So I am contemplating on getting some saddlebags but a little lost on the requirements.
I have read that all saddlebags require the brackets and some say its not.
Also I am looking at something expandable like a soft bag cordura or nylon one so its not always bulky. I am going to use it to put my extra clothes in for the gym.
Those look like removable ones. Doesn’t seem like you need brackets, either. Even with me owning a cruiser I never liked the way old school saddle bags look. In my opinion, it makes every bike look the same. (once again just my opinion). These are nice looking and best of all; look detachable.
those look nice to me. I’m also looking at tank bags, but I think I’ll have to go with ones that lock since I want to leave my gym clothes with the bike while it’s at the train station parking lot all day.
I have heard that tail bags are more likely to throw off the balance of the bike. But if the bag isn’t too big and there isn’t a lot of weight in it I would think it’s an option.
I am a man for the traditional look. I have 11×9.5×6’s on my Vulcan….more then enough room for gym clothes. I was like you and heard contradictions on brackets. Alot of my decision to get the brackets has more to do with my commute. I Drive almost all highway and the back roads have few but tight turns. I neededed to make sure that the bags could stay on at 75+mph for more then an hour plus not get flung into the rear wheel on a tight turn. Just the lay overs give you a high risk of both . The saddlebags I got gives you options even with using brackets. You throw them over then use “quick release” straps that are looped through attached d-rings to be able to take the bags with you. Or you can hard mount them by running the bolt through the bag and bracket. http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=255&L2=261&L3=&L4=&item=TUC_10-8923&tier2=77
The style that I got but ofcourse not the exact ones….mine are studded and don’t have the rear pocket :^( I had to downsize a tad.
Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h
A lot depends on the kind of bike you have.. On Sports type bikes the soft bags seem to be one of the dew options in a REALISTIC price. If you have a cruiser I have seen hard locking saddle bags for under $120(possibly around $100) but they need a frame to be mounted on that you dont have with a sports bike.
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