Commuting - Good wedge bags?

I was thinking of a Cannondale Fastbag 240 wedge. I searched and found this thread:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=144169

But the version I saw didn't have any such screw housing - they must have seen that thread and taken his advice for the 2006 models :) The new models have two solid looking velcro straps for each rail of the seat and an additional seatpost strap.

All I'd be looking to carry is a wallet, phone, tube, hex wrenches, tire tool, and maybe some powerbars. On many days my load would be even lighter. On rainy or potentially rainy days I'll bust out the backpack to house my raingear and/or change of clothes, but on most days I really only need these simple things (I have the lock mounted on my frame, and could mount the pump there as well).

So my question is do you think that bag is too big for my purposes? I like the idea of a big bag in case I need stop at the store, I don't need to ride around with a plastic bag hanging off one side of my handlebars :)

Any other bag suggestions?

--Illah

I bought a bell a year or two ago off of ebay for $7. It attaches with velcro straps, expands, and has reflective strips. I've been very satisfied, especially considering the price :)

I don't have any idea what the actual model is, sorry

Thanks, I'll keep a lookout.

Also if anyone has pics or can take pics of their wedge bags installed I'd love to see it - especially if you have a big ass bag like the one I'm considering. I don't wanna look ******** or have it be so big it droops down so my rear blinker is aiming at the tire :)

--Illah

Don't get a topeak wedge bag...they are crap. Mine is falling apart and finally the plastic bracket cracked, rendering it useless. Also their customer service is nonexistant.

Jandd makes a variety of well-built wedgie bags, and they hold stuff.

My favorite is the Topeak Aero Wedge (http://www.topeak.com/products/bag_002.html) (also available in a non-QR (http://www.topeak.com/products/bag_001.html) version). I particularly like the fact that it unzips vertically, which provides for easier access (IMO) than with any of the other wedges I've tried. I've been using it for about a year on 3 different bikes (small, medium, and large sizes... the bag, not the bikes ;)), and none show any noticeable signs of wear.

Depending on how bumpy your roads are, its better to carry your phone on you. The jarring can kill it.

Well I ride in street clothes so there's only one pair of pants I need to take my wallet and phone out of. The pants are fine just chilling but streched out and pedaling with my knees coming to within 8" of my shoulders makes them a bit tight! With the phone and wallet in they're quite uncomfortable hunched over like that for any length of time. On the days I wear those pants I guess I'll just have to take my chances...

--Illah

headland makes a molded, rigid wedge bag, doesnt flop around. has a neat little lock mounting system. i got one, never use those floppy cordura things again.

http://www.headlandbike.com/bags/cmt/cmt.htm

here are some good deals (i assume) on cannondale and pedro's wedge bags
http://www.rei.com/outlet/category/22000199.htm?vcat=OUTLET_SSHP_CYCLING_SA

headland makes a molded, rigid wedge bag, doesnt flop around. has a neat little lock mounting system. i got one, never use those floppy cordura things again.

http://www.headlandbike.com/bags/cmt/cmt.htm

Looks good - I might check one of these out. Can't find it locally though which is a drag...something like this I really need to 'try on' with my bike at a shop to see if it's what I want. It's gotta be somewhere around here though, that company is based in the Bay Area.

I can get Cannondale 'pods' locally which looks like the same concept of a rigid bag:

http://www.cannondale.com/accessories/06/model-6B534.html

Anyone try those?

--Illah

Don't get a topeak wedge bag...they are crap. Mine is falling apart and finally the plastic bracket cracked, rendering it useless. Also their customer service is nonexistant.

Same here. In fact the plastic bracket broke today. If I hadn't zip tied it to my seat I would have lost the whole thing.