The CARRADICE Nelson Longflap and Lowsaddle Longflap
	The Carradice saddlebags are a great way to carry small to medium sized loads. The larger ones, like these, are capable of touring service. These two models, from the "Originals" line, are made of waterproof, durable cotton duck with leather straps and reinforcement. They are all natural and very stylish. The Lowsaddle Longflap is on the left, the Nelson Longflap is on the right.
	The Lowsaddle, with a 15 litre capacity, is the smaller of the two bags. It is intended for bikes where there is not enough clearance between seat and tire for the Nelson (18 litres). Two outside pockets facilitate organization and the underside of the lid is lined with blue cotton. Straps can be added on the top to fasten a jacket or other gear.
	The flap can be extended to accomodate bulky loads. These bags attach to the saddle. You must have a saddle with built in bag loops, like many of the Brooks models, or add on loops like the Carradice saddlebag clamp or the SQR Uplift . Read a PRESS REVIEW of the Nelson Longflap Jeff Harris, of the Memphis Hightailers, compares the Nelson LF to a Junior and shows the flap in action on this page.

Mike McGettigan, of Philadelphia's Trophy Bikes, sent us this picture of his nice Surly. Mike has a Nelson Longflap behind his B.17 saddle.

What Correspondants Have Said About The Longflap bags

(Comments, reviews, and essays are welcome and appreciated - especially by other cyclists that are considering one of these saddles.)

"I recently ordered and received a Nelson long flap saddlebag. When I called, I was considering a somewhat smaller bag, but I'm glad you suggested this one. Attached to the B17 and with a small rack for support, it's very secure--works great!"

"I have two Carradice Bags: (a Lowsaddle Longflap and a Cadet). I find these Carradice bags really, really great. They carry a lot, and don't require the weight of a rack and its attaching hardware. Depending on how full they are, you might have some slight "thigh slap". Really slight, perhaps only when you're far back on the saddle on a climb or something. But they don't interfere with your riding, and on longer ventures, Carradice bags enhance your riding by putting the weight under the saddle, rather than above the saddle in your jersey pockets or something. I love them."

"Santa carried a Carradice Nelson Longflap and Bagman Sport rack down the chimney at Christmas. It's now March and they've seen about 600 miles, mostly in cold, snow, freezing rain, and plain ol' miserable 40-degree rain. Last year, I'd done my homework and come to the conclusion that a Nelson Longflap was ideal for self-supported long rides, including a regional brevet series (four early-season rides of 200k-600k). Prepared for the discussion, I was nothing less than eager when Santa's helpers approached me in November."
"What an excellent decision! The bag is large enough to hold everything one needs for a ride starting below freezing and ending above 40*F, plus all the
incidentals one might require far from a town with a bike shop--including food. It's cavernous enough for overnight rides including a change of cycling clothing, and well-built as such to withstand the rigors of "epic" rides. The Nelson Longflap (and Sport rack combination) have allowed me to enjoy all-day rides without the weight and discomfort of a lumbar- or backpack. The two side pockets are perfect for storing oft-needed items, and the strap loops on the bag's top are perfect for stowing a jacket or water bottle with toe-clip straps or velcro."
"Though the bag arrived with its own unique aroma (my wife wouldn't let me keep it inside the house), that quickly dissapated with use. Did I mention it looks great with fenders?"

"I recently bought a Carradice Nelson Longflap. When I opened the package I was surprised to find the bag much smaller than I thought it would be. Thinking it was too small to accomodate my daily commute I attached it to my commuter just to try it. Much to my surprise I found the bag able to handle all (and more) I needed to load in and still give a very comfortable ride. These saddle bags a real epiphany for me. I am a former bike courier now working in the real world. As a former messenger I carried a loaded messenger bag for my commute. Unfortunately I found there is a difference between carrying documents and carrying a change of clothes for work. This saddlebag has made my commute enjoyable, one of the best parts of my day."

"Found a great system to turn a rackless bike into acommuter....or setup for a B&B overnite.
Carradice Uplift that fits onto your seatpost and a Carradice Lowsaddle Longflap Saddle. Even with my 48 cm bike I carried a pair of Dockers,Sweater,Shirt,Pump,Patches,Tube,Cell Phone and wallet. The bag goes on and off the bike easily."

Comments are excerpted from e-mail correspondence with customers and Carradice owners. I have tried to fairly represent the range of comments that I have received about these particular models and I have also tried to avoid taking comments out of context. Parenthetical italicized elements are editorial insertions. -Bill

John Henderson of New York sets up this Bianchi Pista track bike for commuting with a Lowsaddle Longflap hanging from the B.17 Standard.	Jeff Harris has his Nelson LF - Bagman rack - B.17N equipped Surley out in the Memphis snow.	Mike Anderson standing with his 31-year-old Brooks Pro saddle and a Nelson Longflap that happen to be attached to his modern Titanium Bontrager mountain bike.

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Carradice

The shop floor at Carradice. Fabric and leather cutting take place on the right, sewing is done on the left. In the foreground is the area where the cut fabric and small parts are stored in anticipation of being sewn and assembled. Orders are boxed up here to be whisked off to eager customers. Behind us is the small office. Downstairs there is storage.