Re: Saddle Bag Recommendations

Simon Brooke said:

in message <[email hidden]>,
dannyfrankszzz

(') said:

Hi,

When I go out on rides, I currently use a waist bag ([censored] pack).
However, not only is this slightly uncomfortable to wear but I have
also noticed that this has tended to induce a need to urinate
(pressure on the bladder).

So, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good saddlebag that
would be able to incorporate the necessaries such as a spare inner
tube, mini pump, tyre levers, foldaway waterproof, puncture repair
kit and maybe an energy bar/mobile phone should the need arise.

I strongly recommend a bar bag rather than a saddle bag. Advantage:
it's in front of you, so you can have a map on top of it, and you can
get chewy bars out of it without stopping. Modern bar bags clip on
and off the bike easily, and most come with shoulder straps making
them easy to carry off the bike.

The one I use is here:
URL:http://www.carradice.co.uk/expedition-rider.htm#supercfrontbag

Just to make up the set,I prefer a saddlebag to either a rackpack or barbag
( when one is used on its own that is ,a barbag is good when used with a
saddlebag or panniers IMOH ). I bought a Carradice Super C and I find it
very good,plenty of room and a couple of pockets for spare tubes,repaair
items etc.To give a bit of support and eliminate swinging I use a Bagman
QR,a bit pricey for what it is, but it makes getting the bag off easier.

The only problem with it was that there wasn't a shoulder strap to carry it
off the bike.The remedy I use is to use a couple of large split rings ( I
think that is what you call them,what you put keys on anyway ),put them on
the securing straps that fit to the saddle and clip a shoulder strap into
them.I used a shoulder strap from an old rack pack.The other thing of course
is you usually need some bag loops on the saddle.The Brooks B17 has some
already fitted but Carradice do a fitting to attach them to other saddles
without loops.

Everything is on the Carradice Site:-

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.htm

But I am sure you can find things cheaper if you shop around,Spa Cycles or
Settle Cycles perhaps.

Hope this helps,

Sam Salt