Not Quite Minimalist Seat Bag Recommendations?
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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.
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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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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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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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.
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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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.


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.
Last edited by ckFoxTrot; 10-03-14 at 03:18 PM.
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Which timbuk2 bag is that? The XT? Small/medium?
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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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Arundel Duo. Bonus: no seat tube strap.
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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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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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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 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.
Fits a tube, co2 inflator/cartridge, topeak hexus 2, and patch kit. I could probably fit another tube if I tried hard enough.
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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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.
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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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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Still have a toe strap to keep things from flopping 'tho.
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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.
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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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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Last edited by Oldhead; 10-04-14 at 03:28 AM. Reason: More info
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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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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.
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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