It’s a good suggestion to hold not less than the essential spares with you on a motorbike experience. Usually to restore a puncture or maybe repair a mechanical difficulty. There are just a few alternative ways to hold your spares. You can preserve all of them in a saddle bag behind your saddle, in a body bag, in your jersey pockets or in a storage bottle in considered one of your bottle cages.
For me, a saddle bag has all the time been the best choice. And I believe it trumps the opposite choices for just a few causes. On longer rides, you going to wish to carry two bottles for hydration, that means the instrument bottle takes up precious house. Cramming the whole lot into jersey pockets would not look neat, and I do not like feeling further weight often rocking round in my pockets.
The proper saddle bag will permit you to carry the whole lot you want with out fear, appears to be like good and is all the time hooked up to your bike. Take a while to get your setup sorted and you may’t go mistaken. It’s a comforting feeling realizing you might be carrying precisely what you might want to repair the standard roadside mechanicals.
Yes, you could possibly likelihood it and never carry something and hopefully, a well-maintained bike ought to not often fall foul of a problem. But ultimately, normally on the most inconvenient time, you may be stood along side the street and you will be grateful you could have the precise package with you. If it is an remoted space that is a good distance from assist, it might make all of the distinction.
Head all the way down to the underside of the web page for extra recommendation and footage on what to hold and the way to decide on the precise saddlebag.
Quick listing
Premium
1. Silca Mattone Seat Pack
The Silca Mattone seat pack is a premium saddle bag that makes use of a BOA dial for retention. It’s well-made and is deceptively roomy. The BOA dial and pack strap itself can be utilized individually.
Best style
The Elementa saddleback from Topeak is a compact, trendy saddlebag. It makes use of the Topeal Rail wing system which suggests it may possibly keep mounted in place while you open it up and get your spares out.
Best value
4. Lezyne M Caddy C02 package
The Lezyne M Caddy is a totally loaded saddlebag that comes with multi-tool, tyre levers, pre-glued patches, two CO2 cartridges and a CO2 inflator. If you might be shopping for your first saddle bag this may deal with a whole lot of the instrument necessities you could have at first.
Tool roll
The Burrito Pack from Topeak takes the type of a fold-out instrument roll. It could be at residence on street, gravel or MTB and presents an alternate strategy to retailer and entry your instruments.
Reflective
5. Blackburn Grid Seatbag
The Blackburn Grid has extremely reflective aspect sections in addition to a reflective strip on the rear. It’s deceptively roomy and attaches firmly.
Biggest
6. Topeak Aero Wedge Pack
The Topeak Aero Wedge Pack is one thing of a basic and also you see it on loads of riders bikes. The saddle bag itself is extendable that means it is helpful in the event you love to do longer journeys or discover what you might want to carry commonly various.
Best Saddlebags accessible immediately
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Premium choice
1. Silca Mattone Seat Pack
A premium choice with a BOA closure
Specifications
Weight: 86g
Listed Volume: 0.41L
Size choices : One Size
Reasons to purchase
Premium really feel
+Compact, neat form
+Deceptively roomy
Reasons to keep away from
Top finish of the worth vary
–BOA might be difficult to string by means of some saddle rails
If you do not know already, Silca is famend for making some fairly high-end instruments and equipment and the Mattone seat pack is in step with its different choices. It’s a classy saddlebag and encompasses a Silca brand on high and the aspect of the strap.
The Mattone is offered in a single single measurement which is listed as having a 0.4-litre capability, Silca says it may possibly maintain a tube, tyre levers, CO2 regulator and canisters. I’ve discovered I can get extra in than this although and carry the whole lot I would like. It’s just a little roomier than the smallest saddlebags you may see and its measurement is well-executed. The official dimensions are 120mm x 85mm x 40mm. It nonetheless appears to be like compact and classy however you may comfortably slot in just about the whole lot without having to cull something.
