Review: Acorn Bags Small Saddle Bag

 

I recently picked up a couple examples of the Acorn brand "Small Saddle Bag". This bag is canvas and leather, with a zipper closure and pull-over external flap. 

This bag is a nice balance of quality and price. It comes in as a more expensive bag than the Banjo Brothers Barrel Bag, but smaller and less expensive than the Carradice saddle bags. It's a mid-range bag above the budget area of the market, but below the luxury level.

 

The canvas is thick, and the leather is substantial on this bag. The straps that come with the bag are pretty heavy duty. The canvas and leather are appropriately colored, without serious fading or staining anywhere. The bag is available in a couple of colors, including black (this one) and medium brown. This black and tan bag goes nicely with the tan leather saddle on this 1942 Schwinn New World three speed bike.

 

This bag is also nice because it has an "under the springs" type shape that drops in nicely between the bottom of the saddle, top of the rear fender, and the seat post. It's perfect for those bikes where you raise the saddle up a little, giving you a little more storage than is offered by the Banjo Brothers Barrel Bag (the Banjo Brothers Barrel Bag itself is an excellent, compact option for riders on a budget).

 

I give the Acorn Small Saddle Bag a hearty thumbs-up. It captures a vintage look, is made with good quality materials, and drops in nicely between the budget-minded Banjo Brothers, and the more luxurious and larger Carradice offerings.