Cycling UK Forum

Anyone know if these are generally any good? Not for a full on tour but just for day rides with the small rack bag?

something like this:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/seatpin-fitt ... prod25185/

I've got topeak one. Pretty good I'd say. Just make sure to clamp it firmly enough, otherwise it can swing round. Good for day rides.

I dont like them, they sway about and it just seems the wrong way to do it, putting your load on the end of a lever like that unsupported.

One of my friends uses one and you can watch his bag sway from side to side but it hasnt snapped, yet.

But properly clamped, and lightly loaded, they are fine. IME, anyway.

I can't see any advantage to that clunky thing, plus a bag, over this more elegant solution... http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... -post-pack. 6l is limited capacity, but I wouldn't want much more suspended on a long lever.

Carradice's SQR bag alternatives are a little more expensive... http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?pa ... gory_id=29

Tubus do one similar to the SJS one for a stack more money... http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Tubus_Pick_U ... tem=625458 Should be good uality but I can't help thinnking the design, with a single pivot point and long arm, is fundamentally flawed.

From my experience with the Carradice SQR system, I'd highly recommend sleeving the seatpost with a cut off of innertube to prevent rotation and allow firm clamping without massive bolt torque and damage to the post.

It would also matter how much weight you are thinking of carrying.

At this time of year I can find myself carrying over 4kgs in my rackbag which makes it quite a noticeable lump but hardly noticeable on a conventional rack.

What sort of weight are these beams expected to carry?

Around 2kgs probably not worried, 10kgs very worried. What is it like for 4Kgs?

4kg?! jesus, not on about that much, just enough for a waterproof + repair stuff and maybe a sarnie or two.

I already have a carradice rack bag that I could use so although the Altura one mentioned above is a nice solution it kinda seems a bit OTT seeing as I already have the bag.

I think some of the top peak ones are rated at 15kg(!).

It is surprising how the weight creeps up, especially at this time of year when the temperature can vary from zero to twenty degrees C.
So the beam should be OK for your lighter loads.

Though I think a saddlebag would be preferable.

Yes a saddlebag was a consideration, but it's not cheap for the bag and support! (Carradice)

The only thing that put me off the Top Peak branded racks is that they use special fixings so you have to use their bags, bit useless considering I don't need the bag, hence the more generic item I posted a link to.

Would you need a saddlebag support for that light a load?
I doubt it but havent used saddlebags.
Try asking /reading about it on the forum. I think less than 3Kgs probably doesnt need a support.

It's more to stop it hanging into/rubbing your legs. I've ridden a few bikes from our club with Carradice bags hanging from a Brooks with no support and they all got very tiring after about 10 minutes of it swinging into my legs

Shame as they're very nice bags, but I'd definitely need the (overpriced) bagman support. I think a Barley plus Bagman support is north of £80!

Have you seen Crepello's saddlebag mounting system made from some tube and toeclip/cable ties to hold it further back.
Alternatively he used a Minoura light mount to hold it further away from the seatpost.

At least I think it was Crepello, one of the options was virtually cost free.

meic wrote: I think less than 3Kgs probably doesnt need a support.

It doesn't really. But the support does other jobs. Without one, (1) the bag is much less easily attached and detached, (2) you need saddlebag loops on a Brooks or similar, or some other widget to attach it, and (3) it can interfere with pedal stroke depending on seatpost and saddle setback. The first and last are my biggest reasons for using the SQR system, even on the occasions I pack light enough to use the small saddlebag.

I have one of these http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/p ... s_id=12481 I think it's a great bag and you can buy extra mounting brackets if you have more than one bike

I used a seatpost rack on my lejog with what must have been 10kg. It often felt a bit whippy on fast descents and the load was a bit high but I got away with it by keeping all the clamps tight, including the seatpost clamp!