Touring - Reasonable priced saddle bags?

Due to a post about saddle bags, I posted this on the road forum but it did not get any reponses so it was suggested that I post it here.



The Carradice looks really nice but at $100+ a pop, I'm really not sure I want to put out that kind of cash for a bag. Can anyone recommend a decent sized saddle bag that looks at least somewhat attractive but does not cost an arm and a leg? I'm looking for something for a couple of tubes, jacket, maybe a spare jersey and some lunch.

Why is it that there are not more large saddle bags on the market?

Due to a post about saddle bags, I posted this on the road forum but it did not get any reponses so it was suggested that I post it here.



The Carradice looks really nice but at $100+ a pop, I'm really not sure I want to put out that kind of cash for a bag. Can anyone recommend a decent sized saddle bag that looks at least somewhat attractive but does not cost an arm and a leg? I'm looking for something for a couple of tubes, jacket, maybe a spare jersey and some lunch.

Why is it that there are not more large saddle bags on the market?
http://www.banjobrothers.com/products.php
Check out here! Rack bag or panniers are reasonably priced, worth a look! I use the commuter saddlebags on week long tours for the back!

I don't think there are any budget brands for these kinds of bags. You can get one of the less glamorous carradice bags that probably would be big enough for the use you described for considerably less than $100. THe last time I bought one, the Pendle model, I got it from an English shop and it ended up being cheaper than buying it in the US.

There are very few bike related items that you will ever spend $100 on that will outlast a good saddle bag. Spend the money for a good bag; in twenty years, it will probably be the only piece of equipment that you still own that is as good as the day you bought it.
The Carradice bags are great. Mine cost around $75 from Wallbike.com.

http://static.flickr.com/38/86729028_27620cc6a8.jpg

Due to a post about saddle bags, I posted this on the road forum but it did not get any reponses so it was suggested that I post it here.



The Carradice looks really nice but at $100+ a pop, I'm really not sure I want to put out that kind of cash for a bag. Can anyone recommend a decent sized saddle bag that looks at least somewhat attractive but does not cost an arm and a leg? I'm looking for something for a couple of tubes, jacket, maybe a spare jersey and some lunch.Why is it that there are not more large saddle bags on the market?

a tube, a mini-tool and a light windbreaker maybe, but you might be hard pressed to find something to fit all that in a saddle bag under your seat. you might want somethng about the size of a rack trunk if you have a rack on your bike, or alternatively, maybe a mid sized handlebar bag. another option would be to use a fanny pack in addition to a largish saddle bag.

mec's gear is quality and inexpensive: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_listing.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693317&currentPage=1&bmUID=1142929942676

something like this may be what you're looking for: http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47919272&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&addon=724930-724934

hope this helps ;)

Saddlebags are ideal for a long day rides, commuting and even weekend hostelling load. They are a bit of a touring secret. Even though they have the best load/weight ratio and lowest aerodynamic drag of any luggage, modern riders insist on clamping heavy Al racks to their seatpost to support a racktop bag at the end of a cantelever structure.
You need some bag loops. These are built in to the Brooks B17 saddle (see picture by Metal Cowboy). You can get bolt-on brackets to add loops to a modern style (ie non B17) saddle.

If your budget is tight, then there are a few possibilities:
-DIY. Carradice are basically hand-made anyway out of canvas and leather with a wooden dowel loop support.
-Use a mil surplus respirator bag.

You could make your own to your own requirements, or get a handy sewer to help you out. :)

Make your own sounds like a good idea along with the surplus bag. But that Carradice sure looks pretty. :)

Anyone know where I can get the clamps for the seat? Maybe loosescrews?

Anyone know where I can get the clamps for the seat? Maybe loosescrews?

http://peterwhitecycles.com/carradice.asp (near the bottom of the page)

http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/carradiceaccessories.html (also near the bottom of the page)

Make your own sounds like a good idea along with the surplus bag. But that Carradice sure looks pretty. :)

Anyone know where I can get the clamps for the seat? Maybe loosescrews?

You can always loop the bag supports around your saddle rails. I used this method with my Rivendell "Little Joe" bag; it worked great.