derek.fulmer

Looking into getting a decent sized bag to carry a few things (a multi tool, spare key, cash, ID..)

what else should I consider carrying in it? How big should it be? I don't want it to be huge, but would like it to be able to hold what I need and nothing more.

this is the one I'm looking at picking up.

https://www.amazon.com/Timbuk2-Bicycl...=3PB687X9DHTAG

DRietz

I have a Jandd Mini Tool Bag.

It's definitely mini. I fit a CO2, it's filler, a tube, a patch kit, and a multi tool. It's pretty full, but I could fit a key and cash into it as well.

sevenhills

I am looking for one too, but I want a bigger one for staying out for a few hours. I have looked on ebay but its difficult to judge the sizes.

Namenda

Put simply, get one big enough to hold the stuff you need to carry, and no bigger. Will you carry a spare tube or two? Do you have a pump, or will you need to carry co2 cartridges and an inflator? Cash and ID can go in a jersey pocket, without fear of getting stabbed by them in case of a wreck. I use a Topeak small wedge, and it holds two tubes, three 16gm co2's, an air chuck, two tire levers, a double-ended allen key (4.5 and 5 mm), and a small patch kit. I can squeeze some money in there if I need to, and maybe a small set of keys.

Slowrollin'

I have a Lezyne that is nice and small, but is surprisingly roomy (if that makes sense). It has pockets inside for cash, a co2 canister, tire lever (if needed), and has a pocket on the bottom outside that's for a multi-tool, but will also hold a small patch kit (I recommend the park tool pre-glued kind); the bag will also hold a tube of course, and the head for the co2 inflator.

Mike

chasmm

I've got one of these on each of my bikes (the bikes have different size tubes, so this way I don't have to unload/reload the bag to take a different bike). I'm very happy with it and the way it mounts. I hate to see those swinging seat bags!

If you don't already have the levers/multitool/patch kit/etc. this is a good way to go.



The main part of the bag will hold a micro pump, two tubes, two CO2 cartidges and inflator, wet wipes, latex gloves, etc. with room for keys. If needed, you can unzip the internal zipper and the bag will expand a little more. The loop for a rear light/blinky also comes in handy.

If you choose to use it on more than one bike, you can just buy the extra mount and move it back and forth with minimal effort.

Charles

92Esquire

Bought a Serfas bag due to the internal configuration and external reflective tape (LT-1 I think). It holds a spare tube, tire levers, small road multitool (Lezyne V-5), tire levers, a keychain digital tire gauge, CO2 head and two cartridges, a small amount of cash and ID, plus my car keys when I'm on the bike. Everything fits with just enough room to close the zipper.

pdedes

my saddlebag is currently invisible.

sounds7

I stopped using saddle bags unless I go long distances. I just like the look of the bike better without it. I usually keep my stuff in my jersey pouches. When I do use the bag here it is in my sigpic. Made by Trek/

undisputed83

I have a "medium" sized bag from Serfas. I really like it. It's probably a little bigger than what most people prefer. But I can fit my two tire levers, spare tube, allen wrench, ID, Cell Phone, and cash in it pretty comfortably. I guess it's fair to say I like a little bit of extra junk in my trunk.

GP 

I use the same one.

carlspeed

I like that Jandd bag. I want the smallest thing I can get to carry a tube or 2, 2 co2s, co2 head, multitool, and my tire puller.

I've never had a bike jersey, are the pockets really sufficient to carry something about the size of an iPhone? Do they prevent it from flopping around in your shirt? I don't really want to have to buy 3-4 jerseys for the week if I can wear shirts I already own and buy a $20 saddle bag.

RacerOne

I've got the Timbuk2 bag you're looking at, it fits a tube, 2 CO2's and the filler valve, a patch kit, two tire levers and if I try real hard, my car keys.

Menel

https://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/#29
You should have 3 jersey pockets, use them. One for spare stuff, one for ID/cellphone/monies, one for food.

Practically speaking the straps more often than not rub the inside of your leg and shred perfectly good and pricey shorts, or sag over time and wag around, and that's without mentioning how fredish it looks.

RacerOne

Of course I only use mine on my rain bike..

sfrider 

I keep things in the bag that I always want on the bike: a small multitool, spare tube, patch kit, CO2 inflator, tire lever, head light and tail light. This fits just fine in a medium Fizik with the ICS mount. The battery for the head light goes in a jersey pocket - so I'll bring it in to charge after each use. Everything else - jacket, snack, clear lens, phone, keys, money, CCs, transit pass, etc, goes in the jersey. A clear plastic ziploc bag makes a fine wallet; I put the phone in there as well to keep it dry.

datlas 

This.

2ndGen

I just returned a Topeak Aero Wedge (large).
I really loved it's design and bought the one that had a clip attachment.
But it was too large for me (width). My thighs touched it as I rode.

My suggestion:
Before you remove the tags (in case you have to return yours, make sure that
it not only fits what you need inside, but also fits "you" and your bike together.
Narrower is better IMO.

I picked up a Louis Garneau Mini Stream (that I've always wanted to get anyway).
If it "fits" me and my bike, I'll keep it until I get my Fizik saddle and ICS bag later.
(then, the LG will go onto my GF's bike).

I'll ride it tomorrow and report back with my findings.
It's simple, big enough and small enough all at once.
No fancy pockets, clips or anything. Nice reflective material on back though
that jussst happens to match my bike's color scheme (BBQ and silver).

ktanner777

saddle bags are for freds...use your jersey pockets

carlspeed

I need to get a jersey. The fact that this thing can hold a few pounds of gear is fascinating to me. I thought that a small bag for the tube, co2 pump, and a few tools would be do able, but if every one is using a jersey pocket, I wanna try it.

Who normally has clothes on sale?

vw addict

I have a tiny (30ci?) Cannondale one that I can barely cram a tube, tire lever, 2 co2 cartridges, a patch kit, and tiny co2 inflator into. Anything else I decide to take goes in the jersey.

DScott

Fred is as fred does.


Use what works. For me, that means bike stuff goes on the bike, in a Serfas saddle bag with mini-pump on the frame. Phone, food, and other rider stuff goes in jersey pockets. Somehow, me and my bibshorts survive.

Plus, my jersey doesn't feel weighted down like a toddler with a full diaper...

Retro Grouch 

Doesn't matter.

Whatever size you get you'll fill it up with stuff that you don't think you can live without and wish that it was bigger. If you doubt what I'm saying, start a thread asking what riders carry with them on every ride.

WhyFi

"More often than not"? Uh, okay - sounds more like your rationalization for avoiding what you think to be a cycling fashion faux pas... that, or you're doing something wrong.

briscoelab

If I feel I have to have one, I use the smallest that Specialized makes. I usually only keep it on one of my gravel bikes. Most of the time on the road I just use my pockets. Tube, CO2, and one tire lever.