tempaccount

Before you say 'not another seat bag thread', please hear me out

I realize that this is a commonly discussed topic, but while I have been reading page after page of posts describing what seat bags people use, I am still not sure what I want.

Background info: New to riding (at least since I was a kid), and have a department store mountain bike that will work for me until I am ready to spend some more cash.

I recently purchased a Specialized mini wedgie, with the hopes that I could store a (mtb) tube, my alien II tool, and maybe my cell phone, and misc other small items.

Boy was I mistaken! I can barely squeeze a tube in there, but nothing else will fit.

I have been reading a lot about different seat bags lately, and I have my eye on the regular Specialized wedgie (not the mini).

I think my problem is that I have not been able to find good examples of exactly what people are fitting into these seat bags. Pictures I see (when items are not shown for comparison) can be deceiving.

I would like to fit:

At least 1 x 26" mountain bike tube
My Alien II
Small patch kit
Maybe my phone, energy bars, other small items

btw, I probably will get another bag (besides under the seat) at some point - I am just keeping things simple for now.

I would love to hear real-world experience with carrying similar items in a seat bag, without going super huge.

Feel free to flame me if you don't like my post!

Machka 

I have about 5 or 6 seatbags ... it's all about trial and error with me.

My best seatbag, however, is expandable.

Nermal

Trial and error is my method, as well. Half my junk... ah, spare parts box is filled with seat bags that didn't quite make it.

Velo Dog

Well...come on, it's a seat bag. What's to learn about it? You look at what you want to carry, and you go to a bike shop and buy a bag big enough to hold it. I have maybe half a dozen of them, from just-big-enough-for-a-patch-kit to this: https://www.blayleys.com/trips/2002/4...3-1308_IMG.JPG
Over the course of a summer, I use them all many times.

mcgreivey

I use this:
https://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/...ck_large_Quick

mine holds:

2 tubes
4 CO2 cartridges
1 CO2 inflator
1 bag of trail mix
1 cell phone
2 cleat covers (while I'm riding)
1 multitool
1 wrench (for the anchor bolt on my rear derailleur)
2 tire irons
1 patch kit

I carry 2 tubes because the bag is actually a bit bigger than I need (but the next smaller one is too small).

This bag expands a bit. In cool weather this allows enough extra capacity to fit my long-sleeve undershirt or a rain jacket.

Panthers007

This is my current favorite. It's will hold everything I could think of - from tools to sandwiches:

https://yhst-84224226242177.stores.ya...saorhabag.html

My other bag is a rack-bag combo from Nashbar. It will also hold a good amount of items in it's upper and lower bag system:*

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...7_10000_201501

But that's just me. There used to be a much better selection of simple, seatpost-mounted bags that would fit a good amount of gear. Now the market is geared for those who carry a CO2-pump and a postage stamp.



<EDIT> * I have had no problems with this slipping. I don't know what's with some of those reviews on the Nashbar site.

stapfam

Mini wedge on the bike that holds a Tube- 2 levers- repair kit and a multitool. That stays on the bike and never comes off- and one for each bike that I regularly use.

But other items like- phone- camera- wallet and food goes in the pockets of my cycling jersey

Jude

I have an expandable Ravx one that, un-expanded, holds a tube, patch kit, brake adjuster wrench, set of 4 allen wrenches, tire iron, and the contents of my pockets (cell phone, wallet, keys, pen, chapstick...). If I expand it it'll hold all that plus a few granola bars or whatever, or replace some of it with another spare tube or some more tools. Needless to say, it's more than big enough for any leisure ride I do.

I'm not really sure what the point would be of having a smaller one, other than to be a weight weenie.

no motor?

That was my first seat bag. It worked great until I needed more capacity and I bought a rack and trunk. Make sure your seatpost is the right size (and not carbon fiber) as the clamp isn't adjustable.

bhop

I have an Acorn small roll bag.

Inside is a tube, tire levers, tube patch kit, multi-tool, and the key for my pit locks. It's got an empty pocket as well that I sometimes stick an energy gel pack or bar or two.

Panthers007

That's one sharp looking bag. Very nice indeed. I'll put that on my list. Thanks!

Retro Grouch 

The bigger the seat bag that you get the more crap you'll convince yourself is necessary to carry with you.

Brian T.

This ^^.

tsl

I took my stuff to the LBS and tried to fit it in several different seat bags. I found one I liked where everything fit, and I bought it. Real easy if you shop in the real world instead of online.

wunderkind

My Axiom Transit bag is expandable. I can carry my toolset and tube easily. If I expand the bag via a zipper, I can toss in my wallet other stuff too.
However I hardly ever use it. When i commute, all my stuff are in a knapsack which is bungeed to the rear rack. So there is no need to have a seat bag daggling to entice any would be thieves.

dewaday

Another Topeak vote, the medium seems plenty big. 1 tube w/levers, 3 CO2's, inflator,patch kit, mini-tool, and a Clif bar. Expand it out and a cell phone fits inside.

https://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/..._medium_Velcro

mijome07

Jandd MW II


Note: Since then, I've added a spoke wrench, batteries, zip-ties, etc. And I still have room to spare.

Garfield Cat

There are alternatives to seat bags. I know you asked about which seat bag. But a fanny pack that hiker's use works fine too. You'll find them in stores like REI. Any store that specializes in outdoors hiking, camping, mountain climbing, etc. The fanny packs are good because all the contents become portable. Where you go, it goes.

The fanny packs sold at discount stores like Wal-Mart may not be as durable or designed well enough.

BarracksSi

+2

One seat bag has a tube (any tube fatter than a 700x18-23 will NOT fit), one CO2 cartridge, a lever, preglued patches, and an Air Chuck inflator. That's it.

Anything else I take goes on my person, although I've picked up a "bento box" (straps to the top tube & steerer tube) for those rides where I don't have any pockets and still want to carry my phone and wallet.

c_m_shooter

I use this one
https://www.velo-orange.com/saddlebag.html

I guess I take too much unecessary crap with me, but I have needed more than one tube on a couple occasions and I don't like needing to stuff things in my pockets.

gamecock

Just take what you want to carry to your LBS, and find a bag that fits.

Bianchigirll 

Seat bag? I just carry a small 5/6 allen and spoke wrench in my jersey pocket.