Need a New Saddle Bag
 

I'm currently using an XLAB Mezzo bag and the velcro strip which holds the bag to the seatpost wore a hole in my bibs.

Not really interested in anything which clamps to the carbon rails or carbon seatpost and prefer a soft attachment. Not looking to make a fashion statement either.

Just looking for a simple bag which wont wear out my clothing, something like the no longer available Pedro's Blowout Bag would be awesome.

Serious suggestions welcome.


-Tim-

I'll be the first (but probably not the last) to suggest the Arundel Dual. It doesn't have the front velcro, thankfully. Also, pretty cheap.

The Silca Seat Roll Premio is handsome, well-built, and nicely spec'd for the type:

https://silca.cc/collections/packs/p...d9341100298881

I've used the Topeak Propack for years. I like the quick release system. No dealing with straps.

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/pro...gs/120-propack

Ziploc bag in middle jersey pocket. Guaranteed to not wear a hole in your bibs.

This doesn't sit too far forward and rub your thighs?

Do you run a setback seatpost or straight?


-Tim-

Not at all. The bag itself is taller than it is wide, it's barely 2" wide when fully stuffed. I run a straight Thomson, and with the shape of my saddle, it (was) impossible to come into leg-contact with the bag.

I've since added the Wolftooth B-Rad to my bag mounting setup, so there's zero chance of it contacting anything. I don't like saddlebags on principle, but use them as compromise. The stuff from Wolftooth makes it a not-saddlebag, and that I like.

I have the older version of this bag: Seymour Oceanweave Wedge 0.8 - Frame and Seat Bags - Bags/Panniers - Products - Axiom Cycling Gear

Now, I don't always run a bag, but when I do, I use this one. Soft attachment, plenty of room for a tube, leverl, multi tool, small pump and a zippered inner pocket for monies. Also has clip light attachment capabilities.

As much as we argue, please know that I respect you and appreciate your recommendations. With the miles you put in, on one can say that you don't have experience.

I've just ordered this bag on the basis of your your recommendation and because of the enjoyment I get out of the two sets of Arundel cages I own. I also run straight Thomson posts on two of my bikes.

The B-Rad is interesting. I'd love to see pics.


-Tim-

I'm still satisfied with the Serfas Speed Bag after about six weeks. Functional, looks good, lots of nice little niches and details for organizing small items, highly reflective strips, external loops for attaching a taillight or other doodads.

I got the medium with expandable bottom since occasionally I need to stuff the Topeak RaceRocket HP inside when I switch the bag to my hybrid (no bottle cage mount for the pump). Holds everything I need, although I tend to overpack on longer casual rides. The expansion makes room for a USB battery pack and cords, extra snacks, small Olympus digicam, etc. Handy on rides when I'm not wearing a jersey with rear pockets.

Only nit I'd pick is pretty minor, but I wouldn't object if Serfas redesigned the two Velcro straps that hook over the saddle rails. It's not a bad design, just a bit fussy. I have to poke my fingers inside the little space between the rails and bottom of the saddle to snug it up. But the strap ends are tucked under the saddle rather than rubbing my legs.

It swings a little bit but so do most similar bags. I don't notice when I'm riding. If that bothered me I'd get a clamshell type.

I checked every commonly stocked saddle bag for months -- Topeak, Arundel, Jandd, etc. -- and didn't find anything I liked better than the Serfas Speed Bag. And Serfas makes others that are narrower and lighter but essentially similar designs.

Not the last. I will recommend it too.

I'm pretty sure that only one or two read past the title.

• No velcro around the seatpost.
• Nothing which clamps or bolts to cabon saddle rails or cabon seatpost - must be a soft attachment.
• Simple.

That's all. Thanks.


-Tim-

I have the same requirements for a bag as you, Tim, with the added 'it can't be big and hideous.'

As others have suggested, I too like the Arundel Dual. It's my 'big' bag because it can carry two tubes (yes, dual tubes) and a few other odds and ends.

My most recent small bag (one tube) is the Lezyne Road Caddy. I like it too.

Lezyne - Engineered Design - Products - OrganizerRoad Caddys - Road Caddy

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....0L._SL256_.jpg

Glad I stumbled across this thread -- I've been shopping around for a saddle bag too. Gonna grab an Arundel, looks pretty much perfect.

I'll pile on here too, even though Tim has indicated that he's already ordered one. The Arundel Dual is excellent. Mine holds two tubes, two CO2 cartridges, the CO2 head, a tire lever and a mini-tool with no problem...and no strap to mess up your carbon seatpost.

I found another solution involving scissors.

Surprised no one suggested it.


-Tim-

That looks neat. The red accent would go well with my other red accents. One question: It's doesn't sway from side to side?

Nope, mine pretty much don't budge.

+1. I keep a tube and 2 c02s in it. Can go in the jersey pocket or onto the saddle if i'm carrying more food or clothes and need the pocket space

Small dry bag in the middle jersey pocket for the items that must stay dry. I've had Ziplocs fail before. For the other stuff you have lots of options/styles.

I just got the Arundel Dual bag. I don't know.

Getting a British, Carradice, Tilley Hat, tack shop, tweed coat with patches on the elbows vibe from it. It would go nice with a Brooks saddle. Thought it was going to be less structured, able to be scrunched down by tightening the strap but the sides are not flexible and the attachment can't be tightened or loosened, only closes one way.

I'm glad so many like it but design wise I think it is trying to be too much and I prefer something more minimalist.

X-LAB bags with the velcro cut off will probably stay on the bikes.


-Tim-

That looks good. I may try that for the road bike and switch the Serfas Speed Bag to my hybrid.

It is a simplistic bag, which I like. It is meant to be filled, and you're right, if you want to carry less, it's not adaptable to a smaller form factor. However, for a bag that suffices for basically 98% of my typical rides (50-100 miles), it holds what I've found to be essential, ie. 2 tubes, 2x CO2, tire lever, a couple patches, multi-tool, pair of nitrile gloves, and a couple of quick links. So, it just sits on the bike and I don't have to think about it.

IOW, it tries hard to be exactly what it's meant to do -- nothing less and nothing more, yet stays out of the way of my thighs.

There have been several seat bag threads lately. I did not realize it was so difficult to select one!