Touring - Requesting pictures of your Carradice bags

Hey guys, I'm planning on buying a carradice bag, most likely a longflap camper. But, I can't decide whether the camper may be overkill for size, and whether I should get the green from carradice directly, or save some chips and get the black from wiggle. If you guys could share some pics of your carradice saddle bags to help me decide that would be awesome :)

ah i would love to share some pic's but i havent got a clue how to post them,but what i can tell you is i have the camper on my thorn sherpa practally all the time.it's a fantastic saddlebag hold's unbelivable amounts of gear /waterproof/well made/looks brilliant mine is green same as my bike well near enough.one thing if your seatpost is on the low side you will need something to lift it up from the rear rack otherwise it will droop down either side of rack,i have a gadget called an uplift works great .hope that helps.

Here's my Carradic Pendle or Barley; sorry I can never remember which model it is. I believe BF member "nun" has some great shots of his Camper Longflap on one of his touring threads...

But I just like the photo so I post it every chance I get.

http://i35.tinypic.com/161nkid.jpg

haha, I can see why!

check this: http://epicureancyclist.blogspot.com/2008/08/show-and-tell-carradice-camper-long.html

yeah, I saw that, it was definitely a bit of a watershed moment haha... but I'm curious to know how much all of his kit weighs, he's got the luxury of resting it onto a pannier rack, but I won't... Thing is, the massive size of the camper is moot if all that does is compel you to fill it up and go over weight haha

Here are a few TwitPics (http://www.twitpic.com/) of my Nashbar Double-Butted Aluminum Touring Frame bike with my black Carradice Nelson Longflap saddlebag attached to the Bagman QR support:

Ready to head out (http://twitpic.com/htv7c)
Lunch @ Norm's Market in Pescadero, CA on Day #1 (http://twitpic.com/hup04)
Lunch @ Monterey State Beach on Day #2 (http://twitpic.com/hytc4)

I probably could have gotten away with the Lowsaddle Longflap. With Carradice bags, it's better for the bag to be a little too small than too large. If the bag is too large, you'll have the straps secured on the last notch and things will still be flapping around; I was always concerned that stuff was going to fall out of the side pockets because they weren't that full.

Actually I use my Longflap on the handlebar...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/4031146741_7e9ae943ff_b.jpg

But here is an other one...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3829089501_d7b9421196_b.jpg

Looking good macfred, which size bag is that? is it a camper or smaller?

Another question occurs to me:
I own this day pack
http://www.blackwolf.com.au/lifestyle/classic/
which I bought for geology field trips, and is 25L. Almost straight from buying it I regretted it, it is simply too small, even for day trips on foot. how is it then that the carradice bags seem so voluminous? Is it just that the people at blackwolf are fibbing a bit?

@lachy94
It`s a Nelson Longflap; capacity is 18 litre http://www.carradice.co.uk/saddlebags/nelson-longflap-saddlebag.shtml
I think the Camper Longflap with 24 litre shouldt be your choice...
Using the whole capacity, the flap will not cover your stuff complete...
( English is not my first language... :innocent: )

Here are some shots of my Carradice Barley. Whichever model you get, I would recommend also getting the Carradice Bagman rack to support it -- unless you already have a rear rack on your bike. Without the rack, my Barley hit the backs on my legs when I pedaled, which was very annoying.

I realize you're considering a larger bag than my Carradice Junior, but here it is anyhow.:)

That's a Velo Orange bag up front.

Is it just that the people at blackwolf are fibbing a bit?

Yes. If you multiply the dimensions they give for the bag, the size comes out to 20L or about 1200 cubic inches. That's pretty small as far as backpacks go. I generally don't carry anything smaller than 25L (1500 cubic inches) and my favorite backpack for day hikes is 32L (2000 cubic inches).

Carradice say the Nelson Longflap is 18L (1098 cubic inches), while Peter White says 20L (1220 cubic inches). Regardless, the long flap and nylon surround mean that the bag can actually hold a bit more than its stated capacity.

ahh ok, I never really believed it was anywhere near that big, it's really a hopeless pack. I think going on the storage of that pack I probably want the 24L of the camper. Plus I did some measurements, and most beer bottles are over 20cm tall, so I don't think the Nelson would suffice! haha

would anyone hazard a guess as to which model is in this humerous picture, taken from sheldon browns site:
http://sheldonbrown.com/images/carrababy.jpg

The Carradice Club on flickr ... http://www.flickr.com/groups/390786@N25/

Hey guys, I'm planning on buying a carradice bag, most likely a longflap camper. But, I can't decide whether the camper may be overkill for size, and whether I should get the green from carradice directly, or save some chips and get the black from wiggle. If you guys could share some pics of your carradice saddle bags to help me decide that would be awesome :)

The camper is big and good for touring. With careful gear choices the nelson Longflap works very well or lightweight trips and credit card tours. Here's a shot of my bike with the Nelson Longflap and an Acorn handlebar bag that I took on a recent trip down to Cape Cod, MA

yeah, I saw that, it was definitely a bit of a watershed moment haha... but I'm curious to know how much all of his kit weighs, he's got the luxury of resting it onto a pannier rack, but I won't... Thing is, the massive size of the camper is moot if all that does is compel you to fill it up and go over weight haha

I'm with lachy on this one. the saddlebag system is a stretch to fit even a basic ultralite load, heaven forbid you want to purchase a bag of apples from a roadside stand.


