I’ve stored my sleeping bag and bivy in the Carousel Design Works seat bag. Two years ago, Jeff was alarmed when I told him I was shoving my sleeping bag in there (and barely getting it to close / cinch). But now everyone seems to be doing it. This bag makes the need to run a rear rack questionable at best. I sure haven’t been missing my rack.

I’m using a custom frame bag from Jeff. I use it to carry a 4 or 6 liter DromLite bag for extended stretches without water. Also windbreaker, sunglasses, hat&gloves, ditty bag, etc. The weight of the water is low and centered, which is nice, and it gives me more water capacity for less weight than if I used the 3 water bottle mounts on the frame.
Jeff did a great job of sizing the frame bag based on the cardboard cut-out of my triangle gap. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy more products from him.

I’ve been using Jeff’s smaller seat bag to store my sleeping bag and it was one of the contributing factors leading me to get ride of my rear rack. It works perfectly and allows me to get back off the seat and ride more technical sections with confidence and no interference.

I just put in an order with Jeff after much searching. Got a frame bag, handlebar bag and medium seat bag coming. Can’t wait!

Jeff at Carousel Design Works made a rear rack top stuffer with outside pockets for me two years ago. The design, materials and workmanship are first rate. It has worked just as I hoped.

On the Divide Ride I had the stuffer out back and two panniers high up front on a Bruce Gordon Mtn rack. The balance was great. My equipment total without water, fuel or food was around 15 pounds.

I have been using the frame and saddle bag for every major ride, including the AZT 300 and the Grand Loop Race. Good stuff. Nothing has ever leaked or torn. I HIGHLY recommend Jeff’s bags. He even adds some fun remarks to your care package when it arrives to really give it a personal touch 🙂

I guarantee I will be using CD bags for many more rides to come….

I got a main triangle bag and seat bag from CDW. Jeff is A true craftsman. The bags are tough and robust. No cheap parts are used. I never had any doubts when trying to zip up an overstuffed bag. One thing i noticed is how stable the seat bag is during out of the saddle peddling is compared to other bags. Jeff has defiantly done his homework and testing to produce a great product. Incredible attention to detail. I highly recommend CDW bags!

I tried to order a set of bags from Jeff. He forgot to send the invoice the first time, and then when I called back, he said he’d get on it. But he forgot again. I sent a reminder email. No reply. Three strikes, you’re out: I guess I’ll be going to call Revelate Designs.

I called Jeff just before the CTR and he had a medium seat bag to my house with the quickness. Also, he has a good taste for jazz music. The bag is just right for a tarptent, phantom 32, toiletries, several bagels and GORE paclite rainpants. I really stuffed this thing and shoved in tent stakes and yanked down the compression straps and I know this is one tough bag made for the longest trips!!

It was a great pleasure to work with him and I really appreciated the card with Chiura Obata’s painting

“before thunderstorm, tuolomne meadow, high sierra, california” (sweet painting, check it out!)

and Edward Abbey’s quote!

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerousm leading to the most amazing view. may your mountains rise into and above the clouds.”

Highly Reccomended!

Maybe he didn’t want to make my bag because he was too busy getting your bag to you before the CTR.

I can’t get the website to function.. can someone email me his email address…
nikoli82003@yahoo.com
Tim

The website works fine for me.

I ordered 2 full sets of backs from Jeff last March. It is now October, 2011 and Jeff has reassured me numerous times that he was close to having my order complete. Now, he does not answer emails or phone calls. In checking the comments above it seems I’m not the only one. Bad business. I will look elsewhere for the gear.

Same for me.
A Saddle Bag ordered AND payed in spring 2012.
Never arrived.
Sent emails to protest, no answer.
Realy bad business.
Went to Revelate Designs through Veloista.

I’ve got a handlebar bag and a seatbag; very nice pieces of kit. It seems like that are more stable than others. The seatbag does loosen slightly from the rails after some rough sections, but that seems to be a universal symptom of all the big seatbags when they’re loaded.
But…it took a couple of emails to just get a response. That said, I got what I paid for, so I guess I’m better off then some in here.

Still waiting for my Saddle Bag.
The money is gone (checked my bank account), but no saddle bag.

sounds like they are out of business

Guys, check out BikeBagDude. Amazing products, pricing and service.

Also, a fairly comprehensive list of bikepacking bag makers from all around the globe: https://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/2012/09/19/homegrown-bike-bags/