HOT!
- Uniquely cool product that works
- Frees up seat post space for lights, etc.
- High-quality materials featuring waxed canvas and Boa Closure System
- Fits snugly to saddle, ensuring no rattles
- Easy on and off, with rail guard to protect and grip saddle rails
- Can be switched from one bike to another in seconds
- Center strap locks folded seat roll in place
- 3 pockets, ideal for a basic repair kit (2 CO2 canisters, air chuck, 1 tube up to 700x45mm, multitool, tire lever(s)) and a bit more
NOT!
- Must remove entire seat roll to access what’s inside
- Not as large as many seat bags, limiting carrying space
- My 2nd tube and house key now reside in a jersey pocket
http://www.silca.cc
Cost: $48
Colors/Material: Black waxed canvas with cross-stitch quilting; Boa Closure System
Availability: company website, online
How Obtained: sample from company
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 60+ hours
A Seat Bag Alternative That is Stylish and Functional
I’ve long been a fan of the Topeak Aero Wedge (I sung its praises in an RBR Favorites on Seat Bags earlier this year). But as much as I like its ability to carry all of the stuff I wanted to tote on my rides, it took up a lot of real estate under my saddle, which always made mounting rear lights and accessories difficult.
Silca’s Seat Roll Premio is a stylish alternative to any seat bag, and it overcomes such issues as taking up too much space, “dangling” and swaying, rattles from loose items, etc.
It is, effectively, a 3-pocket tool apron made from high-quality, good-looking materials: waxed canvas with cross-stitch quilting, with the industry-standard Boa Closure System uniquely employed to fasten the packed roll to your saddle rails – snugly and securely.
It’s not a perfect solution for every roadie, but for any rider who carries not much more than a basic repair kit, it’s as close to ideal as any product I’m aware of.
What Goes Inside
The three internal pockets, arrayed like jersey pockets, will easily accommodate one tube (up to 700x45mm), a couple of CO2 canisters and air chuck, a fairly sizable multitool (mine is a model that includes a chain tool), and a few other items of your choosing. I also carry one tire lever (I’ve never used 2), a “temporary spoke” and master link, a couple bandages, some Ibuprofen and Benadryl. You can see how it’s all arrayed in the photo, below.
With all your gear pushed snugly down into the deep pockets, you simply fold the top of the apron down, then fold each outside pocket over the middle pocket and fasten the “roll” with the center strap. Then you feed the Boa cables (inside the “rail guard”) through your saddle rails and fasten the closure system on the underside of the roll. Finally, you twist the Boa dial (exactly like the one on innumerable cycling shoe models) to snug the roll tightly to your saddle.
The Seat Roll’s Pros
The Seat Roll has numerous advantages over many traditional seat bags. The primary advantages, to me, are based on how the system works. Because the roll is folded up into a compact, tight package, it takes up a minimal amount of space. That is further accentuated by the Boa Closure System that snugs it as tightly as possible to your saddle rails. All of this results in a system that totally eliminates any possibility of a rattle.
In the past, with my old saddle bag, I always had to finesse the way I attached my rear flasher and any other accessories (which at times have included a rear camera, as well). Now, because of the compact nature of the roll, I have ample space (and clearance) below it on my seat post for my for my rear light. See the photo.
Another pro is that it is the Seat Roll is quick and easy to remove and place on a different bike, or because of its compact nature, carry along with other ride gear in your backpack or case to any event.
Finally, and this is a minor one to some riders, I know, but the Seat Roll makes for a cleaner, minimalist look to your bike, compared to the sometimes ungainly profile of a seat bag hanging off the saddle.
The Seat Roll’s Cons
It does have a couple of shortcomings, however, neither of which is a deal-breaker for me. One of them is that, to access anything inside, you must remove the entire roll from your bike, unroll it and lay it out.
That’s not a serious issue, to be sure. I almost never need to access the repair kit on the road, but the Seat Roll is not as user-friendly as simply unzipping a back pocket and removing whatever you need (as on my old bag). I used to store my house key, stuck to a piece of Velcro, on the inside of that zippered pocket, so I could easily access it.
Now, along with the second tube I like to carry, the key goes into one of my jersey pockets. That points up the second, and to some riders, more serious shortcoming: the Seat Roll may not accommodate all the stuff you’re used to carrying. In my case, I also had to weed out one other “just in case” item that, granted, I actually never used on the road. And though I don’t like to have to carry the second tube and key in a pocket, really, it’s not that big a deal – and I’ve already gotten used to it.
The Last Word
Silca’s Seat Roll Premio is a stylish alternative to any seat bag. It’s a 3-pocket tool apron made from high-quality, good-looking materials: waxed canvas with cross-stitch quilting, with the industry-standard Boa Closure System uniquely employed to fasten the packed roll to your saddle rails – snugly and securely. It’s not a perfect solution for every roadie, but for any rider who carries not much more than a basic repair kit, it’s as close to ideal as any product I’m aware of.
September 2017
John Marsh is the editor and publisher of RBR Newsletter and RoadBikeRider.com. A rider of “less than podium” talent, he sees himself as RBR’s Ringmaster, guiding the real talent (RBR’s great coaches, contributors and authors) in bringing our readers consistently useful, informative, entertaining info that helps make them better road cyclists. That’s what we’re all about here—always have been, always will be. Click to read John’s full bio.
One feature that I really like in seat bags is a “non-contact” design. Something that attaches to the saddle rails or saddle only with nothing touching the seat post. Regardless of how well designed, anything that touches the seat post will eventually wear on it, removing paint or finish. I currently use a “click in” bag with a Fizik saddle and I really like it.
So I’ve used this thing for about a year and have some comments. First, like any elastic w tension on it, it will lose its stretch. The elastic strap that goes around the case already has and its integral to keeping it rolled closed. I’ve had to “reinforce” w a rubberband. Next, if you’re in a hurry to change your flat, you’ll be frustrated by this design. Next, when it’s full, it’s not so compact. Also, it does contact my seat post and is wearing thin at that point. A few months ago I thought I wanted to get a second for my other road bike. Glad I checked because there is not enough horizontal clearance under the seat to mount it “flat”. It hangs more vertical by a lot and doesn’t look right at all. Not hugely impressed for $50. Has a way to go for sure.
I too moved to this from the excellent Topeak bags. I have had zero problems and really like the extra space it provides for lights, etc. It carries everything I need.
It seems like the seatpost clearance is mostly a function of your saddle’s fore-aft position. Mine is mounted fairly far aft, thus the Roll is nowhere near my seatpost. It’s good to know your experience with the strap weakening over time. And I agree (my first NOT! bullet point) that taking it off the access what’s inside is a bit cumbersome.
Would echo the comment on the strap-mine is losing its elasticity which keeps the case from being as compact as it could be. The velcro on the strap also came unstitched. Strap seems to be the weak link for this case. It has been versatile, as I was even able to use it on my TT bike saddle.
Maybe Silca will move away from elastic for that strap. It could just as easily be nylon. As long as one side has a long enough piece of the velcro, it could work just as well.
I used to carry a Rapha Tool Roll under my saddle. The buckled strap would come loose, and I would sometimes leave a trail of stuff on the road behind me.
That is a problem of the past with the Silca Premio. The combination of the Boa closure and the elastic strap has kept everything tight and secure.