annoyed with banjo bros. - need alternative...

[AngryScientist]

so i had ordered what looked to be a decent, yet inexpensive saddle bag from Banjo Bros. - looked like this:

http://www.banjobrothers.com/structure/products/minnehaha-bags/hahab-05001-med.jpg

it appeared to be just the right size and look i was interested in. after a week, i checked the status online, and find that the shipping status is "searching for discontinued item". apparently they are discontinued, and no stock exists, so they are searching other distributors?? ***? this would be fine if the status was clear before i ordered. whatever. order cancelled.

i want another bag similar to this one, but i need it asap. ideally, i would like one of the beautiful acorn bags, but the order process for them is, basically waiting. i'm on their list and will probably order something when they make it, but i need something sooner rather than later.

i dont want a modern looking synthetic bag for this bike, i want classic styling, and rugged construction. handmade by a real person would be a nice bonus. again, something available NOW is a must.

i found "frost river" bags, made in duluth mn, and they look great, but cant find bag dimensions, i need a relatively small bag, since i ride a small frame, and the distance from the saddle to rear tire is limited, they are handmade, and look nice:

http://www.frostriver.com/images_product/381_bikesm.gif

anyone have anything from them? carridice is another option, and i have some other good leads from my last handlebar bag thread. ideally i will get an acorn bar bag when they are available, need a behind saddle bag now.

i want to be able to carry a tightly bundled pair of street clothes - shorts, tshirt, flip flops, a few tools, arm and knee warmers. ultra light credit card tour set-up.

thoughts?

[soupless]

I've been really impressed with the Carradice bags i've seen, especially the pendle. It might be a bit big for you, but they make smaller ones.

Know for a fact there's a couple of places in the city (Adeline Adeline, Bespoke Ft. Greene) that have them in stock.

Velo Orange Croissant
Riv's Brand V might do.

[FlashUNC]

I'd imagine you've already considered this, but given any thought to a rear rack with some small panniers? Might give you some more flexibility.

[Nooch]

Nick, I'm surprised you had an issue with banjo bros -- have you spoken to them? Their customer service, as far as my interactions, has been fantastic. Usually via e-mail, so don't know about calling them..

I love their mini seat bag, have one on all my bikes..

[sc53]

I'm in the same boat as you, ride a small frame (50 cm) and like the vintage bag look. I have a Carradice Barley bag that is perfect, it's olive green with honey brown leather straps etc. I usually use it with a "Bagman" hoop that attaches to your saddle rails and supports the bag from below, which you would need if you're going to carry that much clothing plus flip flops. Another option is Velo Orange, they make a saddlebag that looks exactly like the ones you pictured, and they ship fast (if the bag's in stock). Also--Bike Shop Hub carries the Banjo Bros bags, I just ordered one yesterday (not the one you're looking for, a rack trunk bag instead). Check if they are in stock there.
http://www.bikebagshop.com/banjo-brothers-minnehaha-small-saddle-bag-p-2636.html

Here's the Barley:
http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/08/carradice-barley-perfect-saddlebag.html

Here's the Velo Orange:
http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/bags-panniers/vo-crossaint-saddle-bag.html

[AngryScientist]

that carridice barley looks pretty good, and it's good to know it fits a 50 cm bike, like i have:)

even better on the suggestions for places that have them in the city. i know where i'll be saturday morning!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K3LsaGxYIZg/SoGdn2gW54I/AAAAAAAAAx4/mwY1K23F7Xs/s400/carradice_moto1.jpg

[soupless]

I was just there, and Adeline Adeline has the pendle. Bespoke has the pendle and a smaller one.

