ccrnnr9

I recently was on a group ride and had my saddle bag explode and lost my spare tube, multitool and a few other misccllaneous things. I went to get a new bag and some other stuff and ended up getting a serfas small road bag. The problem is that after buying I figured out that it can only hold my tube, tire prying tool, patch kit, and multitool, and that is with it stuffed. I have to carry my mini co2 pump in my rear pocket. I really like how compact it is but I was wondering if it would be beneficial to just return the serfas and get a different bag that can hold it all. I couldn't find any other thin long bags like the serfas at my LBS...only wide ones. Any input is welcome. I don't mind having a small bag, in fact I like how everything fits tight so I dont get things tumbling around inside, I was just wondering what everyone else does with regards to carrying all their gear for flatting, etc.
~Nick

Bolo Grubb

if you are not happy with your current bag, take it back and get a different one. I have used several now that I have not been completely happy with the size and/or shape of.

Pedro blowout bags were a decent size and shape, but after 2 of them came apart on me I have given up on those. 1 dry rotted in less then a season and the second came apart at the seem and showed signs of dry rot starting (they are made with old inner tubes).



The next one I tried was from REI good shape but much too large.

Now I am using a Jandd tool kit bag, same claimed size as the the Pedro's but a better shape. Does not seem to hold as much as the pedro's but holds what I need. 1 tube, patch kit, tire iron, multi-tool

CastIron

To get more room out of your seat bag I suggest you take your spare tube (powdered, wrapped in baggie, taped with electrical tape) and stuff it under your saddle. Then attach the bag. If you have a Brooks then you can probably put lunch up there as well.

clausen

Now thats a great idea . That would give me the extra room to get my my cell phone out of my jersey.

GP

Do you secure it to the seat or does the bag hold it in place?

John Wilke

pockets

Psimet2001 

Or at least a bottle of wine and some glasses,

or an 80's boom box and Technics turn tables. They'll come in handy when your buddies want to do the "Robot" at the next rest stop.

...thems big saddles....

ElJamoquio

I have the 'Giant' brand version of the same thing, and fit a spare tube, spare tire, large multitool (specialized, about thirty tools, many of which I don't need), CO2 and extra canister, and tire levers with no problem into that sized bag. The tire and tube are wrapped with electrical tape to minimize volume.

clausen

Well now that I'm home and look underneath my Arione. I'd be lucky to get a piece of gum up there.

roadfix

....or simply get a big enough bag to go with your Brooks...

rpc180

Hey fixer, what kind of bag is that? I'd want to get one of those and a handlebar bag for a full day of touring to the beach or something. Also, is that a B17 or a B17 narrow?

roadfix

That's Rivendell's Banana bag and a Brooks Team Pro saddle that's been mildly butchered.

CastIron

The bag will generally hold the tube up there--even on many (not all, of course) small seats. If not you can loop a rubber band (old Livestrong bracelet) around the rails. My Brooks Team Pro holds two tubes. The B-17 holds a spare wheel. The 'modern' job on my 'cross bike is a real challenge, but doable. It's just rubber. Start cramming.

ccrnnr9

What do you mean by powdered? What do I powder it with?
~Nick

CastIron

Sprinkle a little talcum powder (baby powder) in the bag. It makes handling the tube with sweaty hands much easier. I usually get a bunch of tubes and just pack 'em all up that way immediately. I tear the end off the box to keep track of the type/size/brand and throw that in the bag with it.

Psimet2001 

Talcum powder is an old trick that I just absolutely love, but some people have been moving away from. Personally I, like CastIron, place tubes in ziploc bags when I get them. I sprinkle talc inside and write the tube size on the outside of the bag in black marker.

The talc greatly assists with installation of the new tube. It makes it easier for me to do a swap with no levers, and can prevent the tube from sticking to the inside of the tire over time.