Recommend me a saddle bag please!

[AlastairS]

Hi, I would like a to replace my pannier and rack with a saddlebag for saving some weight and also for looks.
I mainly use my Dawes Galaxy for commuting and occasional local CTC runs.

For commuting, this is what I would normally take:
sandwiches in lunchbox, banana (x2), tin of soup, 2x apples, change of clothes [shirt , light office trousers(don't want to crush, but happy to fold several times) , underwear], front and rear battery lights, waterproof trousers, 100g micro-fleece top,
wallet.

I would be grateful if you could recommend a saddle bag, and only if felt necessary, a support system.
I have a Brooks B17.
I would like something that isn't too footery too attache/detach.
Thank you in advance.

[NUKe]

There is a nice looking Caradice nelson for sale here
viewtopic.php?f=32&t=84262

[DurableAce]

How large does a saddlebag have to be to fit all that in?

[gaz]

I don't think it would need to be any bigger than the Nelson in the above link. The long flap allows you to expand capacity should it be required and you can always strap stuff on the outside.

[Malaconotus]

Nelson longflap would do the job. However, how big is the frame and how much space is there between saddle and rear wheel. IME Bikes less than 23" or 56cm can struggle to fit the larger Carradice bags.

[samsbike]

I carry about what you do and as long as you dont carry shoes a carradice barley or pendle works for me, I find the nelson too big.

If you do a google search you will see how much kit you can carry. Also with the smaller bag you as less likely to carry anything more than you absolutely need.

Note that anything A4 size will not fit into the bags I mentioned.

Also I am not sure if you need a rack with the nelson.

[AlastairS]

how big is the frame and how much space is there between saddle and rear wheel. IME Bikes less than 23" or 56cm can struggle to fit the larger Carradice bags.

THe frame is either 56 or 57cm. From memory there is about 30cm between top of saddle and mudguard.

[AlastairS]

Carradice Nelson Longflap seems to be a popular choice. Nice size, can take more items if necessary with long flap, but will it flap about ?

My Dawes Galaxy has two narrow bars of rear frame triangle starting at top of frame at seat post - will a carradice bag leather loop fit onto one of those instead of the seat post ?
If it can I don't think it will be so stable.

[TrevA]

The extended flap is tucked away unless you are using it, so it doesn't flap about. The leather strap won't fit (it only just fits round the seat post), but you could use a toestrap instead.

[freeflow]

I'm coming from a different angle as I have a CarraDura Maxi Saddlepack which I find too awkward. Currently very tempted by the Carradice Super C Audax.

[AlastairS]

but you could use a toestrap instead.

to fix round seat post as longer reach ?
Will the bag hit my legs when cycling or swing about so I feel it ?
Lastly, it will be footery to unbuckle and buckle once each day when commuting as unlikely to leave bag on bike ?

[Gearoidmuar]

I've three saddlebags. All Carradice.
Get the Super C rack-top bag instead. It's far less fiddly and sits where it's supposed to. I've one for about 10 years or more. Never leaks, looks well still.

[Malaconotus]

but you could use a toestrap instead.

to fix round seat post as longer reach ?
Will the bag hit my legs when cycling or swing about so I feel it ?
Lastly, it will be footery to unbuckle and buckle once each day when commuting as unlikely to leave bag on bike ?

It will be footery unless you use one of the quick release/uplift systems. I use the Carradice SQR block and frame to move a Pendle and a Camper Longflap around several bikes. I find it very easy and straightforward.

[Garry Booth]

Carradice Barley plus quick release support works perfectly for me. IMO, don't even think about not using the support altho it seems like a lot to pay out on top of the bag. It works.

[AlastairS]

I am thinking of the Nelson longflap as I think the barley is too small for me.
One of the reasons for choosing a carradice saddlebag is I won't need to have a pannier rack saving some weight.
If the SQR system is worth having then I won't save any weight at all.