Saddlebags - big 'uns

[simon.sharwood]

As I rode through the city yesterday, another cyclist had a lovely saddle bag from UK company Carradice - see http://www.carradice.co.uk/
I immediately lusted after it, because I don't like a courier bag when I commute and don't want to put panniers on my road/commuting bike cos I'm slow enough on Sundays as it is.
Anyway ... has anyone owned a Carradice, or know of something similar?

[Julio]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?s=caradice

[Adrian E]

I've used a Carradice SQR for light touring and Audax. Review here:
http://www.sydneycyclist.com/profiles/b ... gPost:8627

I now use an ortleib saddlebag for Audax as it has a cleaner mount which isn't on the seatpost (but it has less capacity).
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/au/ortlieb-large-saddle-bag/

The classic green and leather duck cotton carridice bags are cute but I don't find they perform that well. They're not fully waterproof and the leather straps are fiddly. They generally work best with a brooks saddle which has clips for a saddlebag. There is also the issue with the larger ones rocking and hitting your legs as you ride. The SQR is probably the best performing of there bags but it doesn't look that good.