I’ve to be trustworthy, earlier than testing the saddlebag I believed the BOA closure system was just a little foolish. What’s mistaken with a powerful velcro strap? However the BOA appears to work nicely in use and cinches the powerful Hypalon strap of the bag down tight, It additionally brings a premium, techy look to the desk and if you wish to pay high greenback for a saddlebag and deal with your self, why not?
The Mattone has a high quality really feel and as talked about is trendy as well, You also can use the strap with BOA by itself to perhaps carry only a tube, pump and levers, supplying you with a bit extra versatility.
Best type
2. Topeak Elementa
A compact, trendy seatbag that you would be able to nonetheless match rather a lot into
Specifications
Weight: 43g
Listed Volume: XS:0.2L / S:0.3L / M:0.5L
Size choices: XS/S/M
Reasons to purchase
Stylish
+Choice of two colors
+Rail wing system makes life simpler
Reasons to keep away from
Slightly flappy zip
–Setup is a bit little fiddly
If you might be searching for a small saddlebag to hold the necessities however that does not measurement up too large, the Elementa is a strong selection. It is available in three measurement choices however all are compact, neat and small.
I examined the inexperienced model of the bag which appears to be like sensible in a measurement small and it was nonetheless large enough for a butyl tube, complete multi-tool, patches, CO2 inflator and so forth – the whole lot I might usually carry primarily.
The bag additionally makes use of what Topeak calls the ‘wing rail’ system, which is simply further velcro straps to go over the seat rails that means the bag can keep in place while you open it and would not want to return off the bike, saving effort and time. There are additionally two exterior velcro loops for CO2 canisters or no matter further spares you fancy.
Fold out instrument roll
3. Topeak Burrito
A roll up instrument wrap that also appears to be like tidy underneath the saddle
Specifications
Weight: 89g
Listed Volume: Inner tube sizes -26” x 1.75 – 29” x 19/2.35 and 700c. Topeak CO2 inflater, CO2 cartridges, Tire levers
Size choices: One measurement
Reasons to purchase
Nice to work out of when folded out
+Quality development
+Really sturdy, high quality velcro strap
Reasons to keep away from
Looks barely bulkier
If you have an interest in one thing a bit completely different from an everyday zippered bag, the Burrito roll from Topeak is one other saddlebag value a have a look at.
When unfolded there are three compartments to stow spares in considered one of which has inside elastic holders. It’s additionally good to work out of at residence or roadside must you want it. It additionally has two elastic straps at both finish to maintain the whole lot neat.
It appears to be like just a little bit bulkier on the bike (relying on what you place in it) however a well-considered setup will end in a extremely tidy, neat fold-up and a cool-looking bag.
Construction feels high quality and the fabric which Topeak says has a sturdy water-repellent and stain-resistant coating. Water does simply run off the floor which is good as this bag will swimsuit gravel and MTB’s too.
Best worth
4. Lezyne M – Caddy Co2 package
Spares are included as commonplace
Specifications
Weight: 69g / 245g with included instruments
Listed Volume: N/A
Size choices: One measurement
Reasons to purchase
Ready to experience off the bat
+External instrument pouch saves house
+Great for first-time patrons
Reasons to keep away from
Not the snuggest match on spherical seatposts
–Internal organisers a decent match
The Lezyne M Caddy C02 package is a superb choice in the event you’re seeking to purchase your first saddlebag and wish some instruments and spares too. A pre-filled saddlebag is a extremely good thought for me and does a few of the legwork for you in relation to shopping for the precise spares.
The M Caddy CO2 comes with; a Twin Speed Drive CO2 Head, 2x 16g CO2 Cartridges, RAP II-6 Multi-Tool, Smart Kit pre-glued patches and double-ended Tire Levers. Aside from a spare inside tube which you’ll decide up simply this package offers you an important base to start out with or clean up your package properly in order for you a brand new saddlebag. Lezyne additionally makes another pre-filled seat bag choices.
