Wiggles_dad

I recently purchased a Swift Industries saddlebag that is mounted traditionally to a leather saddle with loops. I love it. I was considering a bag support like the Carradice Bagman QR to have a quick removal function and maybe to keep the bag more stable.

Does anyone know or has anyone tried to bend the Carradice Bagman metal support? I don't like how they place the saddlebag high and back compared to a traditionally mounted saddlebag. Can you bend the support enough to lower the bag and towards the front of the bike?

MileHighMark

I've done it, and it didn't seem to negatively affect the support's integrity.

Wiggles_dad

How much did you bend it? Do you have any pictures?

MileHighMark

I don't recall the exact amount, sorry. No photos, either (no longer use a Carradice--switched to a Revelate Pika).

Tourist in MSN

If you want to have it hang down more, maybe you should skip the support. I put a large piece of cardboard in my Carradice saddle bag (Nelson Long Flap) to give it more structure. I took a pizza box, cut it to the size I wanted, scored it in lots of places with a pizza cutter wheel so that I could easily bend it and it has worked quite well. I have not had any real downpours, but it has been in some rain and survived.

A bit more detail - if you look at it from the side, think of it as being a big U shape with side panels, I put the cardboard in like that U shape to fit in the bottom, the front (under the saddle) and the back (rear-most part).

I think others have used corroplast plastic sheeting instead of a pizza box, but I have not found a good source for that.

For touring, my Nelson Long Flap it sits on the tops of my panniers, so I do not have it hanging down loosly.

I also have a Pendle model, slightly smaller. I also did the cardboard thing with that one, see photos. It holds shape very nicely this way, no underlying support needed.

Jim Kukula

I use the Carradice SQR system:

nun

The quick release is a nice option that a bagman gives you, but I wonder why your saddlebag is unstable.......how are you buckling it to the saddle? Sometimes people have the buckles on the outside so the bag can't be tightened up against the saddle. If you put the buckles inside the bag and do them up tightly, and then do the seat post buckle up just as tight, the bag can be made very stable.

fietsbob

Loses the QR function , But.. I use a Minoura double bottle behind the saddle carrier Minoura Japan ? SBH-300 *
which is spaced to go in the strap holes on my Carradice (and Karrimor) saddle bags , and use a P clip around the bag support dowel stick .

*Saw off the lower ends & it's 2 threaded Inserts ... It works on non brooks saddles .. with all weather Pleather covers..