Additionally, carrying even ultralite touring loads in saddlebags above the wheels affect handling.

having an ultralite load distributed at axle hight on both wheels makes for a nimble bike.

Better to get two ultralight racks and lower the load for lightweight loaded touring is my advice, keep the carradices for looking good on the rando ride and CC touring.

i know nun's mileage differs on this one but i don't think saddlebags make a practical choice for full kit loaded touring

I'm with lachy on this one. the saddlebag system is a stretch to fit even a basic ultralite load, heaven forbid you want to purchase a bag of apples from a roadside stand.

I found the Nelson Longflap to be more than adequate for credit card touring. If I'd wanted to camp, I think I might have been able to get by with the Camper Longflap, though folks with less ideal weather than California might be hard-pressed to do the same...


Additionally, carrying even ultralite touring loads in saddlebags above the wheels affect handling.

I think I had 15 or 20 pounds in my Nelson Longflap and didn't notice any adverse affects on handling. I couldn't throw the bike from side to side as much when climbing out of the saddle, but that's about the only difference I felt. Took me about 5 minutes to get used to it and then the bike was brilliant for the rest of the trip...

i know nun's mileage differs on this one but i don't think saddlebags make a practical choice for full kit loaded touring

Ahh! I've become too predictable. I'm of the school that getting the weight as close to the center of mass, ie my butt and stomach, is the way to minimize it's affect on handling. But I realize that most people will not use a saddlebag for self supported touring, most people will want the extra capacity of panniers. However, the saddlebag is the perfect way to do a credit card tour. If you are setting off on a 5 day tour of Vermont country inns the saddlebag/handlebar bag combo is the natural way to go. I just visited friends in Woods Hole, MA and the saddlebag/handlebar bag combo gave me enough space for all my gear and in no way affected the bike's handling. I supported the Nelson Longflap with an Expedition Bagman and was out of the saddle riding agressively a lot of the time. I could throw the bike from side to side in a way that would be impossible with loaded panniers and I rode the 90 miles from Boston to Woods Hole in 6 hours saddle time so you can make good time as well.

check this: http://epicureancyclist.blogspot.com/2008/08/show-and-tell-carradice-camper-long.html

FYI here's a video that includes a Nelson Longflap

http://wheelsofchance.org/2009/08/11/my-loaded-touring-gear/

I rode the 90 miles from Boston to Woods Hole in 6 hours saddle time so you can make good time as well.

Hey nun - if only this were true. I do wish that your ability to make good time translated into *my* ability to make good time! :)

Hey nun - if only this were true. I do wish that your ability to make good time translated into *my* ability to make good time! :)

It was 8 hours total time, one hour for lunch and a couple of half hour coffee and donut breaks. On a long ride Dunkin Donuts is your friend.

I'm with lachy on this one. the saddlebag system is a stretch to fit even a basic ultralite load, heaven forbid you want to purchase a bag of apples from a roadside stand.



I think lachy is mostly trying to figure out how a Carradice will work as part of a system that includes frame pack and front panniers (from a previous post), I doubt that he considers it a one bag a solution to carrying a full load including a trangia for a couple week self-supported tour.

thanks for the replies guys :) great video too nun, really helps me get a feel for the size of that bag.

Touring wise I should be sweet for storage capacity even with the nelson I think; I've ordered the carradice super C front panniers (my short chain stays don't permit rear panniers, and I think the weight distribution will be better this way anyway), which are 28L... I'm more trying to work out the practicality of each size for life not on tours...

so, to summarise, how many upright bottles of beer do you think the nelson can hold? :D

I've ordered the carradice super C front panniers

Cool. Once you get them a review with photos would be sweet. I'm really wondering how much space a trangia takes up in one of them, as they are on my short list.

Here is a picture of my Raleigh Superbe. I typically used for day long trips and the occasional B&B run. I have a Carradice Nelson on there and it holds plenty if you travel light. I didn't get the support rack when I bought the bag, but probably will be adding one. I also have a Carradice Barley that I use on my Twenty in conjunction with a Banjo Brothers rack bag.

Aaron:)

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/46077/2850121950066886751S600x600Q85.jpg

^^^ Mmmm...lovin' that Raleigh Superbe.:love:

I have the Barley, the Camper LF, and the Super C saddlebags.