I did discover it wasn’t the tightest match on my 27.2mm spherical seatpost, the Velcro straps could possibly be higher at securing the bag, however for aero or d-shaped seat posts which might be just a little bigger, it is going to match properly.
Highly reflective choice
5. Blackburn Grid Seatbag
Large reflective aspect panels and a smooth general look
Specifications
Weight: 69g
Listed Volume: 0.8L – measurement M
Size choices: S/M/L
Reasons to purchase
Reflective aspect panels
+Rear mild clip
+Deceptively roomy
Reasons to keep away from
Velcro straps not hooked up to the bag, threat of dropping them
The Grid is a high quality providing from BlackBurn that has extremely reflective aspect panels. If being seen in low mild or the darkish is excessive up in your listing of necessities this could possibly be a very good choice for you. When mild hits the aspect panels, they stand out nicely.
I examined the dimensions Medium and will match the whole lot I wanted in nicely. There’s additionally a small inside pocket for emergency cash or patches which is helpful. The Velcro straps aren’t hooked up in any strategy to the bag, so you will want to verify they do not come off along side the street and so forth.
I rode the Paris-Roubaix problem utilizing this saddlebag and selected it as a result of it is powerful and a bit roomier. I fitted all my standard spares plus extras in and it did not transfer an inch over 146km of tough cobblestones. You will not be disenchanted in the event you go for considered one of these.
The bag is actually smooth and has a high quality development. There’s a lifetime assure, and it is constructed from 210T nylon ripstop materials and makes use of nylon zipper pull loops that are simple to drag.
The greatest
6. Topeak Aero Wedge seatpack
Range of measurement choices and all baggage are extendable
Specifications
Weight: 126 grams
Listed Volume: Micro: 0.41L / Small: 0.66L / Med: 0.98 – 1.31L / Large: 1.48 – 1.97L
Size choices: XS,S,M,L
Reasons to purchase
Four completely different measurement choices
+Larger sizes might be expanded
+Two completely different fastened programs
Reasons to keep away from
The zipper just isn’t waterproof
–Not as neat and classy as another choices
The Aero Wedge from Topeak is one thing of a basic and also you usually see them in bike outlets or mounted beneath riders’ saddles. It’s one of many largest baggage within the information and is value taking a look at if you wish to pack extra in.
It is available in 4 completely different measurement choices and distinctive to the saddlebags on this information, can prolong its general size by just a few centimetres with a further built-in zippered part. A trump card in the event you’re doing longer rides or occasions or similar to to hold that little bit extra in your bag.
I examined the common velcro-mounted choice, however Topeak additionally makes one other model that mounts utilizing a plastic clip that the model calls the QuickClick on system to the saddle rails. There can also be a light-weight clip on the entrance to mount a rear mild and reflective band, in addition to an inside mesh pocket for small objects.
Mounting is finished through a velcro seatpost strap and two buckled straps on both saddle rail. I discovered the velcro strap to return up just a little brief on a 27.2mm seatpost, trimming it or shimming it out would in all probability enhance the match.
7. Pro Performance saddle bag
A variety of sizes and high quality velcro straps for a comfortable match
Specifications
Weight: 64 grams
Listed Volume: 0.6L
Size choices: S,M,L,XL
Reasons to purchase
Soft protector tab on your seatpost
+Quality really feel and velcro closure
+Snug match when mounted
Reasons to keep away from
Gets fairly slim on the rear
The Pro Performance saddle bag is a high quality bag that does a whole lot of issues rather well. It makes use of sturdy, sturdy velcro straps that are not too lengthy to affix to the seatpost and saddle rails. There are some good touches like an additional rubber flap to guard your carbon seatpost from the strap buckle.
You also can depart the bag in place and simply open it to entry spares which is all the time helpful due to its design. Like a few of the different baggage right here, there is a mesh inside pocket and reflective panel on the rear.
I examined the Medium bag and located it to be large enough to suit my spares in while nonetheless wanting trendy and becoming in visually on the bike. It’s develop into considered one of my go-to baggage and is among the sleekest wanting right here.
