I too have the original Bagman. It gets used periodically, and just for work commutes (20kms a day). I haven’t had any issues to date as mentioned above, but I appreciate the tips for if/when it fails. Seems to be an easy fix though.

In regards to the Bagman 2, I considered it, but there are a few issues I have with it. Firstly , it’s a lot uglier than the original with the extra supports. Secondly, it’s aluminium rather than stainless steel. I’d much rather have stainless. 3rdly, it only comes in black, this is of course only a personal issue, but I prefer silver.

Yes, the Bagman 2 would be stiffer and most probably has fixed a couple of design faults that comes with the original, but I’m happy with the original, and in fact plan on buying another without the Q/R function to fit to another bike. Reason for not buying the Q/R option is that I don’t like the look of it sitting under a Brooks saddle which has the loops, which are tailor made for the Carradice bag straps.

So, it’s either another ‘original’ Bagman or, I’m going to go a different route and try something different like a front rack such as a minimalist design VO Pass Hunter rack or an undecided as yet porteur rack.