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Saddle Bags
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Does anyone have a good recommendation for a saddle bag that is durable, doesn't move around a lot and an fit a spare tube, multi tool, tyre levers, co2 canister and valve in it but is not massive?
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Also, security is important. I don't want everything to fall out of it through rough terrain.
Topeak and Specialized are good. I always add my own security to the zip regardless of the bag.
Such as? I was thinking a zip tie but makes it hard when you actually need something out of it. Paperclip or something maybe?
The topeak one I have has the quick release straps on both sides. I just got a small piece of elastic made a loop through the zipper and the side strap goes though this. I'll post a pic tonight which will make sense. Makes it easy to still get in and keeps it firmly closed.
Apologies for the small thread hijack, but... why are you looking for a saddle bag? Is it because you don't ride with a backpack?
Just I think most people thought or tried a saddle bag but changed their mind and went back to putting everything in their backpack. Well - if they always wear a hydration pack that is. At least that's what I did.
Reasons for not liking saddle bag use off road: get's filthy and wet quickly, rubs/catches on shorts, doesn't hold much compared to a backpack, another item to forget/loose/break, etc.
I use both and don't have issues with it rubbing on my kit. My camelbak is pretty minimal but I do carry some stuff in there as well.
Tioga small, wider than depth - holds 29r tube, multi tool, tyre levers, c02+valve, tyre and tube patches, key, Derailleur hanger and zip ties. Had it for about 10 years so it has lasted
. Key is held by an internal sprung hook. Zip goes under the retaining saddle straps so doesn't come undone.
Specialized I've had for 2 to 3 years, narrow and deeper - holds similar to above but is more crowded and harder to get things out.
PS: had Topeak one and it fell to bits after 6 months
Prefer the wider with less depth to the narrower but deeper as can access items easier.
Tip: (not that you need one) wrap tube in a cloth and make sure sharp objects don't rub against it.
Was just thinking of not taking the backpack when doing shorter afternoon/night rides where I really only need a small water bottle. I was thinking as small as possible so that rubbing would not be an issue.
All you have to do is with the ones that have a velcro strap that goes around the seat post, cut it down so the excess doesn't stick out as that would normally rub the inside of your leg. After you cut it just burn the end to stop it fraying
I'm thinking this might be the one for me. Waterproof and not overly large.
http://www.topeak.com/products/bags/wedgedrybag_...
Undecided on whether I really need the quick release style where you can just take the whole bag off if you need to use it while riding. Seems unnecessary to me.
I've been tempted by this concept, http://www.backcountryresearch.com/ but my full-sus Anthem only takes one one bottle so I've stuck with the hydro pack for now. Plus just having everything in one pack and not having to think too hard is always good.
I've got the standard top,peak wedge on both my mtb's. Small size fits a tube (26 or 29), tyre levers, multiple tool, chain link, ibuprofen (just in case) and a $20 note. The only thing I put in the camelback is a small pump. That way it keeps weight off my back (in longer races - 12hr etc) I'd carry a 3ltr pack so keeping everything else off ,my back helps reduce fatigue.
It also means for a quick lap or two of the dam I can just grab a water bottle (in my jersey or bottle cage) and don't need to worry about trying to pack spares as well
The top peak seems to attach well and doesn't rub. I had a fox one before and it was terrible (couldn't get it to stop banging around which annoyed me, scratched the seat tube and eventually wore a hole in the inner tube that was inside!).
I used to carry everything in the camelback, but now I won't look back from a small saddle bag.
I did look at the straps linked above - but you can't carry much more than a tube and a pump, plus it exposes the tube to damage (chafe etc), whereas a bag protects it more.
Re the waterproof option - the normal wedge seems to cope fine - the only time I got the contents wet was during last years husky 100, but then everything I owned was wet and muddy after that race!!
I've got a 15 year old fox saddlebag, that is like new, and has copped an absolute hammering.
I just ditched a 12 mth old topeak bag, that had 3 holes in it,
Had one on each bike, so it wasn't used all the time. sadly they just don't make things like they used to. I have a vintage camelback, and a more recent one, the old one is still going strong, although showing signs of wear, the new one I doubt will last half as long.
mate I find the Specialized bags heaps good...use on all my 3 bikes....i think you need the wedgie from memory to fit what you want in ?
If you've got a Fizik saddle their small clip in bag is good. Easy to remove, compact and the zippers not coming undone. I have a tube, levers, and CO2 squeezed in one and it's a great little pack
I have used these bags on the road. While I think they are sort of OK for that, wouldn't trust one off-road.
The plastic clip is a bit flimsy and broke on the large size bag I had.
Am now using the small size, but you won't get much MTB relevant gear in there. It's good enough for a road tube, 2 x CO² cartridges, micro-inflator, 2 x tyre levers & a packet of emergency patches.
IIRC, the larger bag could fit quite another tube and a large multi-tool too.
Have you noticed that loads of people at races just use electrical tape to... erm... tape stuff to their seatpost, etc.
I have noticed that and to be honest at races I tend to do the same. But for everyday trail riding I just find it easier for preparation after work if everything is just there and ready to go. I don't want to have to check tape is all good and etc. I used to have a canister that went in the bottle rack but it is no good if I want to forget the hydro pack because I can't fit another bottle cage on my bike, well that I am aware of.
Just what I was looking for as I've recently moved to racing with bottles and with a seat-post mounted bottle I needed to find an alternative for strapping tube and tools to the frame. I had to pay a premium for shipping to get them here in time for the fling but they offered up a nice sweetener in recognition of the extra cost.
The straps turned up today and quality looks excellent.
go lezyne mate
perfect fit of a lightweight tube, multitool, co2 cannister and a patch kit with levers
not had any issues so far and i have done some borderline freeride riding with it
the best one l had it made by bake bag dune all bbd
+1 for what Jonny said. I use the Topeak Aero Wedge Pack DX and I can fit a spare lightweight tube, 3x tyre levers, multi-tool spare derailuer hanger, 2 sets of quick links, and on the Cape to cape I put in a 15ml bottle of squirt lube. pump stays in my 3L camel back which is good for long ride or just fill it up with 1L of water for short rides.
It has a quick clip to the underside of the saddle and a strap for around the seat post, you cant go wrong.
I used one of these http://www.backcountryresearch.com/RACE-8545_p_3... for C2C this year. It held a 29er tube, 2x leavers and 2x 25g c02 canisters. It tucks much further out of the way and doesn't get that sway effect some saddle bags can get. I was skeptical at first but am now totally sold on them.
I use the Topeak clip on bag (small) and have CO2 + 2 x carts, multi tool, 2 x levers, chain link & a stick on patch kit (even though I'm riding tubeless) I now have a clip on all of my bike saddles & simply clip the bag to whichever one I'm riding.
For shorter rides I take either a large or small water bottle & for longer rides I use a small camelback Rogue or Race pack & add food, a tube, puncture kit, drop out maybe a mini pump. The saddle bag still comes along.
T
Another option if you don't mind some strange and scornful looks from the peloton is the revelate gas tank.
I use one occasionally for holding food and nutrition related things that I want to get at while on the bike when the jersey pockets are covered by a back pack, but could be used for tools and stuff?
https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store....
Similar to the above is bento box that you can get from Cell Bikes
For short rides where you dont want to use a backpack I usually just rely on jersey or short pockets plus a tool bottle.
I always had issues with saddle bags damaging inside of thighs on knicks.