Saddle bags for day rides.

graham_g

Hi all,

I'm looking to get a decent saddle bag for longer rides as I plan travel to visit relatives etc. on the bike carrying a (v.small!) change of clothes/slip on pumps for an overnighter. It would seem from my various searches that I have a choice between Carradice and er.. Carradice for anything bigger than a couple of litres. However, I've had an SQR pack before and found that I hit my thighs on it when pedalling (although my seatpost was at more of an angle than it is now) and don't much like the look of any others (either too big or too small). Any suggestions as to what else is available around the 10-20 litre mark? I don't want to modge a rack onto the bike for panners BTW.

Thanks.

APIII

How about a bar bag? This is 8litres, but there may be others with a bigger capacity.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... &UberCat=0

redddraggon

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... ddle%20Bag

graham_g

Good point on the bar bag - I take it you just put all the light stuff in there and anything heavy behind you so it doesn't affect handling too much?!

That brooks bag is a good suggestion, but man it's ugly!

Blonde

I have used a Carradice Barley bag (the smallest they make, I think) for carrying a change of clothes, travel towel and flip flops in before. I use a 'bagman' bag support to keep if from bashing my legs when I'm pedalling. It depends how much you need to carry though - men's clothes seem to be a lot bulkier than women's, so if you are male and/or especially if you need to take shoes with you, I'd suggest a larger bag. The larger Carradice bags also work with the bag supports. You don't need a saddle with bag loops to use a traditional bag, although it looks neater and works better, without having twist the bag straps. It is actually possible though, to use the bag straps just as they are on an ordinary saddle, without any bag loops, or you could get a saddle bag loop adapter if you prefer.

i have never tried a bar bag, but fear it would effect the steering too much, especially as I use a short stem.

It is a good idea to try out any new luggage, loaded, around the block or on your commute first, before using it on any long ride. Check that nothing falls off and the bike handles OK and that you have adjusted to any change in handling, before you set off on your longer ride.

graham_g

THanks for that - the support idea sounds useful! Guess I'll have to get myself to a shop which actually carries a good range of stock, I've learned that when you get picky about something, it's not worth buying on line!

Blonde

I agree - have a look on line at what might be available then ring round and see who's got what before visiting them and trying things out - check whatever you get actually fits/works with your bike before you buy it, so take the bike with you if possible. My partner has a problem with the light weight and narrow rack he recently bought, not being compatible with his existing rack pack, which was too wide to fit the rack properly, so it is worth taking the bike and checking your luggage fits it, (and doesn't get in the way of your legs etc) before buying anything.

trekvet

Don`t bother buying one at all.

It`ll cost you.
You`ll probably use it the once.
It`ll clutter up the place.

Instead post your gear on ahead - bin it when you leave.

Think of the extra weight/drag you`re saving

graham_g

Typical - the local Carradice dealer has nothing in stock and then SJS Cycles aren't open on a Saturday! It's looking like mail order following scrutiny of the website is the only option.

Ken Night

TrekVet wrote:

Don`t bother buying one at all.

It`ll cost you.
You`ll probably use it the once.
It`ll clutter up the place.

Instead post your gear on ahead - bin it when you leave.

Think of the extra weight/drag you`re saving

besides the obvious flippancy, there is merit in this approach. Riding a bike is about freedom and movement, and as soon as you put on anything more than a large seatpack, you start to lose that

So, if you are going to have a reasonable saddlebag, get a large one-that you can go away with for a few days.

I'd suggest the Carradice Prima (large seatpack) for day rides, if you must have anything other than a couple of tubes and a tool -yes you can get a change of clothes in there (and a pr of flip flops in your jersey pocket),

For longer tours, the Nelson Longflap, which is large and flexible in size(I use a Bagman)

I did Paris Brest Paris with a Prima seatpack with a bag drop at 450k/900k

If you want that saddle bag look for day rides the Barley is great and looks really cool, I believe you can also have them customised

I didn't like the SQR-too much sway/thigh rub

graham_g

Ken, some valuable input there. I think I will just get two, one about 5 litres to make do with on a Sunday out with the other half and then a large one for overnight trips.