Seatpacks and saddlebags...

I've ordered a Carradice SQR Tour for my birthday next week; a lot
more than those but it has a proper seatpin clamp; Charlotte had one on
the Dun Run; it seemed to do everything, quickly detachable, big enough
to carry a complete change of kit (very important on an overnight ride
as I found out to my cost on least year's 400) and as sturdy as a rack
mounted one without the rack. Also not immediately recogniseable as a
saddlebag so I don't need sandals/beard ;-)

Simon Bennett said:

As I'm intending some longer rides this year nad next, I need more stowage
capacity on the bike. One of the bikes I'll be using has no fixings for a
rack, and I'd like the option to swap between bikes. So I think a saddlebag
is the way to go. I've narrowed it down to three options (for the two
smaller packs, I'll need to attach stuff to the outside -- rain jacket):

Carradice Super-C Saddlepack
http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/super-c-saddlepack.shtml
Looks good (no bike-side fittings) -- but how much capacity does it have?
1-2 litres? Can I attach stuff to the outside of it easily?

Nelson longflap saddlebag
http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/nelson-longflap-saddlebag.shtml

Ortlieb Saddlebag (L)
http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=saddlebag

I have a Super C Saddle pack. It excellent for day rides where you want
to carry a jacket, spare gloves a few other bits and bobs. It has been
used for a overnight YH trp where few if any civvies have been
required. It is possible to fasten stuff to the outside with the aid of
straps such as toe clips. Let me know what you think you might need to
put in one and I'll try it in mine for you.

MartinM said:

I've ordered a Carradice SQR Tour for my birthday next week; a lot
more than those but it has a proper seatpin clamp; Charlotte had one
on the Dun Run; it seemed to do everything, quickly detachable, big
enough to carry a complete change of kit (very important on an
overnight ride as I found out to my cost on least year's 400) and as
sturdy as a rack mounted one without the rack. Also not immediately
recogniseable as a saddlebag so I don't need sandals/beard ;-)

I tried my brother's Carradice SQR -- it's a bit too big for what I want.

MSeries said:

Simon Bennett said:

As I'm intending some longer rides this year nad next, I need more
stowage capacity on the bike. One of the bikes I'll be using has no
fixings for a rack, and I'd like the option to swap between bikes.
So I think a saddlebag is the way to go. I've narrowed it down to
three options (for the two smaller packs, I'll need to attach stuff
to the outside -- rain jacket):

Carradice Super-C Saddlepack
http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/super-c-saddlepack.shtml
Looks good (no bike-side fittings) -- but how much capacity does it
have? 1-2 litres? Can I attach stuff to the outside of it easily?

Nelson longflap saddlebag

http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/nelson-longflap-saddlebag.shtml

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ortlieb Saddlebag (L)
http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=saddlebag

I have a Super C Saddle pack. It excellent for day rides where you
want to carry a jacket, spare gloves a few other bits and bobs. It
has been used for a overnight YH trp where few if any civvies have
been required. It is possible to fasten stuff to the outside with the
aid of straps such as toe clips. Let me know what you think you might
need to put in one and I'll try it in mine for you.

I'm intending to use the bag part for gloves, arm and leg warmers, tools,
tubes and food for at least a 400k. What it really needs to do well is allow
easy(ish) attachment of other stuff like a jacket, lightweight sleeping bag
on the outside.

Simon Bennett said:

MSeries said:

Simon Bennett said:

As I'm intending some longer rides this year nad next, I need more
stowage capacity on the bike. One of the bikes I'll be using has no
fixings for a rack, and I'd like the option to swap between bikes.
So I think a saddlebag is the way to go. I've narrowed it down to
three options (for the two smaller packs, I'll need to attach stuff
to the outside -- rain jacket):

Carradice Super-C Saddlepack
http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/super-c-saddlepack.shtml
Looks good (no bike-side fittings) -- but how much capacity does it
have? 1-2 litres? Can I attach stuff to the outside of it easily?

