I'm looking for a seat bag for my new rebuild, and would like some recommendations.

I want something large enough to toss a sweatshirt in for cooler days, and also some essentials for a longer ride. I don't want something too large that would require a (Bagman) type support. I was going to put a rack on the back, but I don't think I want to go that route.


This is what its going on.........

The nice thing about getting a Carradice Pendle or Barley is that they are not huge, will last forever, are totally C&V, and you can move them from bike to bike. Bagman is an aid, but not a requirement.

I'd get one of those cheap nylon, barrel-shaped bags that were sold in the 70's and 80's.

Edit: Nevermind. I just saw that you want to put a sweatshirt in it. That's gonna be pretty big and possibly need a support.

I've got the Minehaha saddle bag but I snaggeed it on closeout last year for about half price. The Minehaha is begin enough for the uses you describe and suits simple needs well, but I'd be much more inclined to buy a Carradice Barley at full price than a Minehaha at full retail. I don't think I could justify paying $40-60 for my bag.

Wiggle.com is a uk site that has the absolute best prices on the Barley. I know several users have bought from them without incident.

https://www.acornbags.com/medbag.html

Wiggle is great. I bought a Super C from them and ended up waiting a long time, but now I know how to check whether they have items in-stock. Makes no sense to order from them if it's back-ordered!

For sure on the Acorn!

Hard to beat them for their light touring products, but I love their tool roll as well.

This is a pic of the medium bag.



I have three of their products, and they are really well built. Overbuilt I'd say.

Can't miss.

Here's another I have thought about though:

Duluth Pack's Banana Bag.

https://duluthpack.com/outdoor-gear/b...-bike-bag.html

I have a gen. 1 V-O Croissant bag, which looks nearly identical to that Duluth bag. I like it, but my gripe is that it's slightly too small to hold my compact pump. I use it anyway as it works on saddles without bag loops, but have had the pump fall out a few times after hitting a bump.

You can't go wrong with Acorn--though you need to be patient for stock to appear.

Neal

The Acorn shown has a lid that does not wrap around the sides, unlike the Duluth. I'd guess the Duluth would give better protection against heavy rain.

+1 on the Acorn bags. There's good design in those bags, esp their quick release fasteners on some models - instead of straps, they have stainless steel tabs that close the side flaps when you twist them. They're quality built too, but it's their small design improvements that make them stand out to me.

I also have a Zimbale bag - they're modeled after the Carradices, but a bit cheaper since they're designed/made in Korea.

I also highly recommend acorn. Follow them on twitter to see when they're stuff is ready to be sold. You can sign up for text message alerts, as well.

https://twitter.com/acornbags

also, I'd go with duck cotton over waxed canvas, personally. VO bag is waxed and not sure what the Duluth is made of -- doesnt say on their website; anyone know?. Acorn is duck cotton.

https://www.acornbags.com/faq.html#materials1

also, berthoud 786 (scroll down):

https://www.renehersebicycles.com/NPP%20Bags.htm

Good point.

I put a small waterproof portage bag inside my Acorn. It's up at the cabin or I'd add a pic.

I use Duluth packs for our BWCA, Quetico, and Northwest territories canoe and kayak trips.

Never have they let me down. I have an original Duluth pack from 1976, the year I graduated from high school.

It's still in use.

That's why I am intrigued by their bike related items.

100% agree with Neal (and many others, on edit)... Love my Acorn medium.

I also just ordered the new "tubular" bag...arrived at my shop yesterday...so...we'll see this week.

Tha Acorn medium saddle bag has a drawstring enclosure and a lined interior pocket. The rear flap then closes over the top of that. My contents have stayed dry.

Neal

yup.

Carradice Barley, love mine. When I ordered my custom, I told Mike I had a Barley and
needed a bike to put it on

A lot of people with saddlebags appreciate having a Bagman

https://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php...product_id=104:

I have a Barley and a Bagman on my Super Course...I like it a lot...more nostalgic looking...but unless I needed to carry more than basic spares + jacket/warmers I would opt for something a little smaller on most rides.

If you are going to get a Carradice, order it from Wiggle in the UK...1/2 the price. (paging Aaron in 1...2...3...)

I carry more than most. For me, using the Barley will be downsizing. My current bike has panniers.
I get the Barley for a sagged vacation and came to love it.

This is the the route I have taken for now..... I had a rack, and bag so I figured why not use it, what do you think?

Looks fine to me. black and blue . it's cool.

It does look nice - matches the bike's wheel/seat/frame color scheme too!

Most of the time, I say go with whatever floats your boat. If it works and you're happy with it, stick with it - I've probably spent way more than I should have on "nice" bags than I needed to.

+1 on the Carradice Barley from Wiggles. They offer free shipping if your order is $85 or so. I ordered 2 of the Barley's in green last year; my total cost was about $87. I later sold one of the bags on Craigslist for $85 so the bag I kept cost me $2.

If you palce your order and stock is out, Wiggles will notify you when the bags come back into stock.

I Really like that Duluth Banana Bag. I think I have to get one. ...But my birthday isn't until September. Damn it, I'd better start doing some buying and selling on CL. I can only seem to justify paying $100 for a little saddle bag if I make the money from buying and selling bike stuff and it's basically free in the end anyway.