Saddlebag for... Laptop?

[instantturtle]

Maybe this is a strange question but has anyone had experience using a saddle bag to hold a laptop - specifically MacBook Air?

I’ve looked at Sackvilles from Rivendell but they don’t make the small size anymore that would’ve fit and their current offerings are bigger than I need.

I almost think a Timbuk2 Sonoma saddlebag might work (shoving it diagonally) but don’t have a store near me with one to try out.

I’m seeing if this is even viable as I’m getting tired of commuting with a backpack but wanted to see if this even existed or was feasible before going panniers. With all the new bikepacking gear, MAYBE someone made something like this.


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[moonhoo]

Carradice, and swift industries. Plenty of options from them. Totally viable as I used to do it.

Maybe this is a strange question but has anyone had experience using a saddle bag to hold a laptop - specifically MacBook Air?

I’ve looked at Sackvilles from Rivendell but they don’t make the small size anymore that would’ve fit and their current offerings are bigger than I need.

I almost think a Timbuk2 Sonoma saddlebag might work (shoving it diagonally) but don’t have a store near me with one to try out.

I’m seeing if this is even viable as I’m getting tired of commuting with a backpack but wanted to see if this even existed or was feasible before going panniers. With all the new bikepacking gear, MAYBE someone made something like this.


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[Ken Robb]

What dimensions would you need?

[jr59]

Carradice, and swift industries. Plenty of options from them. Totally viable as I used to do it.

Caradice, is what I used, I would also look at dill pickle too

[mktng]

get a cetma half rack.
strap stuff to the front of your bike.
nice to be able to see your $1200 equipment while riding.
youre also not bound to a cycling specific bag.

[instantturtle]

What dimensions would you need?



MacBook Air - about 13” x 9”.

Thanks for all the suggestions - gonna check out those bags!


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[Ken Robb]

MacBook Air - about 13” x 9”.

Thanks for all the suggestions - gonna check out those bags!


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I think I have a Carradice that size.

[instantturtle]

I think I have a Carradice that size.



Do you have pictures? I’d love to see what it actually looks like in use (versus what it I’m imagining it’d look like). Thanks!


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[Ken Robb]

Do you have pictures? I’d love to see what it actually looks like in use (versus what it I’m imagining it’d look like). Thanks!


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Let me check it for size before I take pix.

[Geeheeb]

I use a Carradice Super-C with the SQR (quick release). Fits my laptops okay, which are just a tad too large for my Wald bag. The Super-C series might not look as cool as the longflap camper but its much easier/faster than the buckles.

Kinda ugly to leave the block on the seatpost, but it works really really well and is just about as fast on/off as possible.

Here it is on my commuter: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jVhXt9Q41GYjTddJ7

[jr59]

Here you go.

Hope this helps

[Ken Robb]

I have an Original Cadet in Black. You can check all the info and pix on Carradice website. I measured mine as 13.5 x 8 plus. The bottom is soft and so is the lid so that measurement is variable. I just put my Macbook Pro with 13" screen in the bag and there was plenty of room for a windbreaker, tubes, etc. I took a couple of pix that I can email to you if you are interested. $40 plus actual shipping unless you want to ride down the coast and pick it up. :)

[jr59]

Here you go.

Hope this helps

Forgot, this is a full 15 in MacBook Pro

[adamhell]

makeshifter outback!

[Ken Robb]

I think the neat pix above show a Nelson model. I have one of those too. That model is like a Cadet with a side pocket added on both sides. I'd sell my Nelson Longflap for $50 plus shipping. The extra pockets are handy to hold stuff you want to be easily accessible like a phone, wallet, camera, etc.

[jr59]

I think the neat pix above show a Nelson model. I have one of those too. That model is like a Cadet with a side pocket added on both sides. I'd sell my Nelson Longflap for $50 plus shipping. The extra pockets are handy to hold stuff you want to be easily accessible like a phone, wallet, camera, etc.

If it meets your needs, buy it. That’s a deal

[Geeheeb]

the nelson will fit on a lot of handlebars too.

[froze]

Why not consider a waterproof courier bag that you would sling over your shoulder? Or a waterproof backpack? You can also get a slim pannier made just for laptops and attach it to the side of the bike even if you don't have rack connections by using tortec P-Clips, or Tubus adapter set for quick release rack mounting system; then get a cheap rack; they also make a rack that has quick release attachments, see: https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Universal-Adjustable-Accessories-Reflector/dp/B07C651714?pd_rd_i=B07C651714&pd_rd_r=19e1710a-0afe-44da-b2bb-37adc5f9269e&pd_rd_w=ncAe5&pd_rd_wg=4b6oC&pf_rd_i=null&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=be4e4b33-ff1d-476e-a827-fb55b7c4763f&pf_rd_r=NQANNTYMYZTSX0FRYZ21&pf_rd_s=loom-desktop-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&qid=1540675714&s=Sports+%26+Outdoors&ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvpv2
I wouldn't expect that rack to hold anywhere near 110 pounds but it will hold a laptop and other lightweight stuff easily. Then attach this: https://www.arkel-od.com/en/commuting-bike-bag.html. This bag is expensive but it's water resistant, however with anything claiming water resistance it's wise to put the laptop in a waterproof bag of some sort before putting it in the pannier just to be safe.

[instantturtle]

Why not consider a waterproof courier bag that you would sling over your shoulder? Or a waterproof backpack? You can also get a slim pannier made just for laptops and attach it to the side of the bike even if you don't have rack connections by using tortec P-Clips, or Tubus adapter set for quick release rack mounting system; then get a cheap rack; they also make a rack that has quick release attachments, see: https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Universal-Adjustable-Accessories-Reflector/dp/B07C651714?pd_rd_i=B07C651714&pd_rd_r=19e1710a-0afe-44da-b2bb-37adc5f9269e&pd_rd_w=ncAe5&pd_rd_wg=4b6oC&pf_rd_i=null&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=be4e4b33-ff1d-476e-a827-fb55b7c4763f&pf_rd_r=NQANNTYMYZTSX0FRYZ21&pf_rd_s=loom-desktop-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&qid=1540675714&s=Sports+%26+Outdoors&ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvpv2

I wouldn't expect that rack to hold anywhere near 110 pounds but it will hold a laptop and other lightweight stuff easily. Then attach this: https://www.arkel-od.com/en/commuting-bike-bag.html. This bag is expensive but it's water resistant, however with anything claiming water resistance it's wise to put the laptop in a waterproof bag of some sort before putting it in the pannier just to be safe.



I already have a commuter backpack (Timbuk2 Especial) but on warmer days I hate having something on my back.

The pannier was a potential Plan C if the saddlebag idea didn’t work though - interesting bike rack!

I saw some old articles on the Salsa Minimalist rack but I see it got discontinued and recalled...!


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[instantturtle]

I think the neat pix above show a Nelson model. I have one of those too. That model is like a Cadet with a side pocket added on both sides. I'd sell my Nelson Longflap for $50 plus shipping. The extra pockets are handy to hold stuff you want to be easily accessible like a phone, wallet, camera, etc.



I’ll PM!


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[froze]

I already have a commuter backpack (Timbuk2 Especial) but on warmer days I hate having something on my back.

The pannier was a potential Plan C if the saddlebag idea didn’t work though - interesting bike rack!

I saw some old articles on the Salsa Minimalist rack but I see it got discontinued and recalled...!


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If you go the pannier route make sure you find out if there is a rain cover available and buy it, again it's added protection like putting the laptop in a waterproof bag then into the pannier, it's all about protecting an expensive laptop from any moisture at all from destroying it.