Nelson longflap saddlebag

http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/nelson-longflap-saddlebag.shtml

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ortlieb Saddlebag (L)
http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=saddlebag

I have a Super C Saddle pack. It excellent for day rides where you
want to carry a jacket, spare gloves a few other bits and bobs. It
has been used for a overnight YH trp where few if any civvies have
been required. It is possible to fasten stuff to the outside with the
aid of straps such as toe clips. Let me know what you think you might
need to put in one and I'll try it in mine for you.

I'm intending to use the bag part for gloves, arm and leg warmers, tools,
tubes and food for at least a 400k. What it really needs to do well is allow
easy(ish) attachment of other stuff like a jacket, lightweight sleeping bag
on the outside.

It will certainly permit gloves, arm & leg warmers, tools, tubes and
food for at least 400K. I presume you are not anticipating carrying a
track pump, roast chicken and a dozen tubes !!!. My jacket and the
above will fit inside usually. Not sure a sleepingbag will be
accommodated on the out side, depends how big it is I suppose. Jacket
no problem. The pack has straps which are attached toward the front on
the top of the pack, they loop over the saddle rails, then back through
a loop on the top of the pack. They then run to the back where they are
secured using the buckle affair that can be seen in the pictures. These
straps are the place to attach other things to and the pack tself gives
some support

Simon Bennett said:

I tried my brother's Carradice SQR -- it's a bit too big for what I want.

They do more than one model... the "Slim" may be better if you've tried
the "Tour", for example.

http://www.carradice.co.uk/sqr-saddlepacks/

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Simon Bennett said:

MartinM said:

I've ordered a Carradice SQR Tour for my birthday next week; a lot
more than those but it has a proper seatpin clamp; Charlotte had one
on the Dun Run; it seemed to do everything, quickly detachable, big
enough to carry a complete change of kit (very important on an
overnight ride as I found out to my cost on least year's 400) and as
sturdy as a rack mounted one without the rack. Also not immediately
recogniseable as a saddlebag so I don't need sandals/beard ;-)

I tried my brother's Carradice SQR -- it's a bit too big for what I want.

It's probably a bit big for most 4/600's as well but I thought I might
need it for a longer ride! The Super C is basically a non SQR version
of it AFAICT, my last one has broke from all the swinging around due to
only being secured by straps. Even with all my stuff in the present one
my jacket/jersey still weighs a ton on most rides, I imagine the least
weight on the rider the better, that's certainly what AUK say.

Peter Clinch said:

Simon Bennett said:

I tried my brother's Carradice SQR -- it's a bit too big for what I want.

They do more than one model... the "Slim" may be better if you've tried
the "Tour", for example.

the slim seems to be the same size, just flatter; in Simon's case it
would work well as a spoiler though ;-)

MartinM said:

Peter Clinch said:

Simon Bennett said:

I tried my brother's Carradice SQR -- it's a bit too big for what I want.

They do more than one model... the "Slim" may be better if you've tried
the "Tour", for example.

the slim seems to be the same size, just flatter; in Simon's case it
would work well as a spoiler though ;-)

I like the idea of the slimmer pack. I find that the inner back part
of my thighs tends to rub against the side of even smaller seat packs
and saddle bags. It's not a problem really, I don't even notice it most
of the time, but it's like when you get a song into your head and can't
get it back out. Once I do notice it, it can drive me bananas..

I'm also tempted by one of these...
http://www.carradice.co.uk/sqr-saddlepacks/sqr-trax.shtml
....which seems to hold the bulk of the bag lower and further back.

Beyond a certain point though, I think it's worth fixing on a carrier.
For me, that come before I reach the 18litres of the longflap. Don't
like that much bulk and/or weight mounted so high up.

Regards,

bookieb.

Quoted message said:

the slim seems to be the same size, just flatter; in Simon's case it
would work well as a spoiler though ;-)

And wider, which it would be, being called 'Slim'.

Er..

bookieb said:

MartinM wrote:

Quoted message said:

I'm also tempted by one of these...
http://www.carradice.co.uk/sqr-saddlepacks/sqr-trax.shtml
...which seems to hold the bulk of the bag lower and further back.

I'm sure the one I saw was more or less horizontal when viewed from the
side. Presumably the SQR bit keeps it well away from thighs; I hope so
anyway, I have the same problem.

