Finally, a seatbag that isn't too big, too small or too heavy
 

I've always used Carradice saddlebags on my bikes - I prefer the Pendle because it's big enough for all my stuff (Road Morph, patch kit, spare tube(s), levers, multi-tool, leatherman, first-aid kit, lock, rag, saddle cover, spare batteries, roll of duct tape, wallet, cell phone, smokes, headlight, clif bars) plus still has room for my lunch and a jacket. Yeah, I carry a lot of stuff for commuting and long distance rides, I like to be prepared.

Now, after many years, I have a road bike again - no fenders, no rack, nice and light - a sport/recreation bike, not a workhorse like my other bikes. I really don't want to slap the Pendle and it's SQR rack on it - it's probably overkill for what I 'need' to carry, it doesn't really look good on a road bike, and it does tend to flop around some when climbing. So I've been trying literally dozens of seat bags to try to find one that would fit essentials, plus still have room for a jacket and other 'just in case' things, yet be light, decent looking and secure.

Until now, every seat bag has been too small, about 240 cubic inches tops (more like 120 in reality), with the exception of the Carradice & Rivendell bags, which are too big, heavy and bulky for a road bike. I got to thinking about a small rack trunk bag on one of those seatpost-mounted racks...but again, too darn big, ugly and heavy. Then I saw the Nashbar Pack/Rack system and was thinking about trying it...until I stumbled upon a better version of the same system - the Moots Tailgater.

The small rack attaches to the seatpost and is made of titanium - light as a feather. It has two bags, one on the top, one on the bottom, each with about 250 cu in capacity. The top bag has a bungee type tie down and stuff sack. I am able to fit my essentials into the top bag, and stash a jacket, kneewarmers, etc, into the bottom bag. If I the jacket is wet, I can lash it to the top of the top bag. Loaded, it weighs about half of what my Pendle and SQR weigh empty - and it doesn't flop around.

I think I have found close to the perfect bag for those of us who want to do long day tours on a fast, light road bike - bigger than most under-seat bags (about 500 cu in) - smaller, lighter and more secure than Carradice bags - the only thing missing is a way to attach a rear blinkie...but I see some ways I can rig one.

http://www.moots.com/images/tailgator.jpg
http://www.moots.com/ticomp-tailgator.php

Edit: the Nashbar version is a whole lot cheaper, but doesn't seem to have as much capacity, no top bungee/stuff sack and the weight/material of the rack itself is unknown, but I'll include the link for those that don't like the $139 pricetag of the Moots, but want to try something similar.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...20Frame%20Bags

And no, I don't have any connection to or interest in Moots whatsoever. ;)

Thanks for sharing that excellent review. I'll keep this thing on the radar for the day that I don't want to use the rack and Arkel Tailrider.

Nice review on the bag. I was looking for a bag with a retro look. I wanted to hang it off of a Brooks. Somehow nylon doesn't look quite right with a leather seat.

I see you are from OH. Where abouts? I'm in N. Royalton, just south of Clev.

Tim

^^^ Did you know Brooks makes seat bags too?

http://test.nepsecure.co.uk/m/mercia...ound%20180.JPG

Novara Expanding Wedge Seat Bag from REI is pretty good too, but it probably would not be big enough for all the stuff you carry.

Hey Tim,

If you like retro, try a Carradice Barley or the Rivendell Little Joe. The Barley is a little smaller than my Pendle. The Brooks look nice, but hanging a blinkie from one is gonna be kinda tough.

You were prolly my neighbor until last month, when I moved down near Wadsworth. ;)

I have the Nashbar version, purchased it last year for something south of $20. I find it extremely handy for my longer rides.

Holy crap, guys...if you need to drag along that much stuff, just get a trailer!

Bah! I like a big seat bag. They are quite practical for day trips, tools, rain gear and a hundred other uses (including packing a bit of lunch).

Nice review Chipcom.

I really do not understand why there are not more large saddle bags. Seems to me one would want to carry, at minimum a jacket and rain pants (plus the normal repair items) for longer rides. That alone can take up a lot of space.


Thanks for pointing this one out. I just ordered a new computer from Nashbar using the free shipping. I wish you had posted this a day or two earlier. I guess I will wait till their next sale and pick one of these babies up.

If the measurements are accurate then this bag is even larger than my Ortlieb handlebar bag. Nice bag bug frankly, I don't like the idea of it hanging off the the front, unless I am on tour and need the extra space.

Very nice review! I would get one for my road bike if it weren't for the stupid oversized seatpost.

wow! I did not read the end of the review properly. $139 for a nylon bag! That is insane. I won't pay that price. Looks like I might need to settle for a trunk bag or stick with my handle bar bag.

......Nashbar's is only $25......but slightly heavier & smaller capacity

Well, I was just havin' a little fun, but really I just don't see the need for those "steamer trunks" (unless you're doing self-supported overnight touring, or carrying full-on rain gear, or winter-weight jackets).

I regularly do all-day rides in the mountains carrying the following gear:

In my mini seat bag I carry a spare tube, CO2 pump w/3 cartridges, patch kit, tire levers, and sun screen.

In my jersey pockets, I carry a mini-tool, cell phone and cash, food (energy bars, bananas, etc.), jacket, arm warmers, leg warmers, camera, and pepper spray.

What else goes in the steamer trunk?

Yes I know, it is the smaller capacity that keeps me from buying it. Only 240 CI. Decent size but maybe not big enough.

All the junk that is going into your Jersey pockets. No way would I be comfortable stashing all of that there.

You were just messin' with us on that one, right? To see if we'd catch it? :p

It's hardly a steamer trunk, especially compared to my Pendle or a rack trunk. In the top portion, I have my mini tool, mini leatherman, patch kit, levers, spare tube, minimal first aid kit, small cable lock - plus cell phone, wallet, keys, clif bar, blinkie and saddle cover. The bottom section is empty and doesn't even have to be on the rack, but I can stuff a jacket & knee warmers in if I think I need them...or if am wearing them but may need to shed them. Unless it's a clear summer day, weather isn't exactly predictable, especially for long rides in varying topology - I figured you'd know that, riding in the mountains so much and all. ;) Can fit a sandwich too. The thing really isn't that big, and it's light as a feather. So I guess the only real objection would be looks...if one is worried about such things.

Nope.

Yeah...guess you're paying for the darn titanium rack. Bags themselves are only 50 bucks and seem to be better quality than the Nashbars.

Dunno about the nashbar, but this thing will fit oversized seatposts...it comes with 2 adapters that you gotta use for 'standard' seat posts.

So why not offer a steel version too? I would assume you need the rack to mount the bags? Why would they offer it separately? Maybe to replace damaged or worn out bags?

Well, that list represented the maximum that I can carry...most rides in the summer and spring don't require so much gear.

And, unlike a steamer trunk:

1) the jersey pockets contract nicely when they're not stuffed with stuff.

2) You can get to your stuff without having to stop. It's easy to reach back and get a bite to eat, or get the camera out for some on-the-road pictures. I don't stop when I remove my arm warmers or jacket either...it's not very hard to sit up, take them off, and stash them in the jersey pockets while riding (I do, however, draw the line at leg warmers! :eek:).

Cancer sticks or whacky tobacky?

Dunno, ya gotta ask them I guess.