My saddle doesn't have the bag fixing loops, does the bagman solve this?

If I do it 5 days a week, I should have £200 minimum in the bank to finance it....

Gambatte

Sod it, orders just been placed.

Gone for the Barley, hopefully be on the bike by the weekend!

andrewc3142

Bit late now, really, but I use the Carradice Slim with the SQR fitting. Just the right size for commuting, provided you leave suits/shoes at work, and has the advantage that it will take A4.

Gambatte

The goods had arrived when I got home. Bag and seat clamp.

Very impressed, very happy.

rdaviesb

BentMikey wrote:

An SQR fitting and the carradice long flap camper is the dog's particulars for my purposes.

...and for me. Highly recommended.

I've also got one of the smaller Barley saddlebags for day trips.