8. Zefal Z Light Pack
An inside insert offers form and construction to this bag
Specifications
Weight: 79 grams
Listed Volume: M: 0.9L
Size choices: XS,S,M,L
Reasons to purchase
Good form and construction due to the inner insert
+Tonnes of house
+Velcro straps fastened to the bag
Reasons to keep away from
Access not as simple as another baggage
The Zefal Z mild bag takes a barely completely different strategy in its design than many of the baggage right here. The most important distinction is that truth it makes use of a big, skinny plastic insert inside to provide form to the bag. This makes it sturdier provides it form when mounted on the bike, and doubtless maximises house a bit too.
The bag additionally makes use of one lengthy velcro strap to go round each rails and underneath the bag. Unlike the Blackburn bag, the straps are sewn on so you do not have to fret about dropping them.
I examined a measurement Medium once more and it is on the bigger measurement for a Medium for me and appears fairly neat and boxy when mounted it additionally sits just a little greater than some baggage simply behind the again of my saddle which makes entry simple.
Speaking of entry, the plastic insert extends to the rear flap which suggests when the bag is unzipped you do have to carry it open a bit to entry spares, no large deal however simply one thing to notice. It would possibly make life a bit trickier on a chilly winter day with gloves on as an illustration.
If you carry rather a lot commonly and need a larger bag then the Zefal together with the Topeak Aero Wedge are in all probability the baggage to take a look at.
9. Evoc Seat Bag
Best saddle bag for well-made simplicity
Specifications
Weight: 50 grams
Listed Volume: S: 0.3L
Size choices: S,M
Reasons to purchase
Surprisingly roomy
+Individual straps make for simple setup
+Alternate vibrant color choices
Reasons to keep away from
Not completely waterproof
–No inside pocket
If you similar to or need a easy, small saddle bag to hold the necessities. The Evoc seat bag is one for you. It’s accessible in small and medium sizes and appears small and neat underneath your saddle. It’s surprisingly roomy for it is measurement and I crammed rather a lot into it.
If you wish to break free from the standard black and greys most saddle baggage come within the Evoc is the one bag right here accessible in some brighter colors. There are some brighter purple and inexperienced colors to select from.
Mounting is finished through a setpost velcro loop and buckled strap that goes across the center of the bag. If you find yourself with some extra strap flapping round my tip could be to neatly trim the surplus for a fair tidier look.
How to decide on
Choosing a saddle bag to purchase is fairly easy actually. My recommendation could be first work out what you assume you wish to carry in your saddle bag, select a bag that appears to be the precise measurement in a method you want and go from there.
If you haven’t any spares or instrument but and wish to get arrange right away then I’d advocate going for the Lezyne Caddy, it is a good start line and you may go from there.
As an instance, I used to love to get away with the smallest attainable saddle bag I might as a result of I appreciated the look. I’d match a tube, instantaneous patches, small tyre lever and maybe just a little multi instrument and that may be it. These days I wish to go for a barely larger that holds just a few extra spares and offers a bit extra safety.
Do I would like a saddlebag?
A saddle bag definitely is not needed for biking. It is nonetheless probably the most helpful and widespread equipment you may match to your bike.
As talked about within the introduction there are different methods to hold your spares. But it is going to solely take one expertise of being stranded on the aspect of the street with no manner of using your bike residence or fixing it to make you would like you have been carrying the related spares. A saddle bag is a straightforward manner to make sure you have what you might want to get you residence.
How a lot do you might want to carry?
It’s good to be ready and self-sufficient. You will not make many buddies on rides in the event you by no means flip up with any spares and count on different individuals to lend or provide you with theirs.
If you be sure to carry what you might want to on the very least be capable of resolve a puncture and make changes to your bike with some form of multi-tool, then that is a very good place to start out. You can add to your package from there as you acquire spares or work out what works finest for you.
If you are going lengthy, take a look at our information to the very best bikepacking baggage for some high-volume choices.
