ShannonM

On a sport-touring / commuting bike, which would be mo' betta?

I have a rack on the bike, so hang height is less of an issue and I could even go to the Nelson or Camper longflaps, but I'm pretty sure they'd be excessively wide and cavernous and huge for my needs. The only transverse saddlebag I've owned was a Baggins Hoss, and that sucker was frickin' huge. Worked great on the Cannondale touring bike it was on, but would be way too big for my League Fuji.

Currently on the bike is a Topeak MTX folding-pannier rack trunk, which I like, but the trunk compartment is noticeably small for when I hit the little grocery store on my way home from work.

The other idea is a larger version of the bag I've got now, like the Jandd Rack Pack II w/ panniers.

--Shannon

tyrion

I don't think a Barley would have more room than a Topeak MTX (just guesstimating). I'd go with the Nelson Longflap. They're on sale at SJS Cycles.

Spaghetti Legs 

I have a Barley and I would say it’s good for commuting and day trip, but smallish for an overnighter.. I have a Nelson Longflap that I use with a GB 25 handlebar bag for credit card touring. Here’s a pic. 750 ml bottle added for perspective.

Spaghetti Legs 

Also here’s the Nelson Longflap in action if you’re considering.

Pcampeau

I went with the Pendle and Carradice Bagman rack setup for my 72 Paramount. I’ve got a Barley on my Raleigh International but I like the size of the Pendle bag better. In it at the moment, I’ve got a folded winter coat, cycling gloves, a u-lock, my tools, chain lube, a couple of energy bars, and a Brooks saddle cover, I could fit a small water bottle as well if I were going farther than my 5 mile commute but I usually stop for coffee instead.

nlerner

Another vote for the Pendle. I’ve toured with it (along with @Spaghetti Legs!), including a 5-day credit card tour. I usually combine it with a small front bag. It’s not huge and,if it’s grocery runs you’re targeting, it might be too small, but for touring it prevents me from bringing too much crap.

JaccoW

Or a much larger option is the Carradice Super-C at 23L. I like the buckles over the leather straps for ease of use.




But... RSF offer a limited edition Super-C longflap version in black and red on Kickstarter with their new photo book.

The RSF Archive vol. 2: Further Adventures in Rough Stuff - Kickstarter

gugie 

I have a Waxwing saddlebag which has the same volume as a Pendle, but with a "longflap" to extend capacity in a pinch. Here's a glam shot of bikes from the 2019 Magical Mystery Tour of the PNW with @Spaghetti Legs and @nlerner. I think this was the first tour for @Spaghetti Legs, he borrowed an extra Zimbale saddle bag that I have (another great choice), now uses a Nelson Longflap (see above).


From left to right, rack bag of unknown origin, @nlerner's Pendle, my Waxwing, @SquireBlack's Revelate (I think), and @Spaghetti Legs Zimbale, which he borrowed from me to try out credit card touring, but has replaced with the very similar Nelson Longflap (see above). A note on @SquireBlack's bike - he's English, so there's a Carradice bias, but on his relatively small frame it was tough to get the bag on without it jamming into the rear fender. The Revelate bag gets it's volume by sticking out backwards, eliminating that problem. This is also a good picture to see that there's more than one way to pack for a credit card tour, but all of us distributed our gear between front and back.


I don't think you can go wrong with any of the one's mentioned above, just figure out how much volume you want/need. Neal brings up a good point about bag volume - the old adage that you'll carry as much stuff as will fit in your bags is something to consider.

gorillimo

Interesting. I bought mine used. It’s a Longflap. Thought it was a Nelson, but maybe not after seeing the Pendle. I’m ok with it, wouldn’t give it up for anything.

thorstein

Another option would be the lowsaddle longflap. It's 15L vs 11L for the Pendle. I've had it a couple years & really like it. I've fit a laptop & lunch in it without extending the longflap Also, a U-lock fits in the when it's not extended, so it's easy to get to & the snaps keep it in place. I don't find the buckles to be an issue or take an inordinate amount of time to undo.


The longflap is not extended in this picture.

daka

I have a Barley on my Raleigh International and an old Lowsaddle Longflap on my Super Course. The Barley is nice as a day-bag or for light errands. It easily holds lunch and a windbreaker plus pump, tube, tools, and a coiled cable bike lock. The Lowsaddle Longflap has even more capacity and can hold quite a bit more when the flap is extended - a trip for groceries even. However, it is noticeably heavier and bulkier, so I'd say overall my preference would be the Barley for everyday use. One thing that may not be immediately obvious - those rings on the outside of the flap on some Carradice bags can be quite useful for items that are too large to fit inside. I brought home a dozen long-stem roses one Valentine's Day by strapping then to those rings.




The Lowsaddle Longflap

Classtime 

Get one size bigger than you think you need. I commuted for years with a Barley. My lunch was often squished.

ShannonM

Thanks of all the info, everyone!

I think that the Lowsaddle Longflap might be the right choice... From saddle rails to top of rack is around 8 1/4", and my saddle hath not loops, so if I went with some clamp-on ones, they'd sit lower than the Brooks loops do, and wouldn't gain me much.

Too bad you can't get the dark brown leather on a green Lowsaddle, but oh well...

--Shannon

gugie 

If you can't find the color combo you want off the peg, there are custom bag makers who can meet your requirement. Dave Cain at Waxwing Bag is my go-to guy. Custom costs more, but you'll get exactly what you want.

nlerner

A local friend and Carradice fan has often ordered directly from them and asked for customized mods, which they had no problem doing. Just a thought.

ShannonM

This might be the right answer, if they'll do it for an overseas customer and not charge stupid money for it... must look into this.

Thanks!!

--Shannon