Carradice Saddlebags

Yeah good point, but I think both of them would give you ample leg space. The squish also isn't that much of an issue really, unless the bag is completely filled/unsquishable and then it feels like it puts quite a bit of extra stress into the whole system.

Bagman arrived. And it’s a hit!

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I've been a carradice saddle bag user for at least 15 years.

I've got three, a really big one, a middle sized one and a tiny one. Without being arsed to look up the names, I think it's a camper, a barley and a tool roll handlebar bag.

I have a QR clamp thing on the saddle rails of each of my bikes, for the saddle loops to hang off. I strap the bag to the seatpost, using the seatpost strap, that looks quite a lot like a toe strap.

My question is, what does the Bahman wire loop support strut thingy bring to the party, that I have never had a need for in all those years? Surely they look ugly when no bag is on the bike?

Maybe because I have long legs and a lot of seatpost to strap to, I don't need it. Or I just don't care about the backs of my thighs touching the bags. Or maybe I am running a terrible risk and missing out on a carradice nirvana?

Anyone care to enlighten me?

Most saddlebags will sit horizontally on a bagman. Strapped to a saddle and seat post means they rotate their orientation so the contents can fall out. They also sway when riding out of the saddle.
I use both methods, just to the saddle / seat post is fine for clothing sleeping bags and lightweight stuff.
The bagman is much better if lots of small and heavier items are floating around inside the bag.

You don’t find your bags sway too much?

I’m realising now that I’ve never actually run my Carradice without some sort of support. I got the SQR when I got the bag I think, then made my own rack to go on the SQR block, then made the one that was the SQR rack combined with the Classic rack and now I just run the Classic rack.

I think I must have felt the movement with just the stock SQR rack was annoying so that’s why I started making my own and customising them. I imagined the stock SQR and strapping directly to the seatpost give pretty similar amounts of movement.

Edit: Actually, I think I strapped my bag directly the saddle and post for like a week or two and got fed up with doing and undoing the straps to move it between bikes so that was another reason to go to the SQR system.

I mostly run mine like you say also. Rack keeps them away from your thighs, can make it easier to root through them whilst on the bike, stops stuff falling out and keeps them off the rear wheel.

I use the wire when I'm on a tour but the rest of them time don't bother.

Holds it flat for easy loading and unloading/rifling through to find something, minimises swing and movement, holds it out the way of my legs.

Personally I find them a lot more inconvenient when they just hang there, but for loads of people it’s not a problem at all! And it also sits on there solidly with only the QR locked in and no strap to the seatpost. I hate having to fiddle with lots of straps - which is part of the reason I’m eyeing up a Super C with plastic buckles.

Anyone ridden with the Odyssey yet? Does it need a support underneath due to size etc?

From the measurements in the site it looks to basically be the same size as a super c (non audax)

can you de/re-attach the wire support from a bagman? or did you have to buy an extra qr for the no-wire setup?

You can attach/reattach it.

Anyone used a Super C (the big boy) with the classic rack? Looks like it might sit quite high though, and weighty if full?

Tempted to get one for the price, to replace a sausage bag.

Ended up with just the bagman QR.

The Super C longflap has absolutely swallowed everything I need for upcoming trip, even the tent. (with a handlebar bag for stuff at hand like phone etc).

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Photo of contents laid out? Be cool to see how much it can take.

Bag closure straps on my 10yo Nelson are giving out. Any recommendations for home repair? I've been considering a more weather resistant option like a vinyl coated strap or something else synthetic. Experience or thoughts?

It's in dry bags, but can do later.

In essence :

1. Tent (tarptent bowfin 1)
   
2. Big Agnes mat (Rapide SL)
   
3. Sleeping bag (MH Traveller 50)
   
4. Pillow (sea to summit inflatable)
   
5. Clothes (spare shorts, 2 x shirts, baselayer, tee, socks, riding pants etc)
   
6. Toiletries
   
7. Towel
   
8. Mug
   
9. Coffee stuff (drip thing and papers)
   
10. Stove and pot (alpkit tiny one)
    
11. D lock
    
12. Table tennis bat and ball (tradition)
    
13. Adidas slip-on Sandles
    
14. Emergency noodles
    
15. First aid kit
    
    

Think that's all.

Bravo!

No experience changing them out but I would just replace with leather.
Speedy Stitcher is a very handy tool for this kind of thing.

That is very nice, pretty much everything I carry on the entire bike just on the front bag. Are any of the dry bags compressible (w/ straps or air valves)?

I’ve ordered some 20mm webbing and plastic clips to do mine. Will report back.

Just standard Osprey ones with roll top. I'd like the fancy ones with valves one day.

Sure there’s room for some more, those straps can go out a bit further, are you sure you don’t need some more stuff with you?

Thanks. Interested in the result. Planning to pick up the speedy stitcher as it's been on my "would be nice to have" list for some time. Should make quick work of whatever I decide to repair it with.

I'll probably pay the local leather craft shop a visit.

thumbs up