Review: Carradice Cambrian Lightweight Saddlebag QR

I’ve always enjoyed a long ride into work, and when Carradice’s new saddlebag came my way, I hoped it might be an improvement over a one-sided pannier or a sweaty rucksack. It proved to be just the right size for a small laptop, a change of clothes, tools and lunch.

It’s a lined, roll-top bag made from 100% waterproof Cordura fabric. It closes with a flap over the roll-top, and while it has no outer pockets, it has a bungee for attaching a jacket to the top. A jaunty orange lining offsets the plain black exterior.

At 530g, the Cambrian itself is barely heavier than a minimalist rucksack, and while £97 isn’t cheap, it’s about par for the course (and Cycling UK members can claim a 15% discount).

But it will only attach to your bike with a Bagman saddle rack which, while elegant, adds another 404g and £79.95. (That’s for the QR version tested here, which anyone removing the bag frequently would want.)

That total of £177 and 934g is only slightly lighter and fractionally cheaper than a lightweight pannier and a minimalist pannier rack from premium brands like Tubus and Ortlieb.

The good news is that the Cambrian is lovely on the road. There was no unwanted movement with my 4kg load, just a little shock-absorbing bounce, and no noise if I’d packed my kit sensibly.

It’s easy to get things in and out of while it’s attached to the rack, and it can be cinched down if you’re not carrying much, which is an advantage over a half-empty pannier.

Although nominally 16 litres, I found that the Cambrian had only around 11 litres of usable internal space with the roll-top rolled once and clipped closed.

Other criticisms? An inner pocket might be nice. Aligning the bag with the quick-release rack was frustrating sometimes, and the quick-release levers didn’t feel entirely smooth – although they caused no trouble during my test.

Verdict

I found the Cambrian smaller and fiddlier to attach than I expected. But overall it’s a pleasing companion for commutes and summer overnighters, and an elegant attachment for even the most streamlined of road bikes.

Other options

Ortlieb Seat-pack QR £168.50

Super-stable bikepacking-style 13−litre waterproof seat pack, with built-in mount. Only 626g. (Members get 10% off.)

Cycling Double Pannier Rack Backpack £69.99

Quite a different proposition: a backpack that zips out into double panniers, including padding for a laptop. Very warmly reviewed.

First published in Cycle magazine, August/September 2025 issue. All information correct at time of publishing.