What do I carry in my saddlebag?
A well-maintained bike ought to behave out on the street. However, I all the time wish to know that I’ve the precise spares with me. I additionally do not wish to carry an enormous saddlebag as I’m not eager on the aesthetics so cap my spares at a sure level.
I select to hold a small mini pump in my jersey pocket and preserve the whole lot else in my bag. In my very own, I’ve:
– Inner tube, CO2 canisters, CO2 inflator, instantaneous tube patches, multi-tool with a series breaker, valve core instrument, tyre levers, tyre boot in case my tyre rips badly, chain fast hyperlink.
Extra suggestions and methods on what to hold
There are some useful, on a regular basis objects which might be typically a good suggestion to place in your saddlebag you probably have house that may assist get you out of hassle.
– Spare money, simply in case.
– Contact lenses case stuffed with grease
– A number of zip / cable ties
– Chain lubricant
– Latex gloves
– Electrical tape – wrap round pump or tyre levers
– Use sections of lower up previous tyre as tyre boots to slot in your tyre in case you slash it.
Can you chop down on stuff?
Plenty of riders wish to carry the smallest, light-weight bag and vary of spares they will get away with and like numerous issues, there are smaller, lighter-weight choices you may go for.
There are choices to cut back the dimensions and weight of things you are carrying. Superlight and small inside tubes, referred to mostly as TPU tubes lately are one of many greatest house savers in a saddle bag. They’re a bit costlier, however you are in all probability solely ever going to want one or two and in the event you do have to make use of them, you may swap them again while you get residence, significantly in the event you’re working tubeless tyres.
Likewise, you may shed some weight by choosing a extra compact multitool. The finest bike multitools can pack a whole lot of instruments right into a compact system. It’s value doing a listing of the bolts in your bike; there isn’t any level in carrying a instrument with Torx heads if you haven’t any Torx bolts in your bike. Don’t go too small although otherwise you may not have sufficient leverage for some bolts.
Do you want a series breaker in your instrument? Chain issues are uncommon, so that you may be ready to threat not having one or in the event you normally experience with mates, you might solely want one between you. Some seat packs have tyre levers constructed into them, so you might not want to hold separate objects.
How do you wish to connect your saddle bag to your bike?
Many saddlebags use fundamental velcro straps hooked up to your saddle. This is the lightest weight and arguably probably the most safe choice – simply make certain to observe the place the loop goes round your seatpost and the place the tough aspect of the hook and loop ends. If it is in a foul spot or peels up a bit you might put on a gap by means of your shorts, or an costly carbon seatpost.
Of course, each model within the bike trade is regularly looking for a degree of distinction, and thus seat packs that use a bracket on the seat publish or saddle rails additionally exist. These are sometimes a bit heavier, and we now have seen just a few hit the eject button over tough sections of the street.
Often, they’re going to have a quick-release system although, making it simple to take your bag and its (usually dear) contents with you while you depart your bike. Get a second clip and you may shortly swap your bag between bikes.
Regardless of how they connect to your bike, most baggage will utilise a zipper to maintain the whole lot inside, whereas strap-on instrument rolls could use buckles and even Boa dials.
How weather-proof would you like your bag to be?
If you reside someplace dry, a saddle roll or a strap is a pleasant, low-cost simple choice. It additionally appears to be like a bit cooler than a pack and has a retro vibe of a racer on tubs with a spare lashed to the seatpost.
Even if the roads are dry, you are prone to entice a layer of mud to your saddle roll although. If the roads are sometimes damp otherwise you’re heading off-road, a saddle roll is not probably the most sensible choice although. You do not wish to have to suit an inside tube that is coated in a layer of mud or street grot and most multitools will rust in the event that they get moist.
Some of the very best recommendation I can provide is remember to open up and dry out your saddle bag and instruments after a protracted experience, with out mudguards spray will get in and make a large number, so give the whole lot a dry and clear in case your bag has gotten moist.