London-Edinburgh-London 2013: The thread

[middleagecyclist]

Yep. You don't think I'd voluntarily lumber Lelly with a Carradice otherwise do you? (oh and they're made in Nelson and Nelson really, really, really needs all the support it can get)

Oh I s'pose I can have a look at them if they are de rigueur then. Will I be looked down upon by died in the wool audaxers if I don't have one?

I might be cycling through Nelson tomorrow on a 100 miler but looking at the forecast I might cut it short a bit (or even a lot!).

Do you use a QR or a rack for your Carradice?

 

[PpPete]

Nobody looks down on anyone for having different kit really. If you want to use a rack pack , go ahead !
But a Carradice Barley is a thing of much beauty... (until you sew a sodding great "SR" cloth badge on it like I've done !)
I've found that its 7 litres is too big for a 200 though - just encourages me to carry too much stuff. On a 400 or 600, complemented by a tiny (2 litre) bar bag it's close to perfection.
The 4.5 litre R&K Contour Mudguard is perfect for shorter rides, and it's cantilevered frame and seat-post attachment makes a very good support for the Barley (or larger models of Carradice) - lighter and fewer failure modes than the Bagman supports. It's not QR though.

 

[middleagecyclist]

But a Carradice Barley is a thing of much beauty...

Will it go well with the Paul Hewitt Chiltern (in red) I intend to get next year? (Sshh! Don't tell the wifey).

 

[PpPete]

well you should have said it was a Hewitt.....
Yes Carradice is the law after all !

 

[Nuncio]

Will I be looked down upon by died in the wool audaxers if I don't have one?

This is all confused. The 'looking down' and 'wool' is more associated with Rapha not homely old cotton-duck Carradice. If you listen very hard you may hear some tutting, though.

Do you use a QR or a rack for your Carradice?

Neither, a Bagman which does have a simple quick release mechanism but is not known as frequently as being quick release as SQR. (Now I'm confused).

 

[yello]

I used a rack pack on LEL 2009.... but it was a Carradice rack pack Actually, it was someone on CC that gave it to me. Top chap eh?

Honestly, I reckon it swings and roundabouts re rack pack v saddle pack. Probably the most influential factor is which your bike will take!

 

[middleagecyclist]

Honestly, I reckon it swings and roundabouts re rack pack v saddle pack. Probably the most influential factor is which your bike will take!

But I've yet to get The bike. Surely I should choose the best bag and then get the bike and fittings to go with it?

Now, I can appreciate Cotton Duck as a material but all those leather straps and metal buckles and rings seems...well, just a bit past it to me *covers head*. What's wrong with having some plastic fastenings such as those on the Carradice Super C Audax Saddlebag?

 

[alans]

But I've yet to get The bike. Surely I should choose the best bag and then get the bike and fittings to go with it?

Now, I can appreciate Cotton Duck as a material but all those leather straps and metal buckles and rings seems...well, just a bit past it to me *covers head*. What's wrong with having some plastic fastenings such as those on the Carradice Super C Audax Saddlebag?

excellent logic

Not only do you need a Carradice saddlebag but also some sandals & a beard.

 

[middleagecyclist]

excellent logic

Not only do you need a Carradice saddlebag but also some sandals & a beard.

The wifey has banned my beard in the past but sandals...now there's a thought!

 

[pkeenan]

Putting aside what's 'done' etc, the Carradice saddle bags certainly appeal because you can find the ideal size in their range, and it doesn't require a rack. I plan to have one saddle bag and a bar bag. Bar bag for wallet, phone, (possibly gps,) maps, and any other things (camera and snacks!). The saddle bag will be for carrying the extra layers of clothes, the spare tubes, tyre levers and pump, and that's about it.
Carrying so little in the back makes me feel it's not necessary to put on a rack, considering how light and compact that list will be. Carradice is the perfect solution!

The only thing I'm yet to decide is which bike to use... Pros and cons to each.

 

[arallsopp]

One thing that shouldn't be overlooked is that sporting a Carradice bag is an act of benevolence, with advantage conferred not just to you, but also the rider(s) behind.

Picture the scene... Its dark, its been raining solid for 4 hours, you've not seen a control for a while, there's been a dodgy turn instruction nagging at your mind for the last 8 miles. As the road starts to climb you spy a lonely tail light weaving up the road ahead. It could be a local drunk on his way back from the pub, it could be your mind playing tricks, it could be a willo-the-wisp, luring you into a lifetime of bike less servitude. Apprehension builds. Legs hurt. And then, you come a little closer, there's something nuzzling against the light. A little silver diamond shines hope back at you. A Carradice. You're on track. All is well.

Andy.

 

[alans]

that's very good Andy,testimony that you retain your literary talent

 

[middleagecyclist]

One thing that shouldn't be overlooked is that sporting a Carradice bag is an act of benevolence, with advantage conferred not just to you, but also the rider(s) behind...there's something nuzzling against the light. A little silver diamond shines hope back at you. A Carradice. You're on track. All is well.
Andy.

I hate to point this to one so esteemed, but the Carrdice Super C Audax Saddlebag (with plastic connectors) doesn't have a little reflective diamond on the back. Does this model not count then?

 

[mcshroom]

If you want buckles then how about a super c barley - link

 

[middleagecyclist]

If you want buckles then how about a super c barley - link

It doesn't have a diamond either