Touring - Saddle bag ?'s

I want to buy a Carradice Camper Longflap saddle bag for commuting and light weekend touring. My saddle is a specialized something or other (forgot the model) without bag loops. I know I'll need something to attach the straps too but I'm sure what to get. There is this (http://www.mrmcycle.com/front/php/product.php?product_no=158&main_cate_no=176&display_group=1) thing, but will I need some kind of support as well? I can buy this (http://www.mrmcycle.com/front/php/product.php?product_no=160&main_cate_no=176&display_group=1) but will I still need the other thing to attach the bag too? It looks like it has a place to attach the straps already intergrated into the frame but I'm not sure. What do you all think?

I want to buy a Carradice Camper Longflap saddle bag for commuting and light weekend touring. My saddle is a specialized something or other (forgot the model) without bag loops. I know I'll need something to attach the straps too but I'm sure what to get. There is this (http://www.mrmcycle.com/front/php/product.php?product_no=158&main_cate_no=176&display_group=1) thing, but will I need some kind of support as well? I can buy this (http://www.mrmcycle.com/front/php/product.php?product_no=160&main_cate_no=176&display_group=1) but will I still need the other thing to attach the bag too? It looks like it has a place to attach the straps already intergrated into the frame but I'm not sure. What do you all think?

The Camper is big and will need a support. If you get the QR (Quick Release) version of the bagman you won't need the bag loop attachment. The Expedition Quick Release is the best fit for the Camper.

Get the Bagman support rack with the quick release (your second link). It attaches to the rails on your saddle, and makes it very easy to install and remove the seatbag. It also provides support for the bag so it doesn't sway or hit the backs of you legs when pedaling. I bought a Carradice Barley without the rack and quickly found it was unusable without it, so I had to order one. When you install the rack, make sure you use Lock-tite or a similar product on the threads, because they are notorious for coming loose. I didn't when I first installed my Bagman, and it came loose the first time I used and almost caused me to crash.

Cool, I will go with the Expedition Rack. Any trouble fitting these things on lower profile racing type saddles?

Get the Bagman support rack with the quick release (your second link). It attaches to the rails on your saddle, and makes it very easy to install and remove the seatbag. It also provides support for the bag so it doesn't sway or hit the backs of you legs when pedaling. I bought a Carradice Barley without the rack and quickly found it was unusable without it, so I had to order one. When you install the rack, make sure you use Lock-tite or a similar product on the threads, because they are notorious for coming loose. I didn't when I first installed my Bagman, and it came loose the first time I used and almost caused me to crash.

I can't agree with your comments about the Barley needing a support. I use one everyday on my 56cm bike and it
fits nicely. Its important to mount the bag to the saddle so that the buckles on the mounting straps are inside the bag and then just buckle the third strap around the seat post. For anything bigger ie a Junior upwards, I need a support to stop the bag hitting the rear wheel, not for left right stability which should never be an issue for a correctly mounted saddle bag that is tight to the saddle and the seatpost.

If you are able to find somewhere to pass a velcro strap through, check out the Fox Racing Big Seat Bag (http://tripxamerica.com/?p=240), its cheap and has an expanding section for more gear.

If you are able to find somewhere to pass a velcro strap through, check out the Fox Racing Big Seat Bag (http://tripxamerica.com/?p=240), its cheap and has an expanding section for more gear.

This is what is commonly thought of as a saddlebag, however, it's far smaller than the Carradice saddlebags the the OP was interested in, those have a capacity for between 15 and 20 litres

I want to buy a Carradice Camper Longflap saddle bag for commuting and light weekend touring. My saddle is a specialized something or other (forgot the model) without bag loops. I know I'll need something to attach the straps too but I'm sure what to get. There is this (http://www.mrmcycle.com/front/php/product.php?product_no=158&main_cate_no=176&display_group=1) thing, but will I need some kind of support as well? I can buy this (http://www.mrmcycle.com/front/php/product.php?product_no=160&main_cate_no=176&display_group=1) but will I still need the other thing to attach the bag too? It looks like it has a place to attach the straps already intergrated into the frame but I'm not sure. What do you all think?

Why not a Nelson Longflap? It's by far the most popular of the Carradice bags. I've used mine for dozens of commutes, and it holds everything fine. If I need more space, I can extend the flap. If I need even more space, I can strap on a stuff sack to the back of the bag.

By the way, if you have no experience with Brooks, the vast majority of users love them. Don't waste your money on something to hang the bag from, rather, buy a new Brooks. It'll take a while to break in, but they're well worth it, IMHO.

Better by far is this."Carrardice 'SQR' saddle bag uplift" as shown here.
http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/

I use this with my Longflap Camper and it can be taken off in a second.