Saddlebags / Saddle bags / Saddlebag / Saddle bag

Not sure if this is the right thread, but...I'm looking for a new saddlebag for the road bike. I currently use a Topeak Aero Wedge, but the velcro strap rubs again my lycra due to my Godzilla/chubby thighs. Are there any out there which do not use velcro? Maybe clip on to the saddle/seatpost directly?

the ortlieb saddle bags use a clip that attaches to the saddle rails

I have the large (pictured) and recommend it but they do smaller ones too.

Not sure if this is the right thread, but...I'm looking for a new saddlebag for the road bike. I currently use a Topeak Aero Wedge, but the velcro strap rubs again my lycra due to my Godzilla/chubby thighs. Are there any out there which do not use velcro? Maybe clip on to the saddle/seatpost directly?

Specialised wedgie works fine for me - doesn't rub and can be unzipped if you want to fit extra stuff in there.

I actually have one of those as well! The problem being, on a thin 27.2mm seatpost, there's quite a lot of velcro strap left-over, which when riding flaps about and rubs against my right leg...

Just seen the Fizik clip-on packs. Might try and have a closer look and see how much I can squeeze in to one of those.

or just put a paperclip on the velcro to stop it flapping...

Yep good call. Or take a pair of scissors to it.

I’ve decided that I need a saddle bag, I keep losing sensation in my arms from my rucksack digging in to my shoulders and my back gets really sore. I’ve also decided I need to stop carrying about quite as much stuff, but that’s another story.

I was going to get the Ortlieb large saddle bag but then was told that it’s actually quite small (?). Does anyone have any recommendations for a saddle bag that is a) voluminous, b) not too expensive, and c) is easily removable (so I can avoid having *another *saddle bag nicked)?

I would say the Super C carradice fits all of those requests - cheap being a relative concept, carradice are excellent value stuff, mostly. I REALLY want one.

Um I mean the wedge-shaped one not the trad saddlebag one. But I'd consider either (depending on how much stuff you insist on carrying).

http://www.bikepack.eu/ do some great saddlebags. I have a similar one made by Scott of Archie's Grobgs/Black Rainbow Project and its awesome

I would say the Super C carradice fits all of those requests - cheap being a relative concept, carradice are excellent value stuff, mostly. I REALLY want one.

I think you might be right. 23 litres capacity should be enough... It's more expensive than I was thinking but if it wears well (which I think Carradice generally do) then it's probably worth it, right... I'm sure I could justify the expense somehow anyway ("cheaper than physiotherapy for my poor back!")

Do you know of anywhere that has these in stock so I could see it in real life? Or does anyone have one I could take a look at?

http://www.bikepack.eu/ do some great saddlebags. I have a similar one made by Scott of Archie's Grobgs/Black Rainbow Project and its awesome

Very true - I borrowed one of Scott's ones and it was amazing.

I bought the Ortlieb large for Dunwich and was surprised how small it is, although it was perfect for the ride and how much kit I wanted to take.

If you need to keep any clothes neat etc for work, then forget it, you need something as big as a rucksack. I like the Carradices, they look great, seem easy to access and don't look like they will scrunch stuff up.

the Super C (trad sort) is massive, I kinda want one.
since I switched from a Nelson Longflap to something much smaller (College maybe, can't remember) it's been occasionally annoying not being able to carry more, but I like how compact it is - just right for shoes, jacket, lunch. the Nelson was wider than my backside and required a frame to stop it swinging/sagging.

Hmm, I like the idea of a massive bag. That way I can just chuck everything in and not have to attempt to be more organised. But is the Super C so massive that it’s ridiculous? Would it need a frame?

I bought the Ortlieb large for Dunwich and was surprised how small it is, although it was perfect for the ride and how much kit I wanted to take.

I think every photo I've ever seen of these bags is misleading as they always look massive yet you're now the 2nd person to say that it's small. I guess for a Dunwich type ride that's all you'd need, but for day-to-day commuting it's not quite right (I don't have to look smart, I just have tons of stuff with me...)

Hats. Sounds like you need a Nelson Longflap. I like em. Get the Bagman to easy clip and stop it swinging about. The only bummer I have with it is that the little slider pins on the Bagman keep falling out rendering it useless. It's happened to me a couple of times and is very annoying indeed.

What about the Carradura wedge-shaped one with the QR? Easy on easy off.

I'm a bit overwhelmed with choices now! But I think I'll be getting some sort of carradice bag, anyway...

The Nelson one looks good, though the bagman thing sounds like it might be a bit of a faff.

Skully, do you mean this one? http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&under=range&product_id=19

The Bagman is awesome. I've run one with my Nelson for many, many years and it's been great.

Can't recommend it enough.

I had a play with the QR Bagman in the shop and the pins pinged out... I had the fixed Bagman which I liked although obvs not great for wanting to take saddlebag on and off a lot.

@ hats yep that one, or I think the Super C one shaped like that might have the same fixing i.e. not fixed on like these two ^ ^^ are comparing (bagman and qr bagman supports).

If you want big, go for Nelson Longflap (old school satchel looks) or Super C saddlebag (Sensible ctc tourist look), probly with the QR bagman since most people say it's adequate - think you'll need the large 'expedition' one.

Thanks everyone! :) I have absolutely no idea what to go for but feel much more knowledgeable.

Does anyone know where stocks a good selection of different models and bagman's (bagmen?)? I think it would help if I saw them in person.

^^ the perfect DD solution.

Pic here of gorgeous man and Ortlieb Large in situ

http://www.lfgss.com/post2982347-1517.html