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What's a decent freewheel with a good toughness to price ratio (under 40 quid ideally)?

I've gone through two dicta type ones literally through light trail use, want something that I can really depend on.

Thanks!

That bag was a blast. Thanks for the continued support everybody. All custom requests are considered, just an email (info@bigxtop.com) or a PM away

Lovely to hear!

Ordered, what's the lead time these days?

Tends to be 10-14 days, but can be as soon as a week, if you want a pretty definitive date just email me buddy

I have two problems with the one I have - It can come loose and it is a fucking nightmare when your hands are cold - I one with a clip and its much better.

I like the look of the camo one but just thought I would mention the above, the Kaptajn ones might just be especially naff,

I use 'superlocks' which tend to have the strongest hold! He makes them slightly different to me but I can't comment as I havent had my hands on one!

How does it fasten? I have one of the kaptajn one but the fastening is terrible - does yours have a clip?

It's a ladderlock, the side release buckle ones are fine but seemed bulky in testing, and on some saddles impossible to feed through (at 25mm).

The ladderlock is also by far the most secure from all the options tested. if yu are finding it a ballache, the best thing to do is just loose fit the buckle, then dress the roll and pull to tighten.

woops, knew i forgot something, sorted!

Thanks guys! Always up for custom stuff, just PM!

Hey guys, Jordan from big top again!

Just a little something I've been working on for probably about a year, it didn't take that long to design, but stuff had to be tested and I've just been fully rammed the entire time (in part thanks to all you lovely people).

Here's the copy I wrote for the site:

*The Saddle Roll, simple yet essential for hardcore roadies and commuters alike. Hate stuffing your jersey with repair kit and cant stand the jangling around of your saddle bag? Grab one of these.

Designed to be forgotten about until it's needed, the narrow profile of the roll ensures there's no chafing when you're back in the saddle on a 15% climb. This, coupled with a tight fit against the saddle, ensures that you won't even know it's there.

That being said, it's available in a number of fantastic colours to match the highlights on your bike and/or personality. The majority of these bags are made from scraps from the larger bags in our lineup - so it's a win win.

Fits a road or cyclocross tube, two shots of CO2, your favourite CO2 pump/nozzle, tyre levers and even a magic chain link if it tickles your fancy.*

As ever, made by me in my workshop, and reasonably priced at just fifteen pounds,

http://www.bigxtop.com/product/saddle-roll

Have you considered/would you consider adding some MOLLE (or PLCE I guess) strips a la http://www.karrimorsf.com/predator/item/140-predator-30-lightweight-day-pack.html ?

It might be useful for sticking on other things if you need them (I know they make some MOLLE hydration things for example).

Is it too fascist-military-commando-prepper-militia-prepare-for-The-War-EOTWAWKI-SHTF-bugout-baggy?

I've done MOLLE packs in the past.

My bags are pretty heavily military inspired so I'm not afraid of using anything that channels that kind of design!

I entertain nearly all requests so it's just an email away. MOLLE is great, but it's fairly time consuming without a dedicated bartacker so I tend to only do it on request.

I hope it's ok, but I put your name forward to one of my bosses....I'm a firefighter, and on our recent trauma refresher, the instructor was having a bit of a moan as the suppliers of our kit bags no longer makes them....he has sourced what he believes to be the best alternative, but it doesn't take all of our kit, specifically the AED (defibrillator). I showed him your site, and mentioned the fact that you do custom stuff and he seemed interested. It's obviously early days in his thought process, and might not amount to anything, but we would need about 40 of them if they decide that's the way forward....would this be something that you could potentially do?

It's definitely something I can look at, just shoot me an email through the site or at info@bigxtop.com

Thank you!

It is about 25-30L yes!

It's impossible to get an accurate gauge on litre-age without using a very expensive machine, but based on my experience with other bags and the basic maths I've come to this figure.

I'm just like you guys, I commute to my workshop every day. In my daysack I carry my iPad, usually a jumper, a waterproof jacket (if i'm not wearing it), a pouch with some daily essentials and some food. I carry my lock on the outside in the side flat pouch. There's still space left over but the bag isn't cavernous so you haven't got things flying about inside and it sits comfortably on your back which is what i wanted out of the daysack.

It's also narrower than most bags which means its not ideal if you have a 17"+ laptop but it's VERY useful when you're on the bike for your visibilty checking over your shoulder, and for your elbow clearance when walking about.

Thanks for all the kind words as ever. I take alot more custom commissions than I used to despite being busy (just a personal decision I made not long ago). I don't really charge a premium for this stuff, it never hurts to ask.

Any chance of a larger backpack coming into production? Would pay top sweet sterling for that...

