Fantastic high quality saddlebags for all bikes

[Schwinny]

I rarely get an opportunity to gush on high quality or good value or .... American made any more.
You know the score, those days are gone.
Since these three together are such a rare quantity anymore, I feel compelled to mention this publicly.

I read a few satisfied accolades on BF a few months back about a certain brand of bike bags. I looked them up and was intrigued as to the entire situation.

• Small batches
• Hand made
• Us made
• a couple by themselves making a go of it.
• a promise of top quality and unique design.

All goals met.
If you want the entire package, get in line for an Acorn Bag. They are THE BEST.
Notice in the pics, the perfect fit, the shape that does not protrude, the over-the-top quality of the materials and assembly.
I have gone through many bags looking for one I liked, most, including Carradice and other high-end makers all have things about them I don't like.
This bag corrects and exceeds in all aspects.
I just can't say enough.
This is their small saddlebag. I don't have need for much bigger but this one will carry all the standard necessities.
(I think I'm going to get a medium size also as as a standby just in case I get an itch for a longer trip)
acornbags.com
I am not affiliated in any way. Just happy to have one.

 

[SirMike1983]

I have several of their small saddle bags - excellent quality. Their saddle bags tend to narrow a bit at the front to allow leg clearance. This helps eliminate the problem some of the bags get where they start to move around and bounce off the backs of your legs as you ride.

I started using them about 2-3 years ago as an alternative to the Carradice Zipper Roll (similar price point) and the Banjo Brothers Barrel (a more economy level bag). I liked the first one I got enough that I've been buying them periodically ever since. The best "bang for the buck" bags under $100 are the Acorn Small Saddle Bag and the Carradice Zipper Roll. The Acorn is a more compact and structured bag, and the Zipper Roll is a looser bag with more width. I like the Banjo Brothers Barrel as my "economy/entry level bag" pick, at an even lower price point. The step up to the Acorn from the entry level bags is substantial and worth the money if you can swing it.

Review: Acorn Bags Small Saddle Bag

A blog devoted to vintage bicycle repair and cycling in general.

bikeshedva.blogspot.com

 

[Jesper]

Are they natural fiber canvas or synthetic? Are they waterproof? The thiiiccck straps and construction impress me.

 

[SirMike1983]

They say their canvas is a "heritage" material known as "MARTEXIN "Original Wax" cotton canvas. American manufacturer since 1838". It sounds as if it's a cotton-based product. It feels in the hand like an old-school, heavy canvas. It's a heavier fabric than the economy ($50 and under) level bags I've used. The canvas has a thin coat of wax so it's water-resistant. It's not fully water-proof in the sense it could be submerged. For that level of water exposure a synthetic bag might be better.

Small Saddlebag

Modest in size but big on features. Our Small Saddlebag is perfect for your snacks, sunscreen and toolkit...with enough extra room for a spare tube or two. Compact tapered shape sits tight under your saddle—no swaying. Details that create a robust, less saggy bag: “Pass-through” straps pull the...

www.acornbags.com

 

[Jesper]

They say their canvas is a "heritage" material known as "MARTEXIN "Original Wax" cotton canvas. American manufacturer since 1838". It sounds as if it's a cotton-based product. It feels in the hand like an old-school, heavy canvas. It's a heavier fabric than the economy ($50 and under) level bags I've used. The canvas has a thin coat of wax so it's water-resistant. It's not fully water-proof in the sense it could be submerged. For that level of water exposure a synthetic bag might be better.

Small Saddlebag

Modest in size but big on features. Our Small Saddlebag is perfect for your snacks, sunscreen and toolkit...with enough extra room for a spare tube or two. Compact tapered shape sits tight under your saddle—no swaying. Details that create a robust, less saggy bag: “Pass-through” straps pull the...

www.acornbags.com

Thanks Mike! That level of water resistance should be fine. I have some side bags that are waxed (bees wax) and they work well. Thankfully I have not submerged a bike since I was a kid (and got my dad's wrath for doing so!). I do like the design as you showed in the photos so looks like I'll order a couple (small and medium) to start with and go from there.

 

[bikerbluz]

Thanks all for the info, gonna order me one

 

[Schwinny]

I liked the small saddlebag so much, I got a medium also. Good stuff.

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

Nice bags. Back in the day at SSW we sold Kirkland Bags, as one of our accessory lines. They were very high quality and held up well. We also sold Blackburn aluminum welded racks. Blackburn made various front and rear racks. They offered a "low mount" front panier rack that was my favorite.

I seem to remember a chrome plated steel front rack the "slipped on" (under the stem/over the handlebar) and my guess is that it was made by Park Tool? I have one with a Kirkland bag. The same company also made a slip-on rear bag support that slipped onto the seat stays and the mounting point was heavily plastic dipped for protection. That slip-on rear bag support would be perfect with the new bags shown above.

John