Saddlebag for Commute

jive

I've been researching various options for commuting and possibly some Audax rides down the line. I'm on a road bike (Felt Z100) so rather than the hassle of fitting a rack I'm looking at getting a large saddle bag.

It needs to be easily detachable and large enough to fit work clothes in addition to being somewhat water resistant (I have mudguards).

At the moment the below is about the closest I have found to what I will need:

https://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&under=type&product_id=138

Are there any cheaper alternatives to this? Can't find any second hand and new is €90 + whatever delivery is.... around 50% of the value of what I'm riding :pac:

I've been commuting for the last 8 months and had enough of the sweaty back a backpack inevitably brings as well as the comfort of not having a load on my back while riding.

ford2600

http://www.topeak.com/products/bags/mtx_trunkbag_exp_bottle_holder

I have that and use for cc touring and the longer audax rides.

Topeak & Carradice make decent stuff, none of which is cheap. They both have lots of options.

If function, durability are your main criteria, when it comes to this stuff, there is not too many budget options out there that I have seen.

A cheap option making its weaknesses know 200km into a 300km ride won't be fun.

Post up on the Celtic Knot thread after this weekend and you might get feedback on what works/doesn't.

The option I have will change handling a little especially out of saddle and when manoeuvring bike around forecourts/indoors etc but it fine once you get used to it.

Carbon seat post and clamping isn't a good idea btw

jive

Cheers. Yeah I suppose the buy nice or buy twice rule probably applies here and it is not something you want failing on you. It's just funny how there doesn't seem to be any cheap options, even with panniers etc. there are plenty of cheap bags but this doesn't seem to exist for something which mounts to the saddle and is >1L in capacity.

jive

I think I'll go for this one instead http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&product_id=56

Slightly smaller and £10 more but much easier on the eyes

ford2600

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=83858772&postcount=9

That bag is well tested at this stage and was still working two weeks ago

jive

Nice one, I'd say that'll be the one I'll get. Hopefully don't get stung too badly for shipping costs.

Alek

I use Ortlieb Large Saddle Bag for commuting - 2.7L capacity fits my office food, bike repair stuff and I strap an Abus folding lock underneath.

Very handy for long spins too!

Pic from the web: https://oranj.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/natl400_bike.jpg

[edit]

I just read that you need to fit your work clothes. Well, this one will be too small for this.

Seaswimmer

I use this bag

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&under=range&product_id=33

with this attachment system

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&under=range&product_id=147

Expensive but I have mine over 10 years and have used it extensively for light touring. It may be a bit big for your needs.

The only thing I have noticed about the seatpost fixing system (my friend has one) is that there seems to be a fair bit of swing when used with a biggish saddle bag but I haven't used it myself.

jive

Alek wrote: »

I use Ortlieb Large Saddle Bag for commuting - 2.7L capacity fits my office food, bike repair stuff and I strap an Abus folding lock underneath.

Very handy for long spins too!

Pic from the web: https://oranj.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/natl400_bike.jpg

[edit]

I just read that you need to fit your work clothes. Well, this one will be too small for this.

Nice bag, probably a bit small for me as sometimes I need 2x clothes and 2x lunches + 2x gym gear!

edit: just saw the edit!

Seaswimmer wrote: »

I use this bag

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&under=range&product_id=33

with this attachment system

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&under=range&product_id=147

Expensive but I have mine over 10 years and have used it extensively for light touring. It may be a bit big for your needs.

The only thing I have noticed about the seatpost fixing system (my friend has one) is that there seems to be a fair bit of swing when used with a biggish saddle bag but I haven't used it myself.

Looks nice. As you said probably on the large side for me (for the distance cycling side of things not for the commute, I'm sure I could use the extra space for the commute - will have to pack in a disciplined manner!).

Nice to see all the options, bit of a minefield when researching this stuff.