Editor’s Note: Some time ago, a Premium Member wrote in to ask if we could update an article we ran in which a couple of us on the RBR Crew provided a quick rundown of our favorite tires, and why we liked them.
It was an excellent idea. So good, in fact, that I immediately decided to make it a regular feature – providing a rundown from RBR Contributors on our favorites across the spectrum of components, nutrition, clothing, accessories, you name it. Today we discuss our favorite seat bags. (Here’s a link to the gamut of RBR Favorites.)
We will plan to run a different “favorite” each week for the next several.
We also want to hear from readers on your favorites! Join in the fun either by commenting below the Newsletter version of this article or using the form at Tell Us About Your: Favorites (you can always find it in the Talk to RBR section on every page of the site.) We’ll gather up your submissions and run them as a follow-up to this article (and future RBR Favorites pieces).
Enjoy, and let us hear from you about your own Favorites.
– John Marsh
Jim Langley
As handy as seat bags are, I’ve stopped using one because it’s easier to just put my essentials in a jersey pocket. It allows hopping on any bike and not having to move the seat bag from bike to bike. Or having to keep separate packed seat bags on each bike. One drawback of carrying stuff in your pocket is limited pocket space, but you usually have at least a couple of pockets if you need more room. Another negative is if you crash and land on your back your mini tool can spear you in the back… don’t ask me how I know. Regardless, I still prefer carrying my gear in my pocket versus a seat bag. Obviously, I can’t carry as much as even some smaller seat bags, but it works for me.
Coach John Hughes
I’ve always been an ultra racer and tourist, nevera road racer. My shortest race was 300 miles. I choose equipment based on comfort, functionality and reliability.
Bags (& bottles):
- eoGear seat bag holds 8.8 liters – always on the bike. I carry enough tools to fix (almost) anything, spare cables, 3 tubes, a few anti-bonking bars, sunscreen, Vaseline (for my crotch), long finger gloves, light balaclava, neck gaiter, motel shower cap to go over my helmet if it rains, at least a windbreaker. If I’m climbing a pass I carry a lot more – weather changes fast in Colorado.
- Burley Designs handlebar bag – useful for more clothes in the winter and in the mountains.
- Kirtland Panniers for touring.
- 3 bottle cages (sometimes not enough on a long climb)
I can also use the bags to ride into town and get groceries.
John Marsh
I’ve used a Topeak Aero Wedge bag for as long as I can remember. On an old mountain bike, I had a similar bag, but with the straps that go over the seat rails. I wanted a cleaner, and easier-to-use solution for my road bike. The quick clip that attaches to your seat rails and lets you easily snap on and take off the bag is ideal. The only strap is the one that goes around the seat post. I’ve had two Aero Wedges over the years; on the first one, the seat post strap broke off, and I had it repaired at a shoe repair shop. The cobbler riveted the strap back on, and I got another several years of use out of it. It’s a bag that – from reading the quibbles other RBR Crew seem to have with seat bags – seems to take care of a lot of those issues (no side straps; easy on/off; looks fairly streamlined).
As I mentioned in a conversation to Jim Langley on the topic, I would be a terrible candidate for using only my pockets to carry my gear, as I surely would always forget something. Keeping it all together in one bag, which is super easy to take off and put on, is ideal to me.
Next Week in RBR Favorites: A Recap of Recent Reader Favorites
Brandon Bilyeu
I like my bikes to look clean and straight so a bag hanging under the seat is not my favorite. In the past I have tried many seat bags and besides not liking the look I had a few other issues. I had trouble with velcro straps being too short and breaking free over big bumps. I also had thigh rubbing issues with even small bags. Rain rides left the bags soaking wet and I had issues with mold even though I keep my bikes in a dry garage. I eventually gave up and now I store my spare tube, tires levers, patches, mini pump, etc., in a plastic bag in my jersey pocket.
Coach Rick Schultz
I use a Shimano Pro tool carrier.
Sheri Rosenbaum
I ride with a Topeak saddle bag on all 4 of my bikes. I also use a bento bag on my road bikes and cross bike.
Coach Dan Kehlenbach
Since I am very much an everyday rider, my equipment has changed over the years to reflect my current style of riding. For everyday use, I haul my gear in an Arkel handlebar bag. I typically keep a repair kit, two tubes, notebook, camera, snacks, wallet, and phone in the bag.
Coach David Ertl
I get the smallest saddle bag I can find – just big enough for a couple of tubes, a couple of CO2 cartridges and a mini-tool. I really dislike a bag that rattles or swings around so I go to great lengths to pack the contents tightly (in an old sock) to keep everything snug. I have one for each bike because most of my bikes have different size tubes. I just keep one on each bike. I don’t want to be switching it out every ride.
Paul Smith
Another area where I am still seeking the better solution. I ride a Fizik Arione saddle and have their clip-on saddle bag. It’s roomy in the medium size but I’m not wild about the aesthetics. Suggestions welcome!
