Commuting - Carradice Saddlebag Users

Hi this is a question for all you guys that use these wonderful pieces.

I fill mine everyday with clothes, food, spares etc, and although it does sag downwards it doesn't touch the mudguard. My question is to how much weight/abuse the saddle loop straps will take, and should i really be using a support - or do they just last forever!

I was thinking that if they do break I could use a couple of old toe clip straps.

I use a Bagman Support with my bag, mainly to keep the bag more or less in an upright position and away from my thighs. Supports similar to these can easily be fabricated though...
I'm not too worried about my straps breaking....it's only the small Barley bag I use.

The straps are pretty thick and tough. They're also replacable. If you have a medium to large sack--maybe a Nelson or bigger, then get a mini-rack to support the bag from the bottom.

GOOD MORNING,

I wouldnt worry about how much the straps will hold, but contrary to popular belief large saddle bags work best / and were intended to use with a support.

I have a nelson longflap model , I have a home made quick mount but my bag sits on a blackburn rack or it would sag and sway too much when loaded up.

"John"

Dave,

If I remember correctly, you have a Nelson longflap and they seem to be able to hold a lot of stuff. If the leather saddle clip straps ever failed (would take a long time) they could most definitely be replaced with some toe clip straps.

I have a barley and have used it with success on some brevets, but it is a bit too small for my commuting needs. I'm going to pick up my Nelson longflap today and plan on using a bagman rack for it. Mostly to keep the thing stationary but also to keep it upright and away from the seatpost.

Cheers
Nate

I have a lowsaddle longflap, used daily for the last 9 years without any support. The straps are a little
worn where they contact the saddle loops, but still have years left in them.

I have the Nelson Longflap mounted with an SQR quick release. It still sags a bit. But I'm adding a rack and that should solve the problem. No strap wear but I've had the bag for less than two years.

Thanks everyone, I have had my Camper Longflap (nearly right Nate!) since mid August and have put around 1000 miles on it and the straps are looking crushed where they loop through the saddle loops.
I do carry enough food for a small army (potatoes, tins of beans, bread), clothes etc, so I have taken your advice and ordered a bag support. I must say that the bag just performs, ease of use, weatherproof, huge amount of space, and along with my B17 look forward to MANY years of use -I love it.

Thanks again, Dave