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Not Quite Minimalist Seat Bag Recommendations?

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Not Quite Minimalist Seat Bag Recommendations?

Old 10-03-14, 02:58 PM
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Not Quite Minimalist Seat Bag Recommendations?

I'm looking for a seat bag that can carry a 700x28 tube, patch kit, decent size multi-tool (I've got a Crank Brothers, the "19-function" one with the metal case), pair of tire levers, maybe a hair of breathing room on top of that would be nice for a key or similar. The small bags seem like they're a tight fit for a 23, tire patches without a box, and the teensiest tool possible.

I don't want to carry the kitchen sink, but I don't need the super-mini variant either... anyone have any favorites? Suggestions welcome.

I looked at the jandd mini bag in the LBS, but it just didn't have quite the space needed. The topeak they had was way bigger than I'd want at the moment. I'd just like to be able to have my tube and super basic essentials hanging off the bike without having to look for them every time I'm dressing and swapping them from one jersey to another.
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Old 10-03-14, 03:07 PM
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Jandd makes a number of different sizes (as do other manufacturers) so there is one that will work. I love my Jandd bags so I'd find one a bit larger than the one you didn't like. You can just scroll down this page and find one in the size you need, Bicycle Seat Packs
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Old 10-03-14, 03:11 PM
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I was just trying to ballpark what the right area was to look at in terms of cubic inches for that set of uses, but also for any bags that have features anyone likes especially (key leashes, extra flat pocket for bits and pieces, waterproofing that does or doesn't work...) or hates specifically (crummy mounting systems, lousy durability, whatever else.)
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Old 10-03-14, 03:11 PM
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I have this: Topeak® Cycling Accessories ? Products - Aero Wedge Pack, small (Strap Mount)

Fits a tube, co2 inflator/cartridge, topeak hexus 2, and patch kit. I could probably fit another tube if I tried hard enough.
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Old 10-03-14, 03:15 PM
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I recently went to this Timbuk2 bag from a larger Topeak Wedge DryBag I originally had (wasn't too much bigger but I mainly didn't like how it sat under the seat).





I like it a lot, basically has a tube (in box), 3 tire levers, a multitool, and patch kit in it. I can stuff my big keychain into it too (gets a little tight), as well as my iPhone.

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Old 10-03-14, 03:17 PM
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Which timbuk2 bag is that? The XT? Small/medium?
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Old 10-03-14, 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by superslomo
Which timbuk2 bag is that? The XT? Small/medium?
That is the XT, in medium
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Old 10-03-14, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by ckFoxTrot
That is the XT, in medium
yep - i got the same bag. plenty big for supplies. i use on my cross bike what i carry 2 tubes, 23mm and 32mm as i switch wheelsets during the year.
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Old 10-03-14, 03:27 PM
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I love my Topeak medium sized saddle bag (I have the expandable model). I keep a tube, with CO2 inflator, two pry tools, a small combo tool, mini pliers, and a patch kit. I have plenty of room for a lip balm, a few bucks, and a couple hand cleaner packets from the Chinese restaurant. PLUS... I slip a small cable lock in the bag too. So those times when I absolutely must leave the bike.... I can lock it.

I take the tube out of its box and dust it with a sprinkle of corn starch and put it in a sandwich bag. Then I put the sandwiched-bag tube in a gallon zip-loc bag before packing this in my saddle bag. That way when I do have a flat (and from time-to-time we all do)... I have a way to transport that old tube back home for repair. I put it in the big bag and ether stick in in my jersey pocket or expand the saddle bag and stuff it in there.
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Old 10-03-14, 03:33 PM
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Arundel Duo. Bonus: no seat tube strap.
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Old 10-03-14, 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by caloso
Arundel Duo. Bonus: no seat tube strap.
Ditto for Lezyne micro caddy. Seat straps tear up bibs/shorts, at least that's my experience.
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Old 10-03-14, 04:52 PM
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Specialized makes saddle bags in different sizes, and I like them very much for both practicality and look.
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Old 10-03-14, 05:27 PM
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Old 10-03-14, 05:38 PM
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Originally Posted by dalava
Specialized makes saddle bags in different sizes, and I like them very much for both practicality and look.
I use the Specialized Mini Wedgie. It holds a tube, a Park IB-3 multi-tool, a small patch kit, an Air Chuck and a couple of Co2 cartridges.
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Old 10-03-14, 05:41 PM
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In my Bontrager I have a 25c tube, three co2 carts plus inflator, patches, two tire levers, Crank Bros multi tool, an id card and a $20 bill. I can squeeze my keys in there as well. I like that bag because it doesn't flop around like the others I've had, it secures to the saddle really tight.

