Re: [NER] Bag Recommendations

[li...@jkassen.org]

> Hey Group! New to randonneuring, any recommendations on bags that can be
> attached to a Specialized Roubaix (carbon fiber presents its challenges)?
> Is a back pack a better option (can't imagine so)? Thanks for any advice!

It all depends on where you want your bag(s) and how much you need to carry. If you go the saddle bag approach (my favorite) you should be OK with any bag which loops onto the saddle rails and won't clamp onto the any carbon part with anything metal. Not many bags have clamps like this so you should be OK.

If you want to buy local, there is no better choice then Dill Pickle Gear bags (http://dillpicklegear.com) which are hand made by NER's own Volunteer coordinator Emily O'Brien in Medford, MA. Full Disclosure: Emily is my partner and the bags are made in our apartment. But I honestly really like the bags. Emily was a randonneur first and was annoyed at the available offerings for bike bags so she made her own just for herself. She would not have gone into business making them for others had so many people not seen hers as asked if she could make them a bag.

Anyway, the choice between a handlebar bag and a saddle bag and what size to get will really depend on what you think you need with you on the bike and how often you will need to get it. I like to carry a lot of stuff but I always stop when I need to get something so a big saddle bag is my choice. Most riders are happy enough with a small/medium saddle bag unless they are going on a 600k+ or expect large changes in weather. If you like to get stuff out of your bag frequently while on the bike a handlebar bag might be better. Some people prefer to have extra weight in front of them and they too prefer handlebar bags.

But unless you are getting a combo rack & bag which clamps onto a carbon seatpost or tube, you should be fine with anything for your bike.

Jake

[Bill Murray]

 Thanks for the replies!!  Not having any reference to draw upon I guess I'll learn during the 300k in June what I'll need and what size /type of carrier to get.