What are you guys using for saddlebags? I am looking for something I can hang off my saddle that can hold my keys, wallet, cellphone and maybe a spare tube and a couple small tools. Ideally something that wouldn't look out of place hanging off the back of my Brooks B-17s and costs <$40-50.

I have one of these and like it for the type of purpose you describe.

Minnehaha Canvas Barrel Bag

There's a standard Raleigh type bag that attaches by straps though the saddle loops and a third strap around the seat post. The bags are made of an indestructible vinyl, but the straps are either plastic or leather, both of which are perishable and, by now, either at or beyond their useful life. Replace the straps and you're good to go. These bags someone's require an internal stiffener, too.

+1 on the Minnehaha

Acorn bags are nice, Carridice if you got the scratch.

I've got a couple of bikes with these on them: OYB Luggage / The OYB 7-Way Bag!

He used to have a bike specific version that cost $45 if memory serves, but I'm not seeing that on his site at the moment. I like the top straps for tucking in a jacket if I get hot as the day goes on.

I also have something similar to what Chrome Molly posted above. Got mine from Velo Orange. I think they called it their Baguette Bag.

The only saddlebag I have is a small Jannd capable of carrying two tubes, a patch kit, small tire irons, and a cell phone. My preference is a lightweight handlebar bag supported by cables from the brake hoods, not one of the newfangled models using a rigid support from the handlebar or stem. Tough Traveler used to make a very nice one but alas they do so no longer. Dill Pickle Gear (Emily O'brien's operation) makes an awesome bag, a bit steep and marginally large enough to hold all the lunch stuff my sweetie gives me when I commute, but superbly designed and made. So I have several.

Consider adapting a Dopp kit.
I've never tried one but someone online had dopp kit's with added straps to hang on a saddle.
Can find a wide assortment of them in canvas / leather, faux trim, etc. I've seen nicely styled designed with offset zippers, the distress style, some already having extra loops where one could easily add small straps, waterproof type (but may leak thru the zipper). Target has some nice vintage looking Dopp's for under $15.

I had this for sale, I'm glad no one wanted it. Should look good on my newly acquired Paramount.

I've got a couple of the Cannondale bags- there's this one and a smaller one:





And then there's the Korean War era M1945 cargo bag that [MENTION=29368]rootboy[/MENTION] put together for me. A little bigger than you're asking about- but badass nonetheless...

I found one of those on a Raleigh Weekender. They're actually very nice. It's currently on my Gazelle:

I have a Carradice Barley, and, yeah, it was $100, but it's super nice, and I find that I often fill it up; I couldn't get by with a smaller one. It's a one-time price too--it'll last forever.

I have one of those vinyl (pleather?) bags on my '66 chrome Sports:





For most of my road riding, I use an Acorn medium saddlebag. I can put a lot in it, probably more than I should, but it's held up very well, and that includes the Acorn folks replacing a side zipper at no cost:

I like this one the best for repair kit, keys, phone and maybe a small snack.

Sackville SaddleSack XSmall - Grey

They come up on ebay from time to time.

Carradice Barley: Side pockets for flats kits and room for "stuff" on a long un-supported ride in variable weather.



-Bandera

The ubiquitous Carradice is on the Raleigh Gran Tour, in this case a Pendle. Just the right size for a day ride and taking along some tools, spare tube and snacks.

I'm using a British military surplus Mk II gas mask bag, very much like the one shown in the link below. The main difference between mine and the one in the link is that I also fastened the bottom of the bag to the seatpost to keep it from swinging. The bag works great, looks good on a vintage bike, and only cost me about ten bucks on eBay.

Make It: The $10 Bicycle Saddlebag | WIRED

i wanted a nidd saddle from spa cycles in the uk. but the shipping was pretty high, so i added an excellently priced carradice zipped roll to my order to offset the cost. it's so posh, and i can get most of my shopping from the chinese grocery in there.



the nidd saddle is now my favorite. i stopped buying b17s.

That minnehaha looks nice. The black one would be nice for my px10 but a tan or canvas colour would be better for my olive green Raleigh super course.

These are very nice - compact, durable, holds what you need, inexpensive.

This along with a Carradice bag support would be my choice If I was willing to spend that much.

Zimbale 7L Saddlebag

I think she's sniffing the Brooks to see if she recognizes the smell of donor of the leather............. Great pic!

I like the ones Rootboy made for me:

A couple more DIY options. The first is a small Eagle Creek fanny pack I modified by chopping off the belt and sewing on a few leather bits. Straps are leather toe straps.

The second is a Dooney & Bourke handbag that I use as a handlebar bag. I know others have modified these for saddle bags. They are really nicely made and quite spendy at retail. I found mine at a yard sale for $5. They are all over Ebay. I just cut a couple slits and use Twofish velcro straps (with a dowel on the inside) to attach to the bars.

This might be a bit smaller than you were thinking but it's something you can check out locally at MEC. It's part of their pseudo vintage 'Audax' line of bags. $34.50 and they come in 'espresso' and 'navy' - MEC Audax Seat Bag/Tool Roll - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available