I'm looking for an easily sourced alternative to the Epic Designs Saddle bags, capable of carrying two mtb inner tubes, at least one bottle of oil, a pump, two multitools and some energy bars.

would the 2.7 litre Ortlieb bag do the job? I've not seen one in the flesh an online reviews elsewhere seem to contradict one another.

Cheers!

It will hold a lot more than that, I can get a waterproof and fleece in one, both xxl. And could squeeze more in as well.

http://www.shoprans.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BPAC0101

one of these with postage works out at £27.50 and it holds quite a bit.
very pleased with it.

Thanks MSP, I think the bad negative comments I read must have been referring to a different size or something!

flatfish, good suggestion, I'd forgotten about that style of bag, but my frame has very little space between the bottle cage and top tube unfortunately…

the jandd frame bag can fit both ways. its a bit tight when fitted the right way round but flip it round and it fits almost perfectly.