thank you for the help! Sounds like I'll try to adapt some of my old saddle bags to sit on the bike itself and continue with the current bike saddle I have. TigerMom - I have only been at this for about a month, so yes I guess I am lucky to not have other issues I may try some padding, yet I'm afraid of chaffing. I'll post photos of the adapted bags once I get them done. This is fabulous!!