Saddle Bags

j_mcd

Hive mind time again.

Anyone got any recommedations for one of these type of things so I don't have to wear a backpack over the winter:



http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-backloader-saddle-bag/

I'd want to carry in the usual work things such as shirt, underwear, phone(s), wallet and possibly a kindle.

I think you can get versions that just clip under the seat using a clippy thing although I may have made that up.

Any real life knowledge greatly appreciated

anonymousblackfg

I went frame bag on the idea you shirt get to be relatively flat and I can squeeze a lap top in.

www.revelatedesigns.com

hopkinb

I can't help directly, being a 5 shirts plus all the gubbins in a bag on a Monday morning and Friday evening kind of guy, but I know prowlbass has one similar to that, and he's generally up on carrying tons of stuff around on his bike, maybe he'll be along and let you know what he uses. Or maybe drop him a PM.

j_mcd

anonymousblackfg wrote:

I went frame bag on the idea you shirt get to be relatively flat and I can squeeze a lap top in.

http://www.revelatedesigns.com

I've always been a bit worried that frame bags act like huge sails and make crosswinds a bit dicey. How do you find it?

spasypaddy

i really like my blackburn one as it has a removable dry bag so you leave most of the gubbins attached to the bike but just remove the dry bag and take it into the office/work place with you. works really well.

prowlbass

As hopkinb says, I've been using frame bags (full and half) and absurdly oversized saddle bags for years - happy to help with any specific questions... I've tried most brands and happy to make recommendations.

Frame bags have negligible affect on handling in windy conditions. They're directly under your weight, so it's more like riding with a deep section rear (/disc) than a deep section front. Genuinely a non-issue unless you weigh about 40kg.

Agree with spasypaddy that the saddlebags with removable dry bags are best for carting stuff to the office. One piece designs are a PITA to remove/refit. Another option is the Ortlieb one that clips on - capacity is lower, but I can squeeze trousers, shirt, pants and socks in with space left over for a spare tube, tyre levers and multi tool and the whole thing removes just as easily as a dry bag would.

Saddlebags have a tendency to swing about, which can affect handling. Frame bags have a tendency to rub against your knees when overstuffed... you pays your money and takes your choice. Definitely worth ditching the backpack though.

daniel_b

Have one, but yet to use it (6 litre).

Cheaper here by some margin - https://www.merlincycles.com/topeak-backloader-seat-pack-100757.html

Pretty sure L2R has one and has used it in anger - Luv2Ride - maybe drop him a pm?

spasypaddy

heres the one i use:
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Blackburn-Outp ... _90813.htm?

prowlbass

spasypaddy wrote:

heres the one i use:
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Blackburn-Outp ... _90813.htm?

I also own one of these... I don't use it anymore, but it's very good for the cost. Have to spend a fair bit more of your hand earned cash to find better. A very good entry level bag.

spasypaddy

prowlbass wrote:

spasypaddy wrote:

heres the one i use:
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Blackburn-Outp ... _90813.htm?

I also own one of these... I don't use it anymore, but it's very good for the cost. Have to spend a fair bit more of your hand earned cash to find better. A very good entry level bag.

perfect commuter bag tbf due to not having to remove everything. holds a decent amount. can be made smaller when not carrying quite so much etc etc

anonymousblackfg

I took my lead from Prowlbass on the frame bag, no major negative issues in cross winds. He's correct on rub but you do have to properly stuff it to get this.

godders1

Carradice Super C and bagman support has been serving me well for years. Lots of capacity, built to last and surprisingly waterproof.

https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/saddlebags/super-c-saddlebag

prawny

I've got a Carradice SQR Slim which is awesome but a bit heavy, and a Vaude Off Road bag 10+2 which is lighter but a bit too small for my needs.

You could have the Vaude for a tenner plus postage if you want, it's well used but perfectly serviceable.

ricky_h-2

I switched from a rucksack to this 6 months ago and it works a treat. Just move your spares/tools into a bottle and you have 6 litres of storage. At 20 quid, it's a bargain
https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/saddle ... saddlepack

graeme_s-2

I've just bought a saddle bag (arrived this morning, sitting on my desk right now). I don't intend to use it for commuting normally, but have other uses in mind. If the swinging about bothers me, I might go for one of these:

http://woho.bigcartel.com/product/xtour ... st-service

Particularly like the idea that it gives you a couple of bottle mounts if you've got a frame bag obstructing your normal mounts.