First ride with Carradice Saddle Bag

Had a few things to do today so I thought I'd strap up my new saddle bag and actually ride with it this morning on my little bits and bobs I had to do. I didn't even notice it was there when riding and I caught myself looking back or reaching down to make sure it hadn't fallen off Bumble B as it goes.

Saddled up

By the pond

As always while i was out and about I got a few nice comments from folks.
One lady said "Well they sure not going to hit you are they" with a big grin on her face.

Gotta luv riding Bumble B as he always puts smiles on peoples faces :)

Brompton Cycle Lane ?

Came across this on my daily commute into work yesterday. As you can see the Brompton branding is getting everywhere..... My own private bicycle path :P

"Welcome to the FOLD!"

Brompton Bumble B's private cycle path

Review: Carradice Zipped Roll Bag

Well after the iBikeLDN last Saturday and seeing Mr.O with his saddle bag I definitely had to get one.

I bring you the Carradice Zipped Roll Saddle Bag (2ltr) in black.

Ordered it from the awesome folks at SJS Cycles for the silly price of £24.99, I feared that I would miss it as it would be posted by Royal Mail while I was out but SJS Cycles managed to pack it in a way that it would fit though the letter box, so no going to the sorting office a day later.

Carradice Zipped Roll Bag

As you can see it looks awesome in black, it does come also in green with honey coloured straps but for Bumble B the only colour would be the black version. Big flap and then a large zip to keep everything inside and not spill out all over. Also a nice reflective panel, which I'm already thinking of some kinda of customization at a later date ;)

Reading the paper that comes with the bag its made of "Duck Cotton" which means it is completely waterproof, infact the wetter it gets the more waterproof it is as the material/stitching expands and closes off any gaps where water could get in. Also breathable and can be re proofed so in theory this bag could last you many yrs and many bikes

Mounted on Bumble B

Here it is as a test mounting, I found the straps seem to be a little misaligned with the saddle loops and took me a little while to get it all strapped up

Close up of the straps

But on a closer inspection I think maybe its made this way for it to be a snug fit on the saddle & seatpost. Took me a little while to get it all mounted but with practice I will get faster in time. I won't have it mounted all the time, probably when on day rides when I don't want to have a the huge Brompton O Bag.

Signed by Susan

As with all Carradice products they are all hand made and signed by the person making them. Mine was made by Susan.

I haven't actually ridden with it mounted yet but I'm guessing my first outing with it will be on the LBC Ride: Greenwich Loop on the 17th November 2012. Will be posting about how it performs on ride soon...