Large Saddlebag for Daily Commute ?
 

Aloha ,
I saw the Dill Pickle Large Saddlebag online which looks about right .
Main compartment Approx. 11.5 " wide x 8.5 " high x 7.5 " deep .

Then there's Swift Industries and Carradice .
Any others I should look at ?

Carra Dry, is Waterproof, Cotton canvas works fine.. I like the side release buckles on the Super C*.. they make 2 sizes of that.

You got a Rivendale Budget? people who invest in them like them..

Someone with a Sewing machgine can make one.

* have a rear rack under mine..





...

I just ordered the SKS Tour Bag XL; it is expandable to 2L capacity and has a nice quick release system. I'm trying to get rid of my backpack on my commute, hopefully this does the trick.

The Rivendell Sackville small saddlebag is a nice shape if you plan to carry papers or a computer. I have it and I like it.

It wouldn't be so great if you carry loose small things, because it just closes with a single buckle. AND it wouldn't stay waterproof in heavy rain.

I've been looking at bikepacking bags. There are a few consistent philosophies I see that you could apply to commuting. One that I'm going to start following, is, every bag should be waterproof, because why bother carrying one that isn't?

Yes , get that monkey off your back !

Yes , weather resistant is good .

I am looking at picking up an Oveja Negra GearJammer saddlebag. Expensive, but has the right volume and stays out of the way. I'll be glad to be rid of my backpack.

But remember, waterproof is a figment of your imagination so, if it is really important, have whatever in a "waterproof" bag inside a "waterproof" bag.

I take it you've never used an Ortlieb bag?

I use an Ortlieb office bag every day here in the Pacific north wet, everything in it stays bone dry without fail.

Giant makes one now:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/sc...seat-bag-black

Apidura has a really nice looking one, which I would really like, but the Giant is more likely to happen for me (budget):
https://www.apidura.com/shop/?jumpto=98

I've been looking at big bags too. Here's one not on your list:

https://www.acornbags.com/

I have a couple of Carradice bags. The Pendle:
Carradice | Bicycle Saddlebag | Originals Pendle Saddlebag

I've had it attached to my brooks saddle, works great... but it's not an easy on/off bag. You install it and leave it. I discontinued using the bag on my commuter bike once I went with a rack and panniers.

I use an SQR Slim on my road bike. It has a mounting block that attaches to the seat post. It makes putting the bag on and taking it off a process that usually only takes about 10 seconds. Since my road bike does not have fenders, the bottom of the bag has a wide plastic strip that keeps the spray off my back.

Carradice | Bicycle Seat Bag | Super C SQR Slim

It doesn't get anymore waterproof than Ortlieb bags - they are standalone waterproof... no extra bagging necessary. They might be the best and most reliable bicycle accessories that I own. 10 years and counting...

This is perhaps one of the most affordable, waterproof, rackless seat bags that holds alot without requiring boat loads of seat tube for clearance that I've run across.....toying with the idea of one for myself.

Waterproof Saddle Trunk | Banjo Brothers

I made one for free

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...7&d=1401917683

I've been commuting with a Carradice Barely for three years now. It is nice to get rid of the day pack. I might spring for a Nelson Long Flap one of these years so I can have more room for my lunch. With the saddle bag tucked under the saddle without a wire stabilizer thingy, the weight is where you won't notice it (until you carry the bike upstairs). If I had a carbon bike, I would probably go for the Cordura model.

I've been using Banjo Brothers stuff for years on my daily commute. It's reasonably priced, rugged, and looks pretty good too.

Revelate Terrapin
 

I've been commuting with it for 2.5 years. It's a "holster" that accepts the Revelate bag made for it or any other bag of your choosing. I'm using a Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag that I had on hand (waterproof). I've rigged it so that the tensioning straps on the Terrapin hold the bag in place. That makes it easier to fill on the bike. I've also used this system for touring and the Arrowhead Ultra race in Minnesota.

A few times a week I ride my Carlton with a Carradice Nelson on a Bagman Quick-Release. It fits lunch, a lock, repair kit, a shirt, water, maybe some shoes / other odds and ends. I added a leather strap to the bag which makes it easy to pop off the QR rack and sling over my shoulder. Plus it looks pretty nice for a bike bag when I haul it into a meeting. Not super cheap and won't stay dry in a massive storm like Ortliebs. But if you cinch up the nylon liner it is darn weather resistant.

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31....ca&oe=59697020

The SKS Tour Bag XL just arrived and it's the perfect size for what I need. It fits a towel, underwear, and shirt. Definitely looking forward to not carrying a backpack.

This....+1

I really like my Ortlieb panniers for waterproofness. I would definitely look at their bikepacking options. Quality stuff.

off topic-
 

what's the second cable going back made for?

One cable is the rear brake. The other cable is for the 3-speed hub.