I REALLY prefer the super C saddlebag. It is roughly the same capacity, but a slightly different shape. It is shallower and wider, making it good for bikes with less room between seat and tire. The fabric is noticeably tougher on the superC, and the fastex buckles are an improvemnt over the leather strap system (though both are just fine, i can undo the fastex while riding....) The superC saddlebag has a reinforcing strip under the bag where the tire would rub, and an internal poket system with two small pockets, and one larger zip pouch. perfect for cell phone, wallet, keys etc.

The SuperC saddlebag is definietly worth a look.

The camper LF WILL NOT work without a support. it is droopy and will hit your tire unless you are riding a giant's bike. The SuperC bag might work without a rack/support, because it is not as deep and therefore doesnt hang as low.

Both good bags, but the super C is better, unless you NEED the vintage leather look.

Also, the superC Bag matches my superC pannier set :) (which I love! - much better than the ortliebs I also own)

If you get super C stuff, make sure to get the newer rail/clip system. its made by rixen kaul and works great. I have the older carradice clips whic also work great, hold securely and never fail, but are tougher to take on and off the rack (you have to reach into the rack a bit.... the new system is as easy at the ortlieb system.

The camper LF WILL NOT work without a support. it is droopy and will hit your tire unless you are riding a giant's bike. The SuperC bag might work without a rack/support, because it is not as deep and therefore doesnt hang as low.

What makes the camper droopy while the super C is not? just the added depth of the bag? and define giants bike? I'm 6'3" riding a 58.5cm bike, so I've got about 35cm clearance from wheel to saddle rails

What makes the camper droopy while the super C is not? just the added depth of the bag? and define giants bike? I'm 6'3" riding a 58.5cm bike, so I've got about 35cm clearance from wheel to saddle rails

The added depth, and the cloth on the superC is stiffer. The super C also has a wide leather patch that wraps around it where the tire would hit.

If you add coroplast to the bag to hold its shape, that clearance might be enough. without some stiffening layer, the bag will probably rub your tire, since the weight will 'pool' in the center...

The added depth, and the cloth on the superC is stiffer. The super C also has a wide leather patch that wraps around it where the tire would hit.

If you add coroplast to the bag to hold its shape, that clearance might be enough. without some stiffening layer, the bag will probably rub your tire, since the weight will 'pool' in the center...

Anything bigger than a Barley benefits from support. For a while I supported my Nelson LF with one of Mark's Racks from Rivendell, but I've recently gone over to an Expedition Bagman and it works really well. I love the simplicity. For day rides the Barley with no support is the way to go, for CC and unsupported touring I use the Nelson LF with some support

Well, after much deliberation I bit the bullet and ordered the Nelson in green, with a couple of 43cm straps for the outside. I'm sure there will be times I wish it was bigger, but I think 95% of the time it will carry more than I need

edit: oh and I'd like to say that despite a website in need of a facelift the carradice customer service is quick and helpful, and their shipping, at 11 odd pound for the bag from the UK to Australia, is very reasonable. Just some more reasons to like the company

happy carradice bag day.

The camper LF WILL NOT work without a support. it is droopy and will hit your tire unless you are riding a giant's bike. The SuperC bag might work without a rack/support, because it is not as deep and therefore doesnt hang as low.


This link (http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/camper.html) makes it seem like the opposite might be true? There are a number of pictures comparing the two models. This retailer says the Camper is "shorter, wider" than the Super C. And it certainly looks as though the C has more depth, making it just as likely that it will droop and touch the tire.

Of course, when you use the longflap on the Camper, that will add to its depth, but the increase will be seen at the top of the bag, not the bottom, so that won't put it any closer to the tire.

All that being said, it seems like the general consensus is that both bags should use some sort of support, be it a Bagman or a standard rear rack.

http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/JPG/2%20bags%20rear.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4073655216_cc7f52e2ee_o.jpg
Nelson supported by a Bagman rack on my Nishiki.

Related question: For those of you who use Carradice bags with the support of a standard rear rack but not a Bagman, how do you secure it to the rack? With a Bagman, the Carradice has straps on the rear of the bag for securing it to the Bagman's vertical rails. But a standard rack (say, a Tubus Cargo (http://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS/Cargo/Tubus%20Cargo%20Rear%20Bicycle%20Rack%201.jpg)) does not have vertical rails, and I don't think Carradice has straps on the bottom of the bag for securing it to the horizontal rails of the rack. So how do you do it? Anyone have pictures of their setup?

Related question: For those of you who use Carradice bags with the support of a standard rear rack but not a Bagman, how do you secure it to the rack? With a Bagman, the Carradice has straps on the rear of the bag for securing it to the Bagman's vertical rails. But a standard rack (say, a Tubus Cargo (http://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS/Cargo/Tubus%20Cargo%20Rear%20Bicycle%20Rack%201.jpg)) does not have vertical rails, and I don't think Carradice has straps on the bottom of the bag for securing it to the horizontal rails of the rack. So how do you do it? Anyone have pictures of their setup?

Mine is not secured to the rack, but it does rest on it a bit when full. (Picture of the Superbe above)

Aaron:)