Re: Saddle Bag Recommendations

Sam Salt

Simon Brooke wrote:
> in message <dannyfrankszzz.1ha67y@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com>,
> dannyfrankszzz
> ('dannyfrankszzz.1ha67y@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com') wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> When I go out on rides, I currently use a waist bag (fanny pack).
>> However, not only is this slightly uncomfortable to wear but I have
>> also noticed that this has tended to induce a need to urinate
>> (pressure on the bladder).
>>
>> So, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good saddlebag that
>> would be able to incorporate the necessaries such as a spare inner
>> tube, mini pump, tyre levers, foldaway waterproof, puncture repair
>> kit and maybe an energy bar/mobile phone should the need arise.
>
> I strongly recommend a bar bag rather than a saddle bag. Advantage:
> it's in front of you, so you can have a map on top of it, and you can
> get chewy bars out of it without stopping. Modern bar bags clip on
> and off the bike easily, and most come with shoulder straps making
> them easy to carry off the bike.
>
> The one I use is here:
> URL:http://www.carradice.co.uk/expediti...#supercfrontbag

Just to make up the set,I prefer a saddlebag to either a rackpack or barbag
( when one is used on its own that is ,a barbag is good when used with a
saddlebag or panniers IMOH ). I bought a Carradice Super C and I find it
very good,plenty of room and a couple of pockets for spare tubes,repaair
items etc.To give a bit of support and eliminate swinging I use a Bagman
QR,a bit pricey for what it is, but it makes getting the bag off easier.

The only problem with it was that there wasn't a shoulder strap to carry it
off the bike.The remedy I use is to use a couple of large split rings ( I
think that is what you call them,what you put keys on anyway ),put them on
the securing straps that fit to the saddle and clip a shoulder strap into
them.I used a shoulder strap from an old rack pack.The other thing of course
is you usually need some bag loops on the saddle.The Brooks B17 has some
already fitted but Carradice do a fitting to attach them to other saddles
without loops.

Everything is on the Carradice Site:-

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.htm

But I am sure you can find things cheaper if you shop around,Spa Cycles or
Settle Cycles perhaps.

Hope this helps,


Sam Salt