Carradice Saddlebags

This wax, how much do you need to do a bag? Wondering if the 150g pot would be sufficient.

I've probably used close to 1/3 of the 400g tub for my bag which is a...Nelson I believe.

I used one 150g pot on a Camper Longflap, with all its extra flappiness. Used in two sittings, after melting the first half in and leaving to sit for a day. There's something quite satisfying about the process... unless you strongly oppose to spreading your butter to the edge of the toast.

This reminds me I need to wax mine after some wettage.

On another note, anyone got a rear light recommendation that sits nicely on the light mount on a super c?

I've only got an exposure rear light that has a seat post mount, and it flops about and is ridiculous on the carradice.

I’ve got one of these: https://www.cyclist.co.uk/reviews/beryl-pixel-front-or-rear-bike-light-review

From ages ago that I find pretty good. Not heavy, and the light and clip are all very close together so minimal wagging when attached to the strap. No idea if they make them anymore, but something where the light doesn’t stick out would be my recommendation. I have a set of the Moon Nebula (?) strip lights that are ok if the bag is full, but definitely wobble if it’s on an empty bag

I like the Blackburn 2'fer as it has a built in 'pocket clip' thing and is light enough that it doesn't pivot downwards. Always have it attached on there. Otherwise the Bontrager Flare R is quite small, very bright, and also has a similar 'pocket clip' design, though may have to buy that bit separately.

I like the Blackburn 2'fer as it has a built in 'pocket clip' thing and is light enough that it doesn't pivot downwards. Always have it attached on there

Yes I have one of those permanently left on there too.

Thanks for light reccos!

Before I buy the carradice wax, I've got some beeswax blocks i used to make wooden spoon sealant, guessing I can just use a block of natural beeswax instead? Melt it in hot water in a pot?

Heat the beeswas with a measure of linseed oil to make something akin to Fjällräven greenland wax. Some recommend addind turpentine/mineral spirits to lower the viscosity of the mixture, but if you apply it melted and use a heat gun I haven't found it to be an issue.

If you like woodworking, I think you'll appreciate the smell of the beeswax/linseed oil mix.

edit: use boiled linseed oil - not raw.

Perfect thanks.

I actually have some linseed oil, not sure if boiled though.

Do you know a good blend? I'll take a look at that link see if it says the mix amounts.

Edit - it says! I don't like the idea of terps, might just do the wax/linseed.

I've never used terps myself and haven't had any issues with it drying.
A heat gun is nice to preheat the fabric as well.
Make sure to apply on top of something sacrificial because the melted stuff will soak through.

If the patchiness comes from excess wax that won't soak into the fabric, then you could dab it with a paper towel to remove it whilst still warm.

Turns out I've found my beeswax/mineral oil salve ready made. Might just use that instead save the hassle of making new mix!

Assuming mineral oil is an ok substitute for linseed.

Very timely article here: https://bikepacking.com/plan/waxed-canvas-bags-guide/

Ha timely indeed!

After a bit of googling, looks like I'm ok to use my mineral oil / beeswax salve.

https://thisvsthat.io/mineral-oil-vs-paraffin-oil

Just bought one of the handlebar mount bagman racks, and its brilliant. With my super c audax between drop bars, in the lower mount position, it sits perfectly out the way of levers. Finally got the super c front and back combo sorted 👌🏻

In true Carradice style it came with a4 printed instructions, with the most important fitting instructions highlighted by hand

Got any photos? Interested to see how that looks.

Interested in photos too.

Not great pics sorry, but gives an idea. Couple of straps to fix it to bars, and then the main buckles looped through the bar

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Just need them to do a QR version like the back now!

Thanks, looks neat.

Does look neat.

Last question from me, are those 'normal' width bars? (Around 44ish)

Think I might do the same with my super C if they are.

Yep 42 flared
It’s the audax fyi

Front holder looks great, might pick one up

Looks neat!
Am I correct to think that it is possible to set the two clamps further away from each other, to clear the tapered part of some bars?
(Like this for instance)

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