A bag that rocks...

[tube_ee]

Just got my new saddlebag, a Baggins Hoss from Rivendell. Here's the picture and info:

http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/baggage_racks/20078.html

This thing is pretty, handmade in the USA, built like a brick you-know-what, and it's friggin' huge. Swallows all of my books and school stuff, with room left over for a change of clothes, a backpack, lunch, a few beers, and maybe a circus clown or two.

Downsides:
My thighs rub the front of the bag a bit, at least when wearing baggies. It's not a big deal to me, but it might bother some people.

The bag's hugeness requires a fair amount of clearance between the saddle and the rear tire. On my old Cannondale hybrid (really just their touring frame with flat bars and knobbies), I use my rack as a support, or it drags. More elegant solutions are available, but I already had the rack.

It costs $145.00. That's a lot of money for a bike bag. On the other hand, it's hand made, out of 16 oz waxed cotton, with leather taped seams, leather straps, and brass hardware. Quality is worth paying for, IMHO.

No affiliation with Rivendell, although they will be getting a check from me for $300 in January. Deposit for my graduation present.

For the more frugal, the Carradice bags are also very well thought of.

Peace and Grease,
--Shannon

[bikertrash]

I've been checking out those bags myself and I'm curious how they would work with a suspension seatpost. If not, the Pa Cartwright looks to be a fine set o panniers.

[tube_ee]

I guess it deneds on how much clearance you have to start with, and how much vertical movement your post has. As I posted originally, I have to use a rack with mine, cuz if I dont, it drags on the tire. My recent switch of rear tires, from 700 x 40 semi-knobby to 700 x 35 smooth tread may do the trick, I'm gonna check it tonight and see.

I'm using mine on a Avocet O2 women's saddle now, which doesn't have loops. The new B.17 will, and that should hold the bag a little higher. It was barely rubbing before.

If you do get rub, a seatpost rack flipped upside down would work well, I think. The ones we sell at work sort of step up from the clamd,for an inch or two, and then run flat from there. turened upside down, it will step down from the clamp, and therefore get under the bag. Rivedell also sells a Nitto Saddlebag rack that may work on your bike. Part # 20-029, $62.