Thorn Cycles Forum

Technical => Luggage => Topic started by: in4 on March 21, 2025, 01:54:24 PM

Title: New from Carradice
Post by: in4 on March 21, 2025, 01:54:24 PM: New bike packing type range from Carradice. SJS stock the brand.

https://carradice.co.uk/collections/adventure-range
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: PH on March 31, 2025, 10:32:03 PM: I know there much debate between the touring and bikepacking clans, but I for one am grateful for the additional choice. My Carradice Cambrian Audax saddle bag made of Cordura and with plastic buckles, may lack the aesthetic of cotton and leather straps with metal buckles, but it's so much nicer to use I now find the others frustrating.
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: geocycle on April 21, 2025, 09:09:16 AM: PH have you got the 9L, 16L or 10-17L Cambrian? There seems to be some discrepancies online as to how big this model is. I think the oldest model is 9L and they have brought out a larger upgrade of the same name. Carradice now have the 16L, SJS a 9L and 16L and Condor a 10-17L. I’m tempted by the 9L.
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: PH on April 21, 2025, 01:15:57 PM: Quote from: geocycle on April 21, 2025, 09:09:16 AM
PH have you got the 9L, 16L or 10-17L Cambrian?
The Carradce range can be bewildering, I think some models have changed, some have disappeared and some re-named! I have the 9L, the volume and dimensions don't include the pockets. I think you're right and it was the original Cambrian model. This one:
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/luggagesaddlebags-traditional/carradice-lightwight-audax-saddlebag-black-9-litre/

My only criticism, not really even that but a consequence of the lighter material, is that it doesn't hold it's shape as well as a cotton bag, unless full. That's exasperated by my always having the pockets full.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54466070353_7169d8b215.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qYYR9v)
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: geocycle on April 21, 2025, 04:04:35 PM: Thanks, it looks a good size, effectively a more modern Barley. The newer version of the same name is a very different bag and too big for what I need. I also note that the light mount strip looks less well positioned on the new version as it points upwards when full. Thanks for heads up regarding the shape.
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: PH on April 21, 2025, 07:33:14 PM: Quote from: geocycle on April 21, 2025, 04:04:35 PM
Thanks, it looks a good size, effectively a more modern Barley. The newer version of the same name is a very different bag and too big for what I need. I also note that the light mount strip looks less well positioned on the new version as it points upwards when full. Thanks for heads up regarding the shape.
I've just had a look at the 10 - 17l one Condor have, I haven't seen that anywhere else. I quite like it (Not that I'm buying any more bags!) the roll closure and the sort of long flap, would keep waterproofs separate without being strapped on. A bit of a cheek to call in lightweight though, if Condor have that right, it's as heavy as a Cotton Duck Nelson.
My favorite day bag remains the pocketless Junior, I think I'll convert it to plastic buckles.
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: geocycle on May 05, 2025, 02:47:30 PM: Quote from: PH on April 21, 2025, 07:33:14 PM
Quote from: geocycle on April 21, 2025, 04:04:35 PM
Thanks, it looks a good size, effectively a more modern Barley. The newer version of the same name is a very different bag and too big for what I need. I also note that the light mount strip looks less well positioned on the new version as it points upwards when full. Thanks for heads up regarding the shape.
I've just had a look at the 10 - 17l one Condor have, I haven't seen that anywhere else. I quite like it (Not that I'm buying any more bags!) the roll closure and the sort of long flap, would keep waterproofs separate without being strapped on. A bit of a cheek to call in lightweight though, if Condor have that right, it's as heavy as a Cotton Duck Nelson.
My favorite day bag remains the pocketless Junior, I think I'll convert it to plastic buckles.

Interesting! I bought the 9L mk1 Cambrian from SJS at their sale price, but I seem to have had an upgrade. The one that came is marked as 9L but has the internal roll top, horizontal white reflective, orange lining and the doubled over long flap. Together they would double the capacity if needed. It sits well on the sport rack and is similar in size to the Barley. Made by Andrea.
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: mickeg on May 05, 2025, 04:56:57 PM: I had not looked at the Carradice website for a few years. Just looked now, they no longer list the Carradry front panniers.
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: geocycle on May 05, 2025, 07:28:12 PM: Quote from: mickeg on May 05, 2025, 04:56:57 PM
I had not looked at the Carradice website for a few years. Just looked now, they no longer list the Carradry front panniers.

They seem to be updating things and adding bike packing lines. Their last chance to buy section includes quite a few old classics. I recall that they were acquired by aquapac in 2021.
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: PH on May 06, 2025, 11:22:40 PM: Quote from: geocycle on May 05, 2025, 02:47:30 PM
Interesting! I bought the 9L mk1 Cambrian from SJS at their sale price, but I seem to have had an upgrade.
Ha, I did say it was bewildering! Looks like you got a bargain.
I imagine the roll top and extra material means it holds the shape better, though at the cost of weight, as with all things there's pros and cons, not sure which I would have preferred but I'm happy with mine.
Just had a look through the Last Chance stuff, not really surprised they're rationalising the cotton saddlebags, I think you'd have to really like their aesthetic to choose one over the modern material versions.
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: geocycle on May 12, 2025, 07:50:20 PM: I used the new bag properly today. It’s really good and appears to be up to Carradice quality. It’s essentially a roll top bag in a traditional saddlebag shape. They have added some stiffness to the base and a double flap. When picked down it is the same dimensions as the Barley, perhaps 9 L but then it more than doubles if needed. Ther is even some internal pockets for valuables etc. I’m really impressed with the thought that has gone into it. I’d say it is a fusion of the traditional saddlebag concept, handmade in Nelson and the bikepacking saddlepack. It gives better access than the bikepacking packs and in my opinion sits better on the bike with a bagman quick release support.

I’d probably have used some lighter material in places although it is overall a similar weight to the Barley. As mentioned above, I was really after something more minimalist like the mk1 but this feels very luxurious, well designed and I’ll cope with a few extra grams. A bit of a bargain given I only paid the mk1 price.
Title: Re: New from Carradice
Post by: PH on May 14, 2025, 10:47:42 PM: Quote from: geocycle on May 12, 2025, 07:50:20 PM
I used the new bag properly today. It’s really good and appears to be up to Carradice quality.
Despite my curiosity, I'm almost hoping not to see one.
Glad you're happy with it.