Cycling UK Forum

Update: Carradice responded promptly, explaining the source of the fault, and a replacement is on its way . See post 5 below for more details if you are interested.



In August I bought a Carradice Barley saddlebag from SJS Cycles that arrived with faulty stitching - one of the front straps was coming off, and a few days later, before I even used it, the same thing happened to one of the pocket straps. I could have mended the front strap myself but not the pocket one, so I returned it and SJS sent a replacement immediately.

I was very pleased with it and used it for 8 days on a tour in September. However, a few weeks after I got back I noticed that the same problem with the stitching on the straps had started again, even though I hadn't used the bag since. In each case the lower thread had broken, allowing the upper one to unravel. With the first bag I assumed it was poor workmanship and quality control, but now I think there is a problem with the actual thread itself.

I can mend the second bag but just wonder where the thread is going to break next...

I have used Carradice bags and panniers for over 30 years and never had a problem before! The photos below show the Barley - the corner of the strap is starting to pull off though you can't see that clearly here. Compare this with the strap on a Kendal pannier which has had heavy use for the last 20 years - you can see that the thread used is thicker.

Barley (new)


Kendal (20 years old)


Has anyone else had this problem? The straps are the same size, though the old Kendal ones are slightly thicker and don't crack like the new ones. I have contacted Carradice and SJS to see what they say. SJS would replace it but what are the chances of it happening again? I really like the bag but am considering going for something else altogether.

I'd be grateful for your experience of recently purchased Carradice bags - maybe I have just been particularly unlucky.

Worth ringing Carradice. I've always found them extremely helpful, and I'm sure that they will rectify this. It's unusual for Carradice to have a problem like this - I wonder what has happened?

I've emailed them and sent them the photo. I'm sure either they or SJS would replace the bag, but if it is one of a bad batch I could end up making regular trips to the post office .

Yes, I would say the quality is less than I would have expected.

I recently got a roll bag (from SJS). It's useable as it is and not worth sending back, but the two parts that form the strap holding points are not in the same position as each other on either side of the bag, and the wooden dowel internally is therefore a bit squint. If I was to mount it on the saddel it would not lie straight. However I plan to use it as a mini pannier.

As I say, it's okay, but I wouldn't say I was impressed. I would have thought at least the placement of the parts would be correct since it should be possible to use a template on each bag - I would have thought. I wouldn't rush out and spend a lot of money on my first experience of buying Carradice. I's probably just go down the market and get something to do the job for a few quid.

Happy ending ! Today I received a reply from Margaret at Carradice:

I have just spoken to the production team and have been informed that there had been a minor problem with one of the sewing machines resulting in the occasional stitch being cut. Upon discovery, this fault was immediately rectified and the production from that machine was checked but there is the possibility that some bags had already been sent out to the shops.

No-one else seems to have reported any problems so it sounds as if fortunately not many of these bags went into circulation.
Carradice have sent a replacement from their own stock which should arrive tomorrow. Full marks to them for excellent customer service - and I'm relieved that I can continue to rely on their excellent bags which I have used for so long.

If Carradice just made some small changes, tidied up the designs, had a bit neater stitching, improved design of bag pockets (things fall out of my SQR Tour pockets due to the design) they would be world beating..

think sometimes they rely a little too much on the 'hand made' excuse for the 'quirks' of their bags -