So I'm looking at getting a set of saddle bags for my bike. I was hoping those of you out there had some wisdom & opinions to share on the subject. I'd prefer some of the smaller sized ones, 'cause I don't really need a ton of space. Really just looking to get my rain suit, windbreaker, and glove storage out of my backpack and onto the bike. Now I haven't sized any of these, so they may not even fit my bike but these are the ones I'm interested in.
I like these and there price:
http://www.buywillieandmax.com/pd_sb801_raptor.cfm
http://www.buywillieandmax.com/pd_sb301.cfm
I like these, but I'm not sure I want to pay quite so much:
http://www.foxcreekleather.com/85.html
Again, any info and opinions will be appreciated.
Hi Daniel,
The Magna is tricky because the pipes are so high, you don't have a lot of room for most traditional-sized bags.
I see you're in Houston so you might want to check out this shop.
http://www.magnaownersoftexas.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=362
Johnny stocks about 15 to 20 different pair of bags. It's great because you can go hold them up to your bike and really see what they look like, or Johnny will hold them up so you can step back and walk around the bike. :)
He has some nice angular Saddlemen bags which are on my to-get list. And he also stocks the ghost brackets with let you take the bags on & off your bike without the traditional saddle bag brace.
He'll be less than MSRP but you can probably find the bags cheaper on-line. However, if Johnny helps me find product I always buy from him simply because he saved me the hassle of ordering something that may not work. There's a lot to be said about seeing it on the bike first, and I'm willing to pay a little extra.
I've have heard good things about the Leatherlyke bags because they're hard and they lock, but they're expensive, around $400 I think. Moot also has a 10% discount with Fatmax (www.fatmax.com/magna/magna.htm) who carries some nice fiberglass bags. The only problem I have with hard bags is the potential for damage if the bike ever gets dropped. I hate to have one more thing that can cost me $$.
If all you want is the wet weather gear storage, then get a fork bag works great and will cost you less.