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This past fall I was looking for a bike bag that would hold about as much as a trunk bag but would be fastened to the saddle. Kind of a retro look. I remembered reading about the English Carradice Bags. After doing some research on the internet, I found that these were a little pricey, although well made.

 

So I began to look at similar type bags that were made here in the US. I stumbled on the Acorn Bike Bags. Acorn Bags is a husband/wife team dedicated to creating traditional bicycle bags...with a few new twists. Their goal is to create simple, yet functional designs that you'd be proud to strap on your bike. Each bag is handcrafted in Southern California. They are a small company and have a limited production of each bag. You will have to check their website often to see what bags they currently have made up.

I decided on the Medium Saddlebag. All their bags are water resistant and breathable cotton canvas duck. The leather mounting and lashing straps are heavy duty leather. The one caveat in ordering these bags is that unless you have a Brooks saddle with bag loops you will have to order a set of bag loops. Fortunately I had a set of bolt on loops from 30 years ago.

One type of loop currently available is the ViVa Bag Loops.

Mounting the bag was fairly easy. I replaced the leather strap that went around the seat post with a thinner Velcro strap. I wanted longer lashing straps than were available, so I ordered an extra long pair of toe straps.

The bag holds approximately as much as a medium sized trunk bag. For a multi day tour it is great for putting in vest, rain gear, sun glasses, cell phone, wallet, bike lock, etc. For commuting to work I can't get pants, shirt and underwear in the bag. Either the pants or shirt have to go into another bag and be lashed to the bag (which works quite well).

Whether you want the retro look or just a good bag that you don't need a rack for, then I would recommend the Acorn Bags. The current price of the Medium Saddlebag is $85. About half of the Carradice equivalent. Acorn makes a wide range of bags, so check their website out. Remember, the husband and wife team make the bags themselves, so supply is limited.

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