Commuting - first commute with Carradice

As I mentioned here a few weeks ago I picked up a Carradice bag for cheap. I thought it was a Barley, but there was a Pendle tag in there when I looked further. The problem was I don't have a saddle with loops so I had to wait for my local dealer to get more bag supports in. It looks like this:

http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/JPG/newbagman.jpg

I finally picked it up Friday, so today was the day to finally try the system out with my commuting stuff.

I managed to fit:

large thermos of coffee
mini u-lock
lunch
tools
pump
sweater
homemade cookies (yes!)

I'm sure I could have crammed my rain jacket with a little more effort (or without the cookies :D ), but I was in a hurry and I have an extra here at work.

So how did it work? For the most part it was great. For all but hard out-of the saddle pedaling the effect on handling was pretty minimal, and with the support placing the bag well behind the saddle it didn't interfere with my pedal stroke at all. It was great to have that weight off my back, and without my usual messenger bag my back stayed a little cooler. Despite the bag being pretty heavy I didn't experience any of the dreaded "flop" effect.

This is going to be a good solution for the warmer, drier months where I don't need to carry a lot of clothing. I really can't imagine this kind of setup being workable with a saddlebag any larger than this, but I guess people do it.

The biggest drawback to this setup is the cost. Had I not found the bag used I don't think there's any way I would have done this. Having a Brooks or other saddle with loops gives you cheaper options for bag support, but if you compare my setup (new) to a seatpost rack and a large rack trunk it's probably twice the cost. I think the Carradice is higher quality than most rack trunks out there, and looks a lot better though.

Good review. I'm thinking about making this switch once the summer gets here.

Did you get the quick release bag support? I like to pull my bag off and carry it with me.

How does that support bracket attach to the seat or post?

How does that support bracket attach to the seat or post?

How does that support bracket attach to the seat or post?

It bolts to the saddle rails. You need about 3/4 of an inch of rail space behind where your saddle clamps to the post for it to fit.

GTcommuter - I did get the quick release version. It's pretty much the best option if your saddle doesn't have loops. It cost twice as much as the bag :eek:

http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/JPG/newbagman.jpg



Wow, I must be in the dark or something. That's a heck of a concept. I am looking at picking up a Bianchi San Jose to use as my commuter/towpath bruiser and I was loathing the idea of putting a rack on it. This could be a solution.

What is the price range of such a product? I don't recall seeing these at the LBS or any of the big outlets.. where can you go for one? And is it pronounced "care-a-dice" (sounds like paradise or pair a' dice depending on where you're from) or something else?

They are English bags made of waxed cotton. Wallingford bikes has a good selection.

Wow, I must be in the dark or something. That's a heck of a concept. I am looking at picking up a Bianchi San Jose to use as my commuter/towpath bruiser and I was loathing the idea of putting a rack on it. This could be a solution.

What is the price range of such a product? I don't recall seeing these at the LBS or any of the big outlets.. where can you go for one? And is it pronounced "care-a-dice" (sounds like paradise or pair a' dice depending on where you're from) or something else?

I think it's pronounced "care-a-deece". peterwhitecycles.com also carries this stuff and has a lot of good info. It's kinda spendy but well made and classy looking stuff. Rivendell (rivbike.com) offers quite a few similar products.

Not sure if your LBS can order. I think lack of a good distribution network is a lot of the reason this stuff is so 'spensive. Never hurts to ask though.

I think it's pronounced "care-a-deece". peterwhitecycles.com also carries this stuff and has a lot of good info. It's kinda spendy but well made and classy looking stuff. Rivendell (rivbike.com) offers quite a few similar products.

Not sure if your LBS can order. I think lack of a good distribution network is a lot of the reason this stuff is so 'spensive. Never hurts to ask though.

I stopped by the LBS yesterday to check on the stock situation for the Bianchi San Jose (backordered! :( ) and asked about carradice bags and I got a semi-confused look, probably because I didn't read this thread yet and mispronounced it. They have some bags that look like larger seat bags but nothing that looks as classy as what is offered at PWB, Wallingford Bikes, etc.

So maybe I can go out and find a bag I like ahead of time to prep for the arrival of the latest object of my affection. It also appears the SQR frame is optional, and only necessary if there is a support, or problem with thigh/hip interference?

And about the bike: I'm going to test ride a Bianchi Volpe (same frame as San Jose) next week in what I think will be the right size frame for me, and then if that works out and decide I feel comfortable riding 42-17 I will put in a formal order for the San Jose.

I spent the money and got the Carradice Nelson Longflap and got rid of the rack on my bike. Best thing I ever did! My Bike has Discs and I never liked the way the rack looked (it was an Axiom... ugly ugly ugly)

With the Carradice, good looks and more space than with the rack trunk.
$$$ though
Sfene

It also appears the SQR frame is optional, and only necessary if there is a support, or problem with thigh/hip interference?

And about the bike: I'm going to test ride a Bianchi Volpe (same frame as San Jose) next week in what I think will be the right size frame for me, and then if that works out and decide I feel comfortable riding 42-17 I will put in a formal order for the San Jose.

Even if you have a saddle with loops you will probably still want some kind of support to keep your thighs from smacking it. If you already have a saddle with loops your support options are much cheaper.

I really dug the ride of the San Jose when I test rode one. For the money it's pretty solid. Gearing is very cheap and easy to change with a singlespeed. You can get a new freewheel that's decent for $15-$20. I think the stock gearing works pretty well with the stock tires, but if you go skinnier or fatter on the tires you might want to make a change.

Even if you have a saddle with loops you will probably still want some kind of support to keep your thighs from smacking it. If you already have a saddle with loops your support options are much cheaper.

I really dug the ride of the San Jose when I test rode one. For the money it's pretty solid. Gearing is very cheap and easy to change with a singlespeed. You can get a new freewheel that's decent for $15-$20. I think the stock gearing works pretty well with the stock tires, but if you go skinnier or fatter on the tires you might want to make a change.

Lots of $$ for those supports.. so I'll be on the lookout. I'm in Toronto til tomorrow and of course I check my messages at home today and the bike shop got the Volpe (same frame) the day I left for Canada. Hopefully it's still on the floor when I get in tomorrow. If a 58 cm frame works and everything feels good then the San Jose will be ordered! Then we'll work on the bags for it.. since I'll probably be waiting anyways.

BTW it warms my heart to see all the bicycles cruising about up here.

I have been using the Carradice SQR Tour for a few weeks now. I ordered to the US from SJS cycles in England; it turned out to be a bit cheaper than us retailers (but maybe not enough to be totally worth it - I might just go to Wallingford if there were a next time... I have bought from them before and I really like them.)

Anyway, it is very convenient because it clips right on and off, and it has a comfortable loop handle for carrying it. It also has two places where you could clip a shoulder strap if you wanted.

I personally enjoy the feel of my bike without the extra weight on it -- although I agree that it is not very noticeable unless I am standing to pedal or really scooting through traffic, off curbs and such.

I can also carry a bit more stuff in my messenger bag. But I agree that for warm summer days I will definitely be using the Carradice because I don't like a sweaty back.

I debated spending the $100+ on it for a long time. In the end I would say it was worth it for me. It is a quality piece of equipment that I expect to last. It is also quite useful and convenient because of the way it pops on and off so quickly, but remains relatively stable when on the bike.