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

[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...

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.