Is the Carradice Saddlebag Support any good?

[GavinC]

Hi

I've just got a Carradice Junior saddlebag to use on my commuter bike. However, it brushes the rear tyre and I figure some form of proper support would be a more elegant solution than the current set up of a bungee cord wrapped around the bag!

I haven't got enough seatpost showing to use an SQR mount or nowhere seems to have a Bagman. So I was wondering if anyone has used the plain old Saddlebag Support (www.carradice.co.uk/racks-and-attachmen ... pport.shtm)and, if so, what they thought of it? Is it worth a punt at £12.95? I'll only be carrying fairly light loads.

Many thanks

Gavin

[ANTONISH]

Mine fell apart on a couple of occasions. The clamp holds the main support by two small grub screws. After drilling a couple of recesses into the very hard metal it held together but I've never been very happy with it (but then saddlebags in general are a problem as I'm vertically challenged) and to be fair others seem very happy with it. A standard rack may be a better support.

[fixer]

http://www.carradice.co.uk/racks-and-at ... port.shtml doesn't seem to work as a link to the page.

Is this the one you mean?



It has to be the most useless cycling product I've bought! For a start, it will not fit on a frame with caliper brakes, unless you fit the support higher up the seat stays to clear the calipers but that defeats the purpose of a support. Second; it's made from alu and is simply too weak and flexible.

In the end, I got a Bagman instead, one of the best accessories I've got.

[fixer]

Mine fell apart on a couple of occasions. The clamp holds the main support by two small grub screws. After drilling a couple of recesses into the very hard metal it held together but I've never been very happy with it (but then saddlebags in general are a problem as I'm vertically challenged) and to be fair others seem very happy with it. A standard rack may be a better support.

Seems to be the Bagman you're referring to.

[GavinC]

Hi Fixer

Yes that's the one - thanks for posting the picture. You obvioulsy aren't very impressed with it! I hadn't even considered the brakes issue (the bike I'd be using it on has sidepull brakes).

I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes out for a Bagman.

thanks

Gavin

http://www.carradice.co.uk/racks-and-attachments/saddlebag-support.shtml doesn't seem to work as a link to the page.

Is this the one you mean?



It has to be the most useless cycling product I've bought! For a start, it will not fit on a frame with caliper brakes, unless you fit the support higher up the seat stays to clear the calipers but that defeats the purpose of a support. Second; it's made from alu and is simply too weak and flexible.

In the end, I got a Bagman instead, one of the best accessories I've got.

[mike]

I recently bought a barley from Carradice and as you said there are no Bagmans available anywhere. But I am told by a LBS they have a replacement for the Bagman due out in April. I'm waiting to see what comes out.
.
Or there are some interesting fixing arrangements for saddlebags if you google Carradice Hacks, just needs a bit of time in the workshop.

[ANTONISH]

You're right fixer, I was talking about the Bagman

[GavinC]

As a short term solution, I've jerry rigged a bracket, made from some meccano like wall fixings I had in the shed, which I attached to the rear brake bolt and tensioned to the frame with some twine! A bit Heath Robinson, but it held up okay on the way to work this morning

Hopefully it will last until Carradice bring out their new Bagman or I can afford to stump up $40 for the very nice looking Viva saddlebag support from Velo-Orange...

Thanks for all your feedback

regards

Gavin

[fatboy]

Spark303

I have a slightly different support that came with a second hand saddlebag that I bought. I've never tried it as I've got a rack so don't need it. It attaches via the seat pin attaching bolt. It has a cut-out to match the key on the seat pin boltObviously it won't work in all circumstances. If you're interested I might be able to push it in your direction for a small fee. PM me if you're interested.

Cheers

Chris

[fatboy]

Pictures of my saddlebag support for Gavin. Apologies for the photo quality!

Pedal for size comparison!

The slotted hole

The non slotted hole

[Kiltie12]

I had one years ago that ran under the saddle supports and the bolted on with a double bar sddle clip which was bought separately...it eventually snapped but I managed to draw a picture of it and my ex brother - in - law had one made for me that was stronger.along with a a pannier carrier. Sadly I put them on my Dawes Galaxy and it vanished one day when I was in town.......and the bike was solidly clamped up. Never saw that bike again. And never seen the same bag holder again. they were cheap but effective. I dare say if you have an idea someone could make one easy enough.

[Neil Mc Ivor]

Mine fell apart on a couple of occasions. The clamp holds the main support by two small grub screws. After drilling a couple of recesses into the very hard metal it held together but I've never been very happy with it (but then saddlebags in general are a problem as I'm vertically challenged) and to be fair others seem very happy with it. A standard rack may be a better support.

Providing it is the Bagman Support ASTONISH means.
I replaced the grub screws on mine with SS Allen bolts for better grip on the rails.

[Tandem Man]

I replaced the grub screws on mine with SS Allen bolts for better grip on the rails.

I am having problems with the grub screws on my Bagman.

Where did you get the SS allen bolts from please ??

Ian

[Neil Mc Ivor]

IanWhere did you get the SS allen bolts from please ??[/quote]

I got mine from an industrial fastenings supplier, buying mainly M4 in various lengths plus washers and nylock nuts where appropriate to suit Waterbottle bosses, mudguard eyes, toeclips, P clips for holding racks on also brake cable bolts, gearlever on old Shimano 105 (1993) And a few M5; seatbolt, gear cable bolts
The company I got them from no longer exists but you should be able to find an industrial fastening supplier locally.
It is considerably cheaper buying them this way than in a small pack from Halfords.