MartinM said:

Simon Bennett wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I tried my brother's Carradice SQR -- it's a bit too big for what I want.

It's probably a bit big for most 4/600's as well but I thought I might
need it for a longer ride! The Super C is basically a non SQR version
of it AFAICT, my last one has broke from all the swinging around due to
only being secured by straps. Even with all my stuff in the present one
my jacket/jersey still weighs a ton on most rides, I imagine the least
weight on the rider the better, that's certainly what AUK say.

It's interesting to read this thread. I came into cycling as a tourist,
with hillwalking as my other outdoor hobby. As a consequence I tend to
want "kitchen-sink" levels of self sufficiency, carrying food and spare
clothing even for day rides unless I am *really* sure of the weather.

I usually use a Carradice Super C saddlebag (rather than the smaller
saddlepack) and only contemplate something smaller (barbag or
under-saddle pouch) for short rides in good conditions. It amazes me
just what racing cyclists will cram into jersey pockets.

I guess this is one of the reasons why I'm trundling round at the back
of the field in Audaxes. Lack of speed and fitness go a long way to
explaining the rest. 🙂

MSeries said:

Simon Bennett said:

MSeries said:

Simon Bennett wrote:
> As I'm intending some longer rides this year nad next, I need more
> stowage capacity on the bike. One of the bikes I'll be using has no
> fixings for a rack, and I'd like the option to swap between bikes.
> So I think a saddlebag is the way to go. I've narrowed it down to
> three options (for the two smaller packs, I'll need to attach stuff
> to the outside -- rain jacket):
>
> Carradice Super-C Saddlepack
> http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/super-c-saddlepack.shtml
> Looks good (no bike-side fittings) -- but how much capacity does it
> have? 1-2 litres? Can I attach stuff to the outside of it easily?
>
> Nelson longflap saddlebag
>

http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/nelson-longflap-saddlebag.shtml

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>
> Ortlieb Saddlebag (L)
> http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=saddlebag

I have a Super C Saddle pack. It excellent for day rides where you
want to carry a jacket, spare gloves a few other bits and bobs. It
has been used for a overnight YH trp where few if any civvies have
been required. It is possible to fasten stuff to the outside with
the aid of straps such as toe clips. Let me know what you think you
might need to put in one and I'll try it in mine for you.

I'm intending to use the bag part for gloves, arm and leg warmers,
tools, tubes and food for at least a 400k. What it really needs to
do well is allow easy(ish) attachment of other stuff like a jacket,
lightweight sleeping bag on the outside.

It will certainly permit gloves, arm & leg warmers, tools, tubes and
food for at least 400K. I presume you are not anticipating carrying a
track pump, roast chicken and a dozen tubes !!!. My jacket and the
above will fit inside usually. Not sure a sleepingbag will be
accommodated on the out side, depends how big it is I suppose. Jacket
no problem. The pack has straps which are attached toward the front on
the top of the pack, they loop over the saddle rails, then back
through a loop on the top of the pack. They then run to the back
where they are secured using the buckle affair that can be seen in
the pictures. These straps are the place to attach other things to
and the pack tself gives some support

Okay, I've just read that the Super C is 8 litres -- that's easily enough
for my needs -- I can probably get the sleeping bag inside!

Simon Bennett said:

Okay, I've just read that the Super C is 8 litres -- that's easily enough
for my needs -- I can probably get the sleeping bag inside!

can you bring it to the Invicta? would quite like to see it before I
use the SQR, it must be much narrower; I might exchange it.

Simon Bennett said:

As I'm intending some longer rides this year nad next, I need more
stowage capacity on the bike. One of the bikes I'll be using has no
fixings for a rack, and I'd like the option to swap between bikes. So
I think a saddlebag is the way to go. I've narrowed it down to three
options (for the two smaller packs, I'll need to attach stuff to the
outside -- rain jacket):

Carradice Super-C Saddlepack
http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/super-c-saddlepack.shtml
Looks good (no bike-side fittings) -- but how much capacity does it
have? 1-2 litres? Can I attach stuff to the outside of it easily?

