Commuting luggage without panniers

[TheInternet]

In order to enable me to buy a new road bike I need to crack the matter of commuting without a rack and pannier bag. Last time I looked, 4/5 years ago, the only other options were rucksack, which I do not want, or a Carradice. Now we have had the advent of the bikepacking fad it seems there are a number of alternative, large saddle bags.

Can anyone recommend something which is saddle or seatpost mounted which would accept an A4 sized laptop, trousers/shirt and modest sundries without being too large/heavy duty? A Carradice may still be the best option. Next best would perhaps be P-Clips but I'm reluctant to use them on a (hopefully) carbon frame.

ETA: I don't need anything particularly waterproof, it'll mostly be a dryish weather thing.

Edited by TheInternet on Friday 18th May 13:01

[TwistingMyMelon]

You can get seatpost clamp pannier racks

I had one, it was ok, not sure id trust it with a laptop

Or somthing like this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/topeak-roadie-r...

Personally I try and avoid taking my laptop on bike as its too heavy/too much of a risk,

Personally (and I did in past) would just pick up a cheap SH hybrid for about £100 and use than with a propper mounted pannier rack

[TheInternet]

I have a several perfectly good bikes for the task but would like a newer and shinier one. Not very interested in seatpost clamp style racks, would like something lighter with the package not hanging to one side.

Just looking at Alpkit stuff (Koala), but seems like it may be too insubstantial...

[Barchettaman]

The bigger seatpost-mounted bags don’t generally like carbon seatposts, which your shiny new steed may well have.

If you’re going to swap it out for an alu post then that opens up a boatload of possibilities.

Best of luck whatever you end up getting!

[bigdom]

As someone who commutes all year round, I’m fairly convinced what you’re after doesn’t exist. You could cover the clothing angle with bike packing bags; the laptop would be a no. You’d be back on rucksack for that.

I cannot see any option apart from 2 bikes, if you don’t want panniers on a road bike - I’ve done that, albeit not carbon. I now just run different bikes, larger tyres are nice for commuting, rack, mudguards, ortlieb panniers, it just works.

[TheInternet]

Any particular reason a laptop won't work with the bikepacking options? Mine's little bigger than an A4 pad.

As for other bikes, I have two nicely equipped commuters for bad weather etc., but would like to be able to use a 'best' one for it too as it's the bulk of my mileage.

[bigdom]

It would be too wide to fit in a saddlebag, I believe the weight of it would just swing inbetween your legs on a frame bag as it would be difficult to make it secure. The other option is handlebars, not sure it will fit that either.

https://www.apidura.com/shop/

Probably best to go to your local dealer and see if any would work.

[Treb0r]

For the last two years I have used a Carradice SQR slim for commuting - it has been excellent.
I even used it on a CAAD5 touring in the Pyrenees
It is much quicker to clip/unclip than a backpacking style bag and I think it has the capacity you need. It also acts as a rear mudguard to stop spray going up your back.
Occasionally Carradice sell seconds from their shop on eBay.

[LeadFarmer]

Lomo do some decent waterproof gear mostly for sailing, but they also do a large saddle bag..

https://www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/13l-bike-seatpack-...

[TheInternet]

LeadFarmer said:

Lomo do some decent waterproof gear mostly for sailing, but they also do a large saddle bag..

https://www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/13l-bike-seatpack-...

Out of stock unfortunately, but it looks good.

I've ordered a 10l Topeak Backloader to see if it's suitable.

[TheInternet]

TheInternet said:

I've ordered a 10l Topeak Backloader to see if it's suitable.

And it's not suitable. Laptop fits fine but strains the bag in a way that doesn't bode well for longevity. Bag sway wasn't great either.

[Gruffy]

You definitely don't want a laptop in a seat pack. Those are for large and light items.

One option, however, could be to get a custom frame bag, if your laptop would fit inside the triangle? It would probably mean you need to relocate bottles (behind the saddle like a triathlete) or fit a water bladder inside the frame bag.

The custom bag is likely to be less expensive than you realise (my Alpkit one was £15 more than their off-the-shelf option) but you can tailor the size and shape to fit your requirements perfectly. If you have a large frame you might even be able to create this around your bottles, possibly with side-entry cages and an adaptor to drop them a bit lower.

A frame bag also keeps the weight of the laptop inside the frame for a negligible impact on handling. Alpkit also offer a waterproof construction. I'm not sponsored by them but I've used their kit for two years and 15,000km of tough riding. It's well made.

[TheInternet]

Thanks, sounds like it's worth exploring. I only use it for commuting so there are no drinks issues. My only concern is side winds, do they affect you significantly more? There's already a hairy bit with standard rear panniers.

Ps. The laptop is not particularly big or heavy, maybe 1.5kg at most.

Edited by TheInternet on Sunday 27th May 13:38

[Gruffy]

With the weight it's more about leverage. Imagine that pivoting around the seat post and suddenly the forces involved become problematic.

I've not found crosswinds to be an issue with a frame pack, probably because the effect is evenly distributed. The issue with crosswinds is twitchiness from the steering front wheel. Unless the wind is strong enough to actually blow you and the bike away (and I've experienced it once in Croatia, with 215kph gusts) then a frame pack is unlikely to give you any issues.

[JPJ]

I've been using a Carradice Slim SQR for years and it does the job brilliantly. Laptop is secure, bag doesn't move around, it's quick to get on/off the bike etc etc.

Bike packing bags are brilliant for their purpose, but it's not really for commuting with a laptop.

[TheInternet]

JPJ said:

I've been using a Carradice Slim SQR for years and it does the job brilliantly.

I sat behind someone with one of these today, looked pretty good. I'm using a cycling backpack for the time being but still looking for a small saddle pack of some sort. 5l would suffice.