Tell us about your Favorites by commenting below the Newsletter version of this article or or using the form at Tell Us About Your: Favorites.
For decades I used one type of seat bag or another. My last seat bag was the small Fizik clip on. What didn’t fit into the seat bag went into jersey pockets – which, at times were stuffed. However, there were occasions when I rode in the Southern California desert, and at those times, I began to use a small Camelback pack. After using the pack, I decided that it was just too useful. I confess that I had some personal resistance to wearing a pack, as it didn’t fit my road-bicyclist esthetic. I was also concerned about wind resistance, but I’m not racing, and I can’t discern any measureable impact. Practicality won out. When the seat bag clip broke, I didn’t replace it, but now just carry broken Fizik in the pack. The pack allows more versatility in what I can carry, especially with respect to clothing – the outcome being that I ride with measurably greater comfort. I’m also able to deal with a greater range of problems (may all our rides be “uneventful”). I typically adjust the pack’s contents to fit the ride. I did remove the Camelback’s water bladder, as I never used it. Almost everything goes in the pack, tools, pump, clothing, and anything else I may need. After getting the pack adjusted, I’m typically not aware the pack is there. It’s become an integral part of my cycling “kit”. When I found a silver Camelback pack on sale at REI, I bought two, as it’s the perfect color. I still get comments on the pack, but in my mind, form follows function.
Thanks, RAH! I’ve actually carried a small backpack-type stringed pack on a couple of tours, in order to carry extra provisions and clothing. I found it especially helpful for thinks you might need if you stop for lunch, etc., (like your regular glasses, cleat covers you might not otherwise, take, extra chamois creme for long days, and so on.
I’ve tried various saddle bags over the years, and the Topeak Aero Wedge Pack is by far my favorite. Of all three sizes, I like the large size which even has a zippered gusset to add space if you need it, and still tucks nicely under the saddle.
Ever since I’ve been a ride leader in Minneapolis for the Twin Cities Bicycling Club, I carry a few more things in the Wedge Pack. I picked up on Jim Langley’s suggestions about carrying a chain master link and a multi-tool with chain tool, handy-wipes, and a small rag. I also carry 2 thin latex gloves, a CO2 cylinder and Portland Design inflator head, a Topeak Micro Rocket mini pump, spare tube, 2 tire levers, multi-tool, mini tweezer/pliers, eye drops (contact lens wearer,) folding reading glasses for close up work, cleat covers for walking, a few ibuprofen tablets, cell phone, car keys, and a small baggie with a copy of my iD card, health insurance card and $20 cash. All this fits into the Wedge Pack without deploying the expansion gusset.
I use expanding seat wedges with the stiffeners removed so that they can be cinched up tight against the seat rails like the tool rolls of old. My current favorite is the Lone Peak Deluxe expanding wedge. It contains a spare tube, patch kit, mini tool, a few first aid items, a Cook Bros. mini pump w/ gauge, and still has room for my jacket and the leftover half of my mid-ride bakery stop scone. I really don’t like to load my jersey pockets.
As with RAH, been using a small Zefal backpack without the bladder in it.
I’ve used a variety of seat packs over the years – never want to get down the road and discover that I have no tube, etc. but I don’t carry much – two tire levers, two Allen wrenches, tube, instant patches, all wrapped in a bandana. My problem with packs that either snap over or wrap around the seat post is that they abrade the post and straps can abrade the saddle rails. Even happens with a Ti post. So now I am using a bag that snaps into a fixed clip with nothing touching the post and nothing that can move on the seat rails. (Fizik brand that of course only works with a Fizik saddle)
On my road bike I attach a single spare inner tube tightly under the seat with a velcro strap. It’s easy to get at, and tucks in very nicely. In a Belroy cell phone wallet (expensive) I carry all my ride essentials (ID, cash, etc.) two tire levers and one solid piece multi-tool (has 5 hexes and a screwdriver tip). That wallet fits nicely in my middle jersey pocket, with a mini-pump. The other two pockets get fuel, electrolyte caps, etc. It’s minimalist, for sure, but works really well.
My jersey’s three pockets provide enough storage and then some (Lotsa gels, third bottle, unique roadkill, etc.), with the all-important benefit of being reachable as I ride. I suspect I do look funny from behind, but no one makes ‘man bag’ jokes!
Expensive – but the new Silca Seat Roll Premio with the Boa closure system is my new favourite spare tube / tool carrier.
Very secure center strap holds the roll together, and the Boa strap cinches everythingup tight, neat vand tidy under the seat rails.
A wallet in my center jersy pocket holds cash, cards, an ID, and my mobile phone.
I’m a skinny fellow and my jersey pockets bulge when I put all that I need in them. Plus I find it rubs. I use the Ortlieb saddle bag. It has a bracket that is permanently under the saddle and it slides on to the bracket. You can buy extra brackets so that switching between bikes is easy. Its just the right size (I have a small one but you can get different sizes, it doesn’t rattle (a pet peeve) and it’s completely waterproof. for longer rides I have a small backpack: essential for changeable UK weather!