Hi Everyone,
Thought I would like to have a go at a bit of bike packing and wanted to make my own seat bag.
Is there any particular reason that most seat bags are designed so that they run lengthwise, parallel to the rear wheel?
The fastest and simplest construction will be a straightforward holster, same as most peeps use on handlebars, to hold a dry bag 90 degrees to the rear wheel. I am guessing that this will remove the problems with tail wag etc. Other than a possible aerodynamic disadvantage, which does not bother me as I am not racing, is there any other reason for running the seat bag parallel to the wheel?
All input from those with experience of different types of bags will be much appreciated.
Depends on your application..
The touring style caradice bags are wide, but they're better (not exclusively) suited to non technical terrain; road, gravel, double track, easy non steep single track. I've got an old Rivendell one that I use for my commuter and have toured with it's great for it's intended purpose.
Wide bags are harder to get behind on technical terrain and have the potential to hit your legs. Even the 'standard' sized seat bags from most of the main makers are quite large and can be a challenge to negotiate on technical terrain. All it takes is one 'oh shit I'm going over the bars' feeling on some steep stuff when you're trying to get behind the seat and you end up sitting on your seat bag not able to get your weight further back to let you know.
Your idea would in theory totally work, provided it doesn't hit your legs (can be annoying) or you don't really need to get behind the seat too much. Mock one up and let us know how it goes!
