Icculus21

I'm thinking about a new bag - my current bag is large and loose fitting. It has a lot of slack in the straps and it can't get tight enough around the seat post. I actually have to use a rear seat tube reflector tightened up against the bag to hold it in place.

I'd like a more secure and compact seat bag, and would consider a top tube bag if anybody uses those. Are they road cycling faux pas?

I keep a tube, 2-3 CO2 cartridges, inflator, patch kit, and multitool. Everything else (snacks, money, etc.) is in the jersey.

bmthom.gis

I use a tool roll.
The Bike Tool Roll ? EH Works

BillyD

Top tube bags are fredly. Not recommended for the cool or the stylish cyclist.

PepeM

I strongly recommend bike purses. Very versatile item.

ypsetihw

just say no to top tube bags lol. I actually removed my saddle bag this summer too, and moved to a compact pocket flat/tool kit. honestly it hasn't bothered me at all whatsoever to carry a co2 and the little tool kit in my pockets, and it leaves the bike looking super clean. the "rules" say nothing on the bike except bottles, and I have to agree that it looks nicer that way.

WalksOn2Wheels

For sure, do what works for you, but are you sure you have the saddle bag mounted correctly? It's a fairly common occurrence for people to just strap them on without paying attention to how exactly it should loop through the rails.


Alternatively, if the bag is too big, consider a smaller bag.

However, top tube bags are handy in the right applications. I used one on a long night ride to keep the food stuff right in front of me. Not that I knew how to properly eat for a long effort, but the food was still there.

Icculus21

That's actually really neat. Haven't really seen or considered these but it looks super useful and easy to deal with.

Icculus21

It might be nice to get rid of the bag all together. I also use the bike for commuting and wear a backpack so I can't throw it in my Jersey pocket all the time, but I suppose it's just as easy to throw a bag/roll in the backpack.

Hiro11

Top tube bags are both very useful and very Fredly on a racy road bike. A handlebar bag can be even more useful, has a lot more capacity and is significantly less Fredly unless you like to look like a racer.

Finding a good seat bag can be a bit tricky, so many of them are badly designed. I find the ones with two Velcro straps that pull the bag up tightly against the saddle often sway a lot less than ones with buckles. I like the Bontrager Pro and Serfas Slimline bags.

ypsetihw

That's exactly what I do. And when I ride my utility/tourer, I can throw the toolkit in the panniers.

nycphotography

Lose the fred bags and get a Sticky Pod (or the equivalent).

I did the original design and made the first sample after my seat bag scruffed up my seat post and the velcro ate up the legs on my favorite shorts.

An old friend has carried on the business, though I have no further financial interest in it except through an occasional affiliate link.

rpenmanparker 

You carry so little that there is no reason not to keep it in a small rear pocket bag. I got over saddle bags decades ago.

Garfield Cat

Depends on your ride and how far it takes you and the need for equipment space. If you're riding solo, you may stop any time and anywhere. No need to carry snacks/money in the jersey pocket.

A lumbar bag will have lots of space and there won't be any kind of bag attached to the bike.

Mountainsmith.com - Vibe fanny pack

deapee

Get what works for you.

Icculus21

I suppose. One advantage of the saddle bag is that I can just keep it on the bike and don't have to worry about putting it in my bag or being uncomfortable/taking up space in a jersey.

I was originally thinking something like the Lezyne Road Caddy

But after the comments I'm now considering something like the Lezyne Roll Caddy

WhyFi

Besides not liking the feeling of a tool bag in your jersey? Or wanting that pocket space for food/snacks? Or not wanting to have to keep track of your tool bag so that you don't forget it?

Yup.

Icculus21

That seems to be the most logical answer to most questions in these threads.

ARPRINCE

Top tube bag scratches your top tube and hits your legs when you climb out of the saddle IME. Highly "NOT" recommended.

After several trial and error, I now carry some tools (multi-tool, chain tool, chain link, C02) on this bag. Small form factor but awesome!




Other stuff (tube, money, lever, tire bead jack, etc) goes to my jersey back pocket using a CADDY SACK (LARGE).

Lezyne - Engineered Design - Products - Organizers - Caddy Sack

So as stated already, it's up to you in the end.

Tycho Brahe 

I use a top tube bag to carry a bluetooth speaker. I get looks ... looks of jealousy.

Icculus21

deepakvrao

Which speaker?

Tycho Brahe 

It is pretty old at this point. It is a Hype bluetooth speaker: https://www.amazon.com/Hype-Mini-Cap.../dp/B00CDQ7U7K

You can probably find much better and cheaper speakers nowadays. Been meaning to buy a new one. It works great, but the battery life is not as good as it used to be.

Jakedatc

Use this one too.. tube, multitool, CO2, inflator, 2 levers, spare quick link. I'd rather have the bare minimum in my pockets.. which is usually key, Cell phone, gels. My summer jerseys are lightweight so anything in there bounces around and is annoying.

The "rules" may say no saddlebags but the Pro's while training have them so...

Gf got a top tube bag for her longer Tri's.. for a century ride i'd consider it just to have more storage depending on the route. (some places don't have stores the whole way)

Camilo

I have a bunch of different seat bags, and they all fit tightly and don't rattle around and make noise.

The key is to buy small ones so they're packed very tightly with the stuff I carry:

2 tire levers
spare tube
small multi tool
chain link
small patch kit
1 co2 and mini inflator
$20 bill (for emergency beer and/or tire boot

I buy mine based on size and what's cheap. They're about 5" long and while wedge-shaped, are about 3" diameter at the wide/zipper end.

kcjc

Yes in a race and on training rides if you are lucky to have a team car follow you around, else it's just personal preference.