Large Saddlebag for Daily Commute ?
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2008
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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 ?
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 ?
#2
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
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..
...
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..
...
Last edited by fietsbob; 03-08-17 at 05:29 PM.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: The Aloha State
Bikes: 2008 Kestrel RT700, 2005 Cannondale Hybrid, 1994 Litespeed Obed FS
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.
#4
Fork and spoon operator
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 577
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From: Hopkins, Minnesota
Bikes: 2013 Surly Crosscheck, 1990 Schwinn Impact, 1973 Schwinn Continental
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.
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.
Last edited by PennyTheDog; 03-08-17 at 07:25 PM.
#5
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Joined: May 2013
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From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
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?
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"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#7
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Joined: May 2014
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From: Saint Louis, MO
Bikes: 2011 Cannondale SuperSix 3, 1987 Raleigh Technium 440
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.
#8
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From: San Diego
Bikes: 1978 Bruce Gordon, 1977 Lippy, 199? Lippy tandem, Bike Friday NWT, 1982 Trek 720, 2012 Rivendell Atlantis, 1983 Bianchi Specialissima? 1998 Serotta Atlanta, 1981 Dave Moulton
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.
#9
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Kent Wa.
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
I use an Ortlieb office bag every day here in the Pacific north wet, everything in it stays bone dry without fail.
#10
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Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Kota, Aichi, Japan
Bikes: 2011 Giant Seek R3, 2015 Specialized Allez Elite, 2017 Giant TCR Advanced 2
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
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
#11
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From: San Diego, California
Bikes: Velo Orange Piolet
#12
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,982
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From: Puget Sound
Bikes: 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30 (bionx), 2015 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra
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
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
#13
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Puget Sound
Bikes: 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30 (bionx), 2015 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra
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...
#14
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
#16
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From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 82 Medici, 85 Ironman, 2011 Richard Sachs
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.
#17
Half way there

Joined: Sep 2015
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From: North Carolina
Bikes: Many, and the list changes frequently
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
Waterproof Saddle Trunk | Banjo Brothers
#18
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From: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
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.
#19
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From: Denver, CO
Bikes: 1966 Carlton, 197X MKM, 1983 Trek 620, 1988 Schwinn High Sierra, 1995 DBR Axis Ti, 1999 Waterford, 2016 DBR Release, 2017 Surly Travelers Check
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.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: The Aloha State
Bikes: 2008 Kestrel RT700, 2005 Cannondale Hybrid, 1994 Litespeed Obed FS
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.
#21
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: South Austin, Texas
Bikes: 2010 Origin8 CX700, 2003 Cannondale Backroads Cross Country, 1997 Trek mtn steel frame converted commuter/tourer, 1983 Univega Sportour, 2010 Surly LHT, Others...
#22
Let's Ride!

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
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From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
I really like my Ortlieb panniers for waterproofness. I would definitely look at their bikepacking options. Quality stuff.
#23
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Joined: Feb 2017
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off topic-
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.
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 605
Likes: 11
From: Denver, CO
Bikes: 1966 Carlton, 197X MKM, 1983 Trek 620, 1988 Schwinn High Sierra, 1995 DBR Axis Ti, 1999 Waterford, 2016 DBR Release, 2017 Surly Travelers Check






