It’s also heavier (850g) thanks to its rigid structure, a zippered compartment, key fobs, and a couple of internal dividers – all of which makes it feel especially well suited to commuters. There’s a big papaya in there too.Īt 12L in capacity, the Marvin is a little smaller. In reality I expect it’s capable of hauling more, at least on well-graded forest roads, though a modest load would likely fatigue the saddle rails less. Without a rack, the Quick-Lock is officially designed to carry up to 5kg. Otherwise, you can make do as I did with a series of Andrew the Maker’s foam spacer blocks stacked up like casino chips, which created enough space for it no longer to be an annoyance. If it does bother you and you intend to fill your bag to its gunnels, you’re probably best served by fitting a small supporting rack to create some space between your thighs and to help support its weight. This can drive some people nuts, whilst others don’t seem to care at all. It’s something of a balancing act to keep everything in place, so bear in mind that it won’t be something you’ll want to fit and remove too often.Īs a general note, remember too that saddlebags rub against thighs whilst you’re riding, especially when fully packed. I found it easiest to remove the seatpost and stand the saddle upside down. With its simple, overbuilt construction, I’m confident in saying it should last many a year, too.ĭownsides? Fitting the Quick-Lock is a very fiddly affair, best performed by three hands or a dozen dextrous fingers. Here in Oaxaca, it’s seen time bouncing around the potholed dirt roads of my local day loops, conditions that rarely fail to jettison gear that isn’t properly attached.Īside from day-to-day use, I’ve also taken it on overnighter bikepacking trips, across all kinds of terrain – from old-fashioned English bridleways to rocky, roughstuff descents – and there was never a question that it wouldn’t stay put. The handle feels good in the palm (especially the beech version) and the stainless steel mount is very solid. But it makes up for its heft with a very satisfying, tactile feel. Indeed, with its steel build and chunky handle, the Quick-Lock can’t claim to be the lightest option on the market weight weenies need not apply. No stranger to rain, London-based Frost+Sekers see their product as appealing to all-year cyclists, rather than just the fair-weather kind. The stainless steel used in its construction is the same material that’s found in boats, so is very resistant to corrosion. For extra security we also provide a seat-post strap in our kits too,” says Charlie Seker, one of its designers.Īnd it’s solidly made too. It doesn’t rattle and it’s not going to fall out because the handle is under constant pressure from the spring. The handle only comes out if you pull it at the right angle. Once the luggage is locked in it’s super secure. “Basically, the mechanism is a cantilever with an interference fit, when you slide the handle into the mechanism the handle’s U-bend passes over a spring head which holds the handle in place. There’s a reassuring ca-clunk as the handle locks into place. Various devices exist to tackle the lack of saddle eyelet saddle issue (see our Saddlebag Index for examples) but London-based Frost+Sekers’ Quick-Lock uses a system that makes attaching these bags and taking them off a lot more straightforward, too. And on the topic of saddles, they also require a model with special eyelets, like the Brooks series or those from Selle Anatomica. On a more emotive level, they tell a story, as evidenced by the patches their owners love to sew on them.īut compared to panniers and certain seat packs, saddlebags can’t claim to be especially easy to remove from your bicycle’s saddle rails. Their top-loading design and easy-to-pack shape make them supremely practical. Traditional saddlebags – think the venerable Carradice Camper Longflap as a prime example – have stood the test of time for good reason. More recently, I tried out Frost and Sekers’ updated mount, with its waxed cotton cover handle, and the smaller Marvin saddlebag – as per the images from Mexico. But the original beech one – as sanded and oiled by a carpenter in Bristol, no less – is still available as a special order. Note that the pictures taken in the UK feature the version with the wooden handle, which has since been replaced by a less costly fabric cover. When I was last in the UK – that would be pre-pandemic – I had the opportunity to try out a Frost+Sekers’ Quick-Lock with an accompanying Otis saddlebag.
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