Carradice Saddlebags

In the market for a traditional saddlebag. Berthoud or Carradice?

Berthoud make Sunday bags, and charge for it.
I think Carradice bags age better, they may be more waterproof too.
There are other brands, but I'd stay with Carradice.

In the market for a traditional saddlebag. Berthoud or Carradice?

Carradice. No question!

In the market for a traditional saddlebag. Berthoud or Carradice?

Berthoud specialised in handlebar bag rather, so Carradice is the obvious choice.

Orly

Cheers.

I had been drawn in by the Berthoud bags frenchness and bleu-ness, but I guess decades of Carradice users can't be wrong

Orly

Are we or are we not talking about bags specifically?

GB as far as I know, only have one saddle bag similar to the Carradice (the rest were those saddle pack);

I have one, they're a great compact size, much lighter than Carradice and have a simple construction, but there's only two loop to secure it, and no middle loop to wrap around the seatpost - bit annoying when riding.

BTW saw some awesome Gilles Berthoud bicycles during the LEL.

Click on that and search, Ed.
There were at least four different models, the above ^ being the smallest.

I'm starting to realised how the ancient website work (why are all French websites are like that?).

I search for saddle bag, the one I mentioned isn't on the list, but a lots of saddle pack instead.

Ah found it, now see what you meant now, look like I can have a matching saddlebag with my GB handlebar bag;

Managed to find a bit more information, it's basically their version of the Carradice SQR system;

The GILLES BERTHOUD rack-mount saddlebag is an elegant fine-luggage alternative to the standard pannier rack.

This bag comes in two sizes (narrow and wide) and two colors (grey and black).

Both sizes of the rack-mount saddlebag us the same proprietary rack. This rack attaches to the seatpost with a standard MTB handlebar stem (supplied)

A shim is included to fit the stem to seatpost sizes 26.8, 27.0, or 27.2. You must specify which size post you have .

The bag attaches to the rack with two toe straps on the top and a quick-release nylon strap on the bottom.
This bag is is made of strong, water-resistant cotton with top-grade leather trim and reinforcement.

I'm starting to realised how the ancient website work (why are all French websites are like that?)..

The fact the website has a section called "GOOD BARGAIN" is almost making me reconsider my decision

The French hath charms...

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Ramaye don't say much at the moment.

I like the look of the classic rack but haven't seen one up close. It boosts the bag so it's higher up, which is good if ain't the tallest. I use the SQR which can do the same but to a lesser extent. Also the classic rack supports under the bag which the SQR doesn't. Despite this the SQR is a very easy to use system and I'd certainly recommend it.

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The Pendle is a relatively small bag.
On all my Carradice set-ups I don't use any kind of rack, just install as implied by the straps. It does brush up against my legs, but I like it like that.
In terms of quick release or no, I install the bags semi-permanently with the ends of the straps inside the bag. Then whatever I have in the bag sits *inside another bag *that I take with me if the contents are valuable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyRsiU9dc_Q

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I always used to strap the bag to the saddle seat post as intended but the bottom of the bag becomes the front, and the back becomes the bottom, as the whole thing rotates. Using a bag inside it is great if you use it to for example commute, (and take everything out at the end of the ride) but if you use it for day rides where you might stop and rummage around from time to time for things in the bag they all are likely to fall out.
So rack thingy works for touring, the bag in a bag for commuting.

^ The new ones all have the extra nylon bit with the cordlock and string, so there's less of a chance that stuff will fall out while rummaging, but I get you. The fact that Carradice hasn't updated their designs to reflect more modern geometries also raises my ire.

26 x Sue
12 x Priscilla
10 x Debby
7 x Christine
7 x Janet
7 x Andrea
3 x Susan
3 x Emma
2 x Kelly
1 x Debi
1 x Gill
1 x Vicky

One more Andrea, a Barley

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Yes you did, you racist fuck.

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