Does anyone lock their saddlebag?
 

Hi all,

I recently bought the Large Sackville Saddle Bag from Rivindel and amd trying to figure out a way to lock it to my bike when I am gone. Its very big so most of the time taking it off and with me is not a good option. I having been looking around for a good, tiny cable lock to secure the leather bottom to the rear rack but no luck yet. Any ideas? Anyone els have this issue or should I just use a bunch of zip ties and cross my fingers? BTW, I am living in South Korea. Bicycle theft does not seem to be a big problem here but most of the bikes are POSs. I have no idea if anyone would know that my saddle bag was expensive or even want to steal it other than for the sheer joy of taking it. Thoughts?

Thank you!

Here is a link to the bag, its the large sackville.

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list...s#product=none

My gut feeling as I haven't bought panniers or bags yet, is that leather straps can be cut with scissors. I would NEVER leave a bag on my bike. And even if nobody steals the nice looking bag, what will stop them from looking in it?

not a good idea. My guess is only the hard plastic trunk bags that you can lock would be even close to considering what you're thinking.

If a thief has the tools to cut zip ties, he/she has the tools to cut open the bag itself.

Especially a bag that big... they may not take the bag, but they sure as well will rifle through it. Riv sells a "quick release" system for their saddlebags. Invest in it, and carry your bag indoors with you.

I had been planning on leaving the bag on the bike empty. I dont leave the bike out over night, she is an indoors bike. She is usually only left locked for a few hours at a time but I guess I should just take the bag in with me. I talked to RIV on the phone and they do not sell a "quick releas system" I think you are thinking of the cardice handlebar bags. I doubt too many people would both to cut the leather on the bottom of hte bag because that would make it almost useless unless that were just out to vadalize.

There just does not seem to be a big theft problem here in Korea so I think I am more willing to risk it. Or I am just being a nieve traveler. I did try to use a should strap with the bag but its not a very good pack back.

I agree that taking the bags with you is the best option. I never leave my panniers on my bike when I lock it up, not even if it's just 10 minutes.

However, if you're committed to leaving the bags on the bike, Ortlieb makes cable locks for their panniers; maybe you could find a way to modify them to fit your bags.

http://www.ortliebusa.com/CartGenie/prod-136.htm

This is what happens when you become a bicycle nerd - you know the product lines your favorite company carries better than their own salespeople.

Nitto saddlebag quick-release grip. Not cheap, but neither was the bag...

Ahh I have seen that thing on there. I misunderstood, thanks for the link! I think that the bag is just too big to be casually taken on and off the bike to carry around. I also do not think that quick release is all that much faster than just unfastening the two buckles. I like Bragi's idea. I think I may just keep a small murse (man purse) in the saddle bag, locked to the bike, and then carry the murse around with pump/flat repair stuff. Ill post an update if this setup changes, or if it gets stolen!

bah! For that price you can get a Bagman quick release that also has a support to keep the bag away from the back of your thighs. I have the QR Expedition for my Carradice Nelson Longflap and I love it.

i keep my saddlebag in my backpack. it has emergency tools in it, what if i leave it on the bike, come back its not there and i get a flat on the way home. i also carry a few bucks expired id in my saddle bag too. the only time i attachet my saddlebag to my bike is on recration rides on my "little bit fast" road bike. my "little bit old steelie" never gets a bag mounted, cept for the backpack in the rear basket.