Nelson longflap saddlebag
http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/nelson-longflap-saddlebag.shtml

Ortlieb Saddlebag (L)
http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=saddlebag

Err, the jump from the two smaller items to the Longflap looks enormous.

A Longflap is the size of a decent pannier bag ! Around 18 litres according
to the website. Whereas the Ortleib is 2.7 litres.

So, unless your jacket is massive, one or other of the above options is the
wrong size.

I suspect something else from the Carradice saddlebag range might suit. Try
the Barley, SQR (as mentioned in the thread), Pendle and Cadet for example.
Carradice saddle bags have strap points to tie wet waterproofs (etc) to the
outside, which can be useful. The bigger ones probably need a support, such
as the "Bagman".

Peter White Cycles site in the US has decent comparisons of some of the
Carradice range, arguably easier to follow the differences than the
Carradice website:
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/carradice.asp

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

Nigel Cliffe said:

Simon Bennett said:

As I'm intending some longer rides this year nad next, I need more
stowage capacity on the bike. One of the bikes I'll be using has no
fixings for a rack, and I'd like the option to swap between bikes. So
I think a saddlebag is the way to go. I've narrowed it down to three
options (for the two smaller packs, I'll need to attach stuff to the
outside -- rain jacket):

Carradice Super-C Saddlepack
http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/super-c-saddlepack.shtml
Looks good (no bike-side fittings) -- but how much capacity does it
have? 1-2 litres? Can I attach stuff to the outside of it easily?

Nelson longflap saddlebag

http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/nelson-longflap-saddlebag.shtml

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ortlieb Saddlebag (L)
http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=saddlebag

Err, the jump from the two smaller items to the Longflap looks
enormous.

A Longflap is the size of a decent pannier bag ! Around 18 litres
according to the website. Whereas the Ortleib is 2.7 litres.

The longflap is still saddle mounted. That's was one of the criteria. I've
decided to go for the Super-C at 8 litres. The size I'm after.

Simon Bennett said:

Nigel Cliffe said:

Simon Bennett said:

As I'm intending some longer rides this year nad next, I need more
stowage capacity on the bike. One of the bikes I'll be using has no
fixings for a rack, and I'd like the option to swap between bikes.
So I think a saddlebag is the way to go. I've narrowed it down to
three options (for the two smaller packs, I'll need to attach stuff
to the outside -- rain jacket):

Carradice Super-C Saddlepack
http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/super-c-saddlepack.shtml
Looks good (no bike-side fittings) -- but how much capacity does it
have? 1-2 litres? Can I attach stuff to the outside of it easily?

Nelson longflap saddlebag

http://www.carradice.co.uk/day-use-bike-bags/nelson-longflap-saddlebag.shtml

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ortlieb Saddlebag (L)
http://www.ortlieb.de/_prod.php?lang=en&produkt=saddlebag

Err, the jump from the two smaller items to the Longflap looks
enormous.

A Longflap is the size of a decent pannier bag ! Around 18 litres
according to the website. Whereas the Ortleib is 2.7 litres.

The longflap is still saddle mounted. That's was one of the criteria.
I've decided to go for the Super-C at 8 litres. The size I'm after.

AFAIK, the Longflap (in common with all Carradice traditional design saddle
bags) needs loops on the saddle, or an adaptor plate (availble from
Carradice). With a big bag like the longflap, I think it needs a support
bracket (Bagman etc).

However, if the Super-C "pack" has the space you need, that does not appear
to use saddle loops, but straps to the rails of a standard saddle.

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

Simon Bennett said:

Okay, I've just read that the Super C is 8 litres -- that's easily enough
for my needs -- I can probably get the sleeping bag inside!

I just got the SQR today (birthday boy); looks fine for my needs; a
bit big but very light and it won't take long to fill it up if I put 2
spare sets of kit in, will use it on the Trek for the Severn Across if
not too wet.
Richard Phipps (or one of his clones) had a Super C on Saturday I
think; it was swinging around a bit, so for my money I'd rather have
the seat post mounting than a slightly more compact bag.