Carradice Saddlebags

Not sure i like the idea of it sticking up behind the saddle

Good to know, I also have the SQR Carradry bag that I use for commuting and both zips have broken on the side pockets. Carradice have said they can't be repaired due to the material being welded so maybe it's a draw back if this type of bag

There are two sizes, expedition is bigger. The Carradice website tells you which size is suitable for which bag. But I use the expedition on a smaller bag without problem. It works well

I actually do the opposite: large bag on a smaller Bagman. That works ok too.

Well my Classic rack and SQR rack are now married together.

I’ll clean it up and get a pic on the bike/with a bag on it later.

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Ha, awesome! Would say this belongs in the hacks thread also, but part of the Carradice charm is of course the bodgery.

Carradice is perfect for the commute.

Swallowed everything this morning then this evening, I’d filled it out with a load of bike parts from my locker at work and then realised it was warmer and I didn’t need to wear my jacket but no more room in the bag! No problem, just whack it under the flap.

Very little movement out of it even loaded up. If anything it felt slightly strange because it was holding the bike still as I was trying to swing it from side to side on little climbs.

Chucked it on the bathroom scale when I got in, just shy of 8kg.

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Decided to have a go at making a support from bits in the garage, cut and finished a bit better but started raining.

Feels like single side will be ample.

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How come you have fitted the block so high up the seat post?

Really can’t believe how good they are for commuting, perfect size, easy to access and pack and there always seems to be a way of squeezing something extra in. My super c has some useful loops on top which I use toe straps through to attach rolled up jackets if the bags full already.

I dunno. Haha!

Don't the instructions say to put it on near the top?

Lower down and my seatpost mounted light couldn't shine through I guess.

I should stick some straps or bongo ties through those top loops on mine. Would defo be handy.

I do the same with the rain cape but it's a bit of a faff sometimes to roll it up in such a way that it doesn't come a bit loose.

I'm looking at getting the cape roll to stick on there because #buyer but was wondering if I could manage a zipped roll on there.

Anyone tried this? Will it end up a bit shit?

Using toe straps? I use cheap material ones that come with plastic toe clips - one on either side is really secure, just roll the jacket so it sticks out 4-5 inches either side. Have done this loads with all sorts of clothing - I like not putting a wet jacket back in the bag.

The straps also work for carrying the bag when off the bike.

Hmm fair point about wet things. Probably a bad idea. I'm using leather Christophe toe straps,so maybe they're a bit less grippy in this application. I've got some fabric ones knocking about and will give it a go, cheers.

Interesting, which stay did you use?

I find you can get the cheap ones tighter as the leather can be reluctant to bend the same.

An old rack stay but didn’t realised the Carradice ones are only £20 a pair - wouldn’t have bothered pissing around if I had known. The fittings with the carradice ones look smart.

Found a smaller p clip at work and managed to tidy up a bit, not perfect but feels rock solid.

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Neat work, but why do you want to have the stay?

The bagman on its own is a beautiful bit of engineering which gives the bag its own sprung suspension, but a stay means it will get all the bumps. I've never heard of bagmans (bagmen?) snapping, bending or sagging.

Really? It was a major problem which caused them to change the design.

Have you read the last few pages of this thread?

Failure is quite common, the bolt on mine pulled the threads out of the top half of the clamp (luckily at home not on tour) so I’ve replaced with a longer bolt and nylock nut and added the stat for extra support/peace of mind.

If they’re not necessary and it’s not an issue why do Carradice offer their own support kit?

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I have read the thread but sorry for not paying attention! I hadn't realised it was such an issue. Multiple reported failures would certainly be a good reason.

As I said upthread, mine has always been fine, including on off-road sections with camping gear in the summer. But I guess I've been lucky.

Apologies for the abruptness in my original reply.

Yes I am was saying the exact same thing as you until it failed. Was always amazed how one big bolt into a threaded aluminium block could take so much abuse - it can’t. I don’t mind the aesthetic of the support and after looking at various other options like mini nitto racks etc I think it’s the best solution for me as I regularly carry heavy loads and ride off road and ride a largish bike.

I do wonder whether bolting through the block into a steel nut (ideally a rod that's keyed into the top of the alu block, like many seatposts) would be the best way forward. It's clear the support itself can handle the loads and the flex is a positive thing

The bolt itself sheared in 2 when mine gave up