I have the material and have it sketched out. I have been pondering if 12 litres is really enough space while considering the argument that anymore means it swings about over the back wheel.
So, why not use a saddlebag?
My 40 year old Karrimor has a 20 litre capacity and fits right up under the saddle.

Is there a reason to prefer a long thin seatpack over a short fat saddle bag?

Does seven hours later, 29 views but no replies mean that a seat pack has no virtues over a saddlebag?
Come, come you seat pack users - why a seat pack? :)

Ok, no :D

Most of us wouldn't due to aesthetics is my guess, but practically, no reason at all.
The rough stuff fellowship were at this before most of us were born, and saddlebags worked for those guys....

Gari wrote:Ok, no :D

Most of us wouldn't due to aesthetics is my guess, but practically, no reason at all.
The rough stuff fellowship were at this before most of us were born, and saddlebags worked for those guys....

Ah ha, so it's a fashion thing? The Americans (with little saddlebag history except on horses) do it so we do? :)
Sodit, I'm going to try it with the saddlebag; it will save me sewing! Minor problem with no saddlebag loops on my saddle but I am sure I have a convertor somewhere. I've got a Karrimor uplift as well but I can't use that because one sold for £55 on eBay a couple of weeks ago. It must be gold plated and will help pay for newer forks

This Karrimor saddlebag did the Wayfarer path in the '70's though I carried the bike most of the way as I recall :D

Well, when the retro thing comes round again you'll be well ahead of the curve. Post up some pics when it's done, be cool to see.

Can you get off the back off the saddle with a saddlebag on?

Probably also weighs quite alot compared to the newer fabrics used on seatpacks

I think the general thinking behind a long narrow seat bag, over a short wide seat pack is that the narrow bag allows you to get over the back of the saddle without hitting the inside of your thighs, where as a wide pack will stop you getting over the back of the saddle.

All this does depend on how 'technical' the route is you're riding as you might not need to get over the back. A short wide pack should also sway less but might get in the way on the downs?

restlessnative wrote:Can you get off the back off the saddle with a saddlebag on?

Probably also weighs quite alot compared to the newer fabrics used on seatpacks

That's a good point but, to be fair, I've no chance of getting off the back off the saddle whatever the bag. I don't flex that much any more.

The bag weighs in at 725g

"Well, when the retro thing comes round again you'll be well ahead of the curve" - It's happening more and more to me. Mod revival? Humbug! I was there for the first one :)

this guy (click here) uses a saddlebag and seems to do alight!