It depends how large you're looking for. I'm not planning on making a courier sized backpack, but something 35-40L is in the works. The bag I'm currently testing is a few litres bigger than the daysack too!

If you're after anything in particular, just message me and I will see what I can come up with.

Thanks!

I would pay many money's if you could get real tree. Hint hint, nudge nudge.

So would I! But sadly it's really hard to get over here, super easy in the states cos of hunting etc

Seriously tempted by one of these, my Lowe Alpine thing just isn't cutting it no mores.

Can you still do the rucksack in camo?

Cheers

Yes, but I can't get US Woodland as before.

I can get Danish Woodland, Erebis ATP (Almost exactly the same as current issue, really cool stuff), US Desert Tricolor or Desert Flecktarn.

All of these will come up in google images.

Here's a pack I made for myself the other week out of Erebis ATP with matching webbing. This is a slightly different style of design (more tube shaped) that I'm testing at the mo.

http://instagram.com/p/fF4qklsHxu/

Thanks for the kind words jon!

Just one more question. The difference between black and black reflective?

I've got some shots of the cordage on a page here: http://www.bigxtop.com/info

Basically the black cord has a little weave of reflective thread in it!

Blimey that was fast. I'm on the mend and that's the main thing. Yeah the backpack looks impressive too. Probably a more sensible solution to my needs as I found the stability of the messenger bag a problem at times. Just waiting for a refund to come through on a new helmet that made me look stupid and then I'll purchase one and give it a try. Top work. Really does look like fine stuff.

Thank you!

Really want to get the mini messenger as my mission workshop straps got cut off before I ended up in the ambulance. I had the cavernous shed at 35L which was probably a little too much if I'm honest.

Just wondering if anyone regularly fits 13' mac, ipad, spare shoes, trousers and a jumper with maybe the odd bit of shopping at a push in their's (my commute is country - town so can get a bit wet hence jeans)?

Want to support the British made rather than pay the over inflated prices of US made bags, but worry it may just be a little on the small side.

I'm sorry to hear about your accident!

I think in this instance the mini messenger will be a little small for your requirements. Have you taken a look at the backpack I do? It's got more space but isn't oversized.

Thanks for the sentiment it's greatly appreciated.

Lots of (deserved) love here for the bags, but after a year mine's started to wear through the cordura at some of the "points" - the corners at the base, and at the top where it sticks out when rolled. Maybe future editions could have a more rounded base? Or am I just using it wrong?

I've PM'd you, this is relating to a couple of the very very first mini messengers which were made from a different fabric before i standardised the fabrics I use. This won't happen in 99.9% of the mini messengers and none of the daysacks!

Thanks again tomo! glad you're enjoying your bags buddy

Haha great story sparky, and lovely to hear tomo, much appreciated

Realised I've just missed "the first birthday" of my bag.
http://www.lfgss.com/post3138612-83.html

1 year on, it's still my faithful companion. Pretty much been with me every day since I got it and it is still going strong.
All stitching is in place, straps are still in fine quality, no fraying.
Fraying has appeared on the edging of the flap, but that bit takes the beating.
I really should give it a hose-down and wipe of the inside.
But all in all big love to bigxtop!

Oh I also have one of their pouches and love it too. Was using it as a purse and got told off by my best friend...it now holds tools but also a lip gloss.

haha this is fantastic mands I'm glad it's being put to good use!

Thank you for the order, the lead time at the mo is about a week!

Awesome bag. I got mine around xmas time and had been using on my left shoulder until an accident where I had a metal plate put in my shoulder. Can't wear it on the left shoulder, or use a backpack as the strap rubs too much, and it's so awesome that it took 2 mins to switch round the strap and now I'm rocking it on the right shoulder.
Great bag

Lovely to hear! It's great when these little features are utilized, makes it all worth it

Is this deliberate?
Have I just noticed that my lock fits in the strap but everyone else has been doing that since day one?

To an extent yes, but its not sized to fit any specific lock, the space there is deliberate (to attach pouches as you have done), the rest is a very tangible bonus!

Also what rowwgan highlighted is a very true risk, its a hard object placed directly over your collarbone, hence why I don't tend to market it as a feature

i use the pomp, most budget wheels in the universe (my first ever fixed gear wheelset) 38c cx tyres, px cantis and the cheapest freewheel i can find. its bulletproof!

Howdy y'all, Ty at The Foot Down has kindly shared his thoughts on his daysack, it's a very extensive look at the bag and should help those who are on the fence.

http://www.thefootdown.co.uk/2013/07/31/bigxtop-daysack-backpack-review/

Thanks for the support and the orders as ever guys/gals!