Carradice Super C Rack Bag

Saddle bags have been popular for years, although many now use Rack Top bags. Whereas a saddle bag fits widthways across the bike, pannier top bags fit along the pannier rack and many now use these in preference as they feel they are more convenient to use, look neater and are more streamlined.

Carradice of Nelson, Lancashire, make the ‘Super C Rack top bag‘. Requiring no bag loops, it simply just sits on top of the pannier rack, a Velcro strap and seat pin elastic securing sufficiently. Carradice stick with their tried and tested ‘Cotton Duck’ material which has proved over years to be waterproof and extremely durable. ‘Cotton Duck’ can withstand literally years of daily use. I used a ‘Cotton Duck’ Nelson Longflap Saddlebag (18L) saddlebag on my commute bike for over twenty years and even then I only stopped using it as it looked shabby; that in effect translates to nearly fifty years of using and enjoying Carradice bags! Like the Nelson saddle bags the Rack bag that I now use do not have comparatively delicate features like vulnerable zips, I see that as a huge positive as in my personal experience zips failing are often the demise of many items I have owned.

The Super C Rack Top is 36.5cm long, 21 cm high and 16cm deep with 13 litres capacity. It boasts a single large compartment, accessed by a flap-over lid. An internal draw cord cover makes this a weather resistant overnight or day ride bag. It also has one external rear pocket making a handy compartment for a compact camera or tube and mini tool kit.

Although ‘Cotton Duck’ is waterproof, technically the construction isn’t, as the seams are not taped. In reality however the material expands when wet closing the stitch holes to make the bag watertight. I recall touring in the Picos de Europa in Spain one very hot summer. Wanting to ride through the Spanish siesta time (still a 'thing' back then), I decided to take a couple of two litre plastic bottles full of water in one my Super C panniers, one bottle split and the pannier impressively held the water just like a bucket.

In all cases, no matter what bag you use, I'd still personally recommend that vulnerable items are carried in their own waterproof bag or container; moisture is in the air after all, plus bags can sweat at bit, especially in hot showery conditions. In conclusion this is quite simply a superb product and one of the few items in the cycle industry that still made in Britain. I have used this bag on both bikes since 2002 and they are still going strong, how many products these days can boast such longevity; impressive, very!

www.carradice.co.uk

Carradice Super C Rack Bag (13L)

Carradice Super C Handlebar Bag (5L)

Carradice Westmoreland Works, St Mary's St, Nelson, Lancs, BB9 7BA UK  (+44) 01282 615886  info@carradice.co.uk

Written and reviewed by Paul Smith in 2002 for roadcyclinguk.com