[AngryScientist]

I was just there, and Adeline Adeline has the pendle. Bespoke has the pendle and a smaller one.

just called them at the shop, they are in stock, thanks!:hello:

[Fixed]

that carridice barley looks pretty good, and it's good to know it fits a 50 cm bike, like i have:)

even better on the suggestions for places that have them in the city. i know where i'll be saturday morning!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K3LsaGxYIZg/SoGdn2gW54I/AAAAAAAAAx4/mwY1K23F7Xs/s400/carradice_moto1.jpg

That looks very nice IMHO
Cheers. Remember those brake leavers used to come on cheap bikes
Fenders and rack too

[charliedid]

so i had ordered what looked to be a decent, yet inexpensive saddle bag from Banjo Bros. - looked like this:

http://www.banjobrothers.com/structure/products/minnehaha-bags/hahab-05001-med.jpg

it appeared to be just the right size and look i was interested in. after a week, i checked the status online, and find that the shipping status is "searching for discontinued item". apparently they are discontinued, and no stock exists, so they are searching other distributors?? ***? this would be fine if the status was clear before i ordered. whatever. order cancelled.

i want another bag similar to this one, but i need it asap. ideally, i would like one of the beautiful acorn bags, but the order process for them is, basically waiting. i'm on their list and will probably order something when they make it, but i need something sooner rather than later.

i dont want a modern looking synthetic bag for this bike, i want classic styling, and rugged construction. handmade by a real person would be a nice bonus. again, something available NOW is a must.

i found "frost river" bags, made in duluth mn, and they look great, but cant find bag dimensions, i need a relatively small bag, since i ride a small frame, and the distance from the saddle to rear tire is limited, they are handmade, and look nice:

http://www.frostriver.com/images_product/381_bikesm.gif

anyone have anything from them? carridice is another option, and i have some other good leads from my last handlebar bag thread. ideally i will get an acorn bar bag when they are available, need a behind saddle bag now.

i want to be able to carry a tightly bundled pair of street clothes - shorts, tshirt, flip flops, a few tools, arm and knee warmers. ultra light credit card tour set-up.

thoughts?

Frost River is as good as it gets.

[fiamme red]

The Dill Pickle small saddlebag is hand-sewn by Emily O'Brien, of fixed-gear long-distance cycling fame:

http://www.dillpicklegear.com/?page_id=339

[christian]

Angry - I have a green Barley. If you want to borrow it for a few weeks/months, just let me know.

You can pick it up in NYC during the week, or in Chappaqua, NY on the weekend, or I can mail it to you. Or I can leave it with some NYC forumite tomorrow and you can pick it up from them on the weekend, maybe?

BTW, if I wanted a bag shaped like the first one you showed, I'd get a Berthoud: http://www.wallbike.com/berthoud/saddlebags/berthoud-saddlebag-0

[AngryScientist]

Angry - I have a green Barley. If you want to borrow it for a few weeks/months, just let me know.

You can pick it up in NYC during the week, or in Chappaqua, NY on the weekend, or I can mail it to you. Or I can leave it with some NYC forumite tomorrow and you can pick it up from them on the weekend, maybe?

BTW, if I wanted a bag shaped like the first one you showed, I'd get a Berthoud: http://www.wallbike.com/berthoud/saddlebags/berthoud-saddlebag-0

wow, thanks for the offer Christian. I'm going to go check one out in person this weekend @ bespoke, but if they dont have when i'm looking for, i'll take you up on it! I would like to get some riding in Westchester this fall anyway, looks like some nice roads up your way.

[christian]

Let me know when you want to come up. I've got some great dirtphalt routes planned out.

[Nooch]

Let me know when you want to come up. I've got some great dirtphalt routes planned out.

oh, can I get in on that? Westchester Ramble, anyone?

[sc53]

I LOVE dirtphalt rides! I have friends in Ossining, is that anywhere near you? Oh, and do you ramble, or RACE? [I ramble]

[christian]

Ossining is like 4 miles, so a little far, but we could probably meet in the middle? :) I ramble on social rides, go hard by myself.

[559Rando]

I have a Berthoud that's worked very well.
Frost River used to make bags for Riv years ago, but I believe there was some sort of falling out. Anyway, I think some of the designs they still sell are old Riv designs. I might have some of this Frost River/Riv history incorrect, but I'm 80% sure.