Monday, August 25, 2008

Show and Tell: Carradice Camper Long Flap

I purchased a Carradice Camper Longflap a few months ago and I love it. It's like having a third pannier on your bike that seems almost infinitely expandable. Before Xtracycle's near perfect Free Radical bags, I'd say that Carradice Longflap and its smaller brethren were the epitome of bike luggage.

This particular model is a "longflap" because it's outer straps can expand to accommodate more stuff! Like a sleeping bag in this case. It also has handy D rings on the outside that allow you to strap things down (like a folding tripod chair, or say a sweater or a bottle of water).



I usually put things I would access fairly often on a tour. Things like food or a light sweater or shirt and some tools. I purchased mine from Peter White Cycles but you can also get it from Wallingford Bicycles. I've purchased things form both merchants and they have been great to work with.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Does it not rub against the back of your legs when you're pedaling?

RussRoca said...

Depends on how much I have in there. On this particular bike it actually rests mostly on the Tubus rack and doesn't rub.

On one of my other bikes it does rubs my thighs. To be honest, you get use to it and it's not a biggie.

2whls3spds said...

I use the Carradice Nelson for general duty use on my Raleigh Superbe It has also served for many a short overnight trip. They do have amazing capacity.

There are a couple of ways to keep it from hitting the back of your legs if it bothers you. Sheldon Brown used a small block of wood and used a longer strap to stand it off at the seat post. You can also use the Bagman Rack I have also seen a small piece of PVC pipe used as a stand off.

Aaron

twodeadpoets said...

Voluminous! I actually think you actually could have also put a spare bike into that bag!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the clarification. And thanks for the site, by the way. I have been enjoying the posts since I found it last week (I think I found it through Cyclelicio.us).

Gino Zahnd said...

Izzat you playing the tunes as well? I dig this tune.

bmike said...

Nice. I posted about my first Camper use over on my blog. I didn't over load it, nor need the long flap... but I was amazed at how much stuff fit in there. S24O coming up... it will see some good use.

Anonymous said...

I've got a Pendle bag but watching your video has convinced me to upgrade to the Camper. It's all the bag I need. The Devendra Banhart soundtrack just seals the deal!

Black camper on its way from Spa Cycles, Harrogate, UK and the green Pendle is now on ebay!

Great blog Russ - keep up the good work.