Carradice Saddlebags

Had a few free minutes. Not perfect work, but inexpensive(including the tool which should prove useful in the future), and functional. From unpackaging the awl, trimming the leather strap, sewing it on, and poking holes, the whole project was ~20min. Not too bad.

6 Attachments

Speedy stitchers are next level useful, you won't regret owning one.

My only regret is not having enough cause to use it.

I once had a very chilled evening on a glamping holiday repairing the hot-tub cover that had splits in the leather stitching.

Wow! That’s great work! Might have to invest in a speedy stitcher for myself now.

@Nef Thanks. @Belagerent I think I'll be looking for excuses to break it out.

If anyone has one of these magic tools anywhere near SE24, I also have a carradice strap that needs replacing...

Brixton! Near Windrush Sq.

Next tool purchase, a set of hole punches!
And, great work by the way.

Someone, who is obviously not me, has misplaced my squeezy hole punches with the rotary bit selector that I purchased years ago for a belt. Couldn't locate them today.

Hah, we adapt and thrive.

*waves

Bi-annual public service announcement

Carradice will put whathever straps and buckles on whatever bag at point of order if you give em a call. And only charge a fiver for the service. Generally turn around is about a week.

Helpful! But we’re talking ongoing maintenance here ;)

Yeah I get yah. I just think it's a really great service and people should us it. :)

It’s dead helpful to know, and will probably be used for the next bag I buy!

Does anyone have any thoughts/experience on Cotton Duck vs. Cordura?
I'm weighing up the Audax Super C and the Cambrian Lightweight which aside from the material and weight difference are identical.

Cotton Duck vs. Cordura

I have Carradice bags made of both. Duck is much thicker and stronger and copes with being thrown around at airports or friction burns when your wheel rubs on it. It seems to be unkillable. Cordura wears through when you abuse it. Both fabrics are waterproof up to a point, but I reckon heavy rain will get through the seams of the Cordura much more quickly than it would with the duck. But other people will say the opposite. The duck vs cordura question has been debated in countless threads on other fora. If you don't care about the 200g penalty, get the duck and enjoy the CTC hostelling vibes.

Get the lightweight if you're buying new.

duck + sew-on patches!

This might be the winning factor… full CTC vibe
Cheers all for insights!

I'll caveat this by saying I've never owned a truly fancy one but all of the valved stuff sacks I've used have reinflated.

They're very useful for packing up first thing in the morning but I always found they'd puffed out after an hour or two.

My absolute hatchet job replacing the straps on this Nelson. Wish I hadn’t bought the absolute cheapest speedy stitch as the bobbin gets jammed constantly. But it’s mostly because I’m rubbish at being patient with these things.
The nice fidlock buckles work nicely. Will do the side pockets another day.
Also put an old tool bag shoulder strap on which is handy for carrying it about. Easily stashes under the flap.

Edit: spot the mistake in the 3rd photo. There’s good reason not to try and do this stuff after your bedtime!

4 Attachments

absolute hatchet job

It's good work and adds character. 10/10 for self-reliance and sustainability.

Better to do it and be average, than avoid doing it out of fear of being not perfect, or something :)

Think the straps need to be further out, despite them covering where the old straps were. Will see how it performs. Need to get a video of the lovely action on the buckles (ooh err).

Better than a wizard works.