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As from next week I'm moving further away from my place of work so my 2 mile trundle in will become a longer 9 miles each way.
I currently ride a real lock up and forget rigid mountain bike, in my uniform with backpack but this system isn't going to be pleasant on the longer ride.
I have a CAAD8 that I'd like to use for the new commute but want to make it friendly for the journey but also still suited for full dark side duties.
I'm going to go for a set of the SKS race blade long guards as I like the idea of being able to remove then re-fit them quickly and simply.
The frame doesn't have rack mounts and I'd be reluctant to fit one anyway but have seen bikes on this forum with large saddle packs. I'd need something large enough for a pair of shoes plus regular saddle bag kit (Tub, mini pump, pocket tool ect) plus a little extra space for a notepad or any other small odds and sods.
Could somebody suggest a pack or advise the volume of one I'd need?
Thanks in advance and I'd be happy to hear any advice.
Leave shoes & clothes at work
Carradice will make a bag big enough and it will also turn you into a hipster.
i'm doing just this except it'll be 13 miles each way from 2. i have a carradice sqr trax seatpost pack i'm intending to use. we've used it on a few bike packing trips/tours so i reckon its good for the usual work clobber and a bit of shopping, plus it clicks on and off the seatpost v quickly too
should also say carradice make a thin version too if you dont have clearance to the wheel - worth checking first. luckily mine is ok on all my bikes (56cm +)
These Bridge Street saddlebags look nice. http://bridgestreet.cc/
They are basically roll-top bags, so you can make it bigger/smaller depending on how much you are carrying. And much lighter weight than a Carradice.
Topeak Beamrack MTX will fit nicely with trunk bag (don't bother with the fold down sides), you just want the EX bag and V-rack. Fill the side pockets with seatpack stuff. Removal with the QR is very fast indeed and leaves nothing on the bike. There is a very good mounting system for a rear light and rear mudguard that I have used too.
You can mount a rack to a CAAD8 with a seatpost collar adaptor as there are hidden eyelets on the frame. Bit of a pain to remove quickly
You could also go the route of a traditional Nelson Longflap saddlebag and SQR, but the SQR will stay on the seatpost. Not a big deal, I have one of those too, and just switch the saddle/seatpost instead of the beamrack. 27.2 diameter means used seatposts are easily available. You'll need quite a bit of seatpost showing and the CAAD8 is not a compact frame - watch for clearance.
The SKS mudguards are excellent. See my previous posts. For just light shoes and stuff, I'd go with the beamrack. Mine can hold a carefully packed full clothes change with shoes. It also retains that roadie look 😉
Brilliant, thanks all!
I'm unable to find anywhere that has the Carradice bag mentioned in stock.
I like the look of those bridge street bags, it's what I'd pictured when posting this really.
The ability to roll it down or use the full volume is a bonus.
The beamrack mentioned above is a fantastic idea and works out to be around the same price, I like how it's a QR release so can be totally removed when needed.
I'm glad to hear the positive review of the SKS mudguards, OnOne had them in stock at £31 but I slept on the offer and they sold out! Best price I can find for them is CRC which is just under £40.
I've been commuting about 9 miles each way for the last 8 years or so with a Topeak beam rack and it's still going strong. Excellent bit of kit. A mate has a Henty bag which is good if you need to take suit to work and he likes it.
I like the look of those Bridge Street bags - very tempted to buy one of those.
I'm unable to find anywhere that has the Carradice bag mentioned in stock.
I like the look of those bridge street bags, it's what I'd pictured when posting this really.
SJS cycles?
+1 for the carradice been using one for the last seven years with the sqr with no problems
I got one of those Bridge Street bags when it was at Kickstarter stage. Haven't used it yet, but it seems very good. I have kept a spare seatpost to mount it on, so I don't scuff up my lovely Thomson Masterpiece with it! 😆
I have an unused, still in it's packaging Carradice SQR Tour bag for sale if you're interested. It's great, but I already have a SQR Slim so it's surplus to requirements.