[/URL]
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Old 10-03-14, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Elvo
I have this: Topeak® Cycling Accessories ? Products - Aero Wedge Pack, small (Strap Mount)

Fits a tube, co2 inflator/cartridge, topeak hexus 2, and patch kit. I could probably fit another tube if I tried hard enough.
+1

A friend of mine has the small, and it sounds like what you want. I have a medium (which has an expansion zipper) because I like to have a bit more room for keys and snacks.
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Old 10-03-14, 07:28 PM
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The Scicon Compact 430 would probably fit the bill perfectly. I have one and love it, especially for the twist on/off quick release, and that it unzips to open around the top, so you can load it easily and find what you're looking for without pulling everything apart.

I keep just a Panaracer R'Air 23c tube, which is tiny, and a Ritchey CPR9 tool, also tiny, and there's way too much room in there even with a nitrile glove, a Gu pack, license, credit card, zip tie, and $10 bill.

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Old 10-03-14, 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Lazyass
In my Bontrager I have a 25c tube, three co2 carts plus inflator, patches, two tire levers, Crank Bros multi tool, an id card and a $20 bill. I can squeeze my keys in there as well. I like that bag because it doesn't flop around like the others I've had, it secures to the saddle really tight.

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I strapped a jacket under the seat bag like that, until, under heavy wind, etc. it came out & bad stuff happened. Now I don't.
Still have a toe strap to keep things from flopping 'tho.
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Old 10-03-14, 11:32 PM
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+1 for the timbuk2 bag.
I carry everything you list (even the same Crank bros multitool with case) except also 2 C02 canisters and 1 C02 head. They fit within the small sized bag.

I recently bought the XT version for one bike, as the velcro wore out. I think the XT version actually has a little more room beyond the zipper - great for small things like a bill, extra links, etc.
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Old 10-04-14, 03:04 AM
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Originally Posted by woodcraft
I strapped a jacket under the seat bag like that, until, under heavy wind, etc. it came out & bad stuff happened. Now I don't.
Still have a toe strap to keep things from flopping 'tho.
It's strapped down so tight you couldn't pull it out with every muscle in your body. It's stuffed inside a plastic bag that a new stem came in. Leave it out of a bag to flap around then it could fall out.
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Old 10-04-14, 03:27 AM
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this is the bag I use. It holds a multi tool, two tubes, the tool for tire removal, food, and if you carry your wallet you can unzip that bottom portion to expand it for another compartment. Also picked it for the ease of getting into it

Last edited by Oldhead; 10-04-14 at 03:28 AM. Reason: More info
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Old 10-04-14, 08:31 AM
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I guess the Giant Shadow Pro bag didn't make it in the market very long; dunno if it was too spendy or what, but I always thought it was pretty cool, especially the Pro+ model with the integrated light. I was also hopeful that the rigid housing would actually hold a standard tail light (if you chose to use the attachment point instead of the integrated light unit) rather than letting it dangle all shi*ttily, nicely illuminating the rear wheel, as most bags with "light loops" do. Looks like they can be found on clearance for $25 from Blue Sky. https://www.blueskycycling.com/produ...(Closeout).htm

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Old 10-04-14, 09:23 AM
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I like the Cinelli VIP bag. 2 pieces of leather and a toe strap, hard to get more minimalist than that.

Bag 035 by iabisdb, on Flickr

Bag 030 by iabisdb, on Flickr

Bag 041 by iabisdb, on Flickr

Bag 046 by iabisdb, on Flickr
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Old 10-04-14, 11:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Elvo
I have this: Topeak® Cycling Accessories ? Products - Aero Wedge Pack, small (Strap Mount)

Fits a tube, co2 inflator/cartridge, topeak hexus 2, and patch kit. I could probably fit another tube if I tried hard enough.
I have the medium. Get the strap version; I have read that the clip ones have issues.
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Old 10-04-14, 11:57 PM
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Originally Posted by iab
...hard to get more minimalist than that.
But the thread is called "not quite minimalist"!
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