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Touring Bag
A type of under-the-saddle bag popular in the British Isles. It attaches to special loops at the rear of the saddle, and also has a strap which wraps around the seatpost. Sometimes there is a special bracket instead to attach the bag to the saddle. This is necessary when the saddle does not have loops or has flimsy plastic loops, but it also allows the bag to be removed and replaced more quickly, and can keep a large bag up off the rear tire.
Traditional British touring bags are roughly cylindrical (oriented crossways-no attempt is made to make them aerodynamic) though they add little drag, because they are behind the cyclist. They come in a range of sizes, usually with a large main compartment and a small pocket at each end. They also feature metal rings on top of the flap to which the rider can strap a rolled-up rain cape, in case the rain stops.
Major brands are Brooks, Carradice, Karrimor and Zimbale. The better-quality bags are made of heavy black canvas, with gray"chrome" leather straps and corner reinforcements. In the USA, Dill Pickle Gear makes nice touring bags to order.
Most Brooks saddles have strong, steel bag loops. It may be necessary to rotate the springs of a sprung saddle so the straps will feed through easily past the coils. Loops can eventually cut through the straps, though some have smooth metal inserts. Brooks sells the eyelets, replacement part BYB 323, which will fit bag loops with a long, narrow (not triangular) slot.
A saddle without eyelets. The sharp edges of the bag loops
can cut bag straps.
A saddle retrofitted with eyelets.
Rotating the springs can make it easier to insert bag straps
on a saddle with springs.
Filing the loops smooth can help. Carry a pair of extra toe straps to use as replacement straps, just in case.
Pop quiz: what's wrong with this picture?
Answer: the straps are threaded onto the springs, rather than through the bag loops -- but also, for the greatest stability, the buckles should be inside the bag, allowing it to be snugged up against the bag loops.
Straps inside bag.
Bag snugged up against loops.
Still, these bags are not ideal for cyclists who like to stand up and thrash their bicycles from side to side while climbing, due to sway. For the cyclist with a smooth riding style, these bags offer a good option for carrying a sizeable load on a bicycle which lacks pannier racks -- or to provide extra capacity.
This type of bag is currently enjoying a resurgence of popularity.
In case you might possibly have other questions about the picture, a further explanation is available.
