In praise of Scicon (bike bags/saddle bags)

alfablue
alfablue Posts: 8,497
edited November 2008 in Workshop
I bought a Scicon Phantom 230" Pro Carbon saddle bag which has a unique (and brilliant) fitting system (Review). I wanted a second bracket to use the bag on two bikes, without buying a whole new bag. I couldn't find any spare parts online so I emailed Scicon in Italy, they wrote back saying they will ship me one, and its free because shipping costs more than the item. What a brilliant company!!!! I just thought they deserved some praise.

The bag is very small, it takes an inner tube (700x23), some Park instant patches, a spare KMC chain link, tyre levers and a Lezyne multitool with chain spiltter...just! It attaches to the saddle with just a 90 degree twist of the bag, no staps or anything. Highly recommended if you want a minimalist bag that is very easy to fit/remove from the bike.

scicon-phantom-230-med.jpg

Comments

  • wilwil
    wilwil Posts: 374
    Does the fixing get in the way of the saddle flexing?
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    wilwil wrote:
    Does the fixing get in the way of the saddle flexing?
    No, it works fine with my Planet-X saddle. The part of the fitting that goes above the rails and inside the saddle is 7mm deep and 64mm wide.

    scicon.jpg

    I reckon it should be okay with most saddles. It is secured by turning the knob on the bottom.
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    I'm wondering how secure that method is compared to the normal strap and buckle? Nice looking bag though.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    giant mancp wrote:
    I'm wondering how secure that method is compared to the normal strap and buckle? Nice looking bag though.

    It does seem very secure so far, it is quite sturdy (and being a small bag, it isn't too heavy), I think it can only come off if it rotates 90 degrees which isn't too likely.
  • wilwil
    wilwil Posts: 374
    The bracket looks a similar size to my Topeak which gets in the way of the downward flex of my Toupe saddle. The Topeak clip in mech looks just as good except you have to put the bracket on using a hex key. I thought my Topeak Aerowedge Small was small at 660 cc but that's even bigger than the Scicon Compact.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    I have Topeak bags too, the bracket (the bit above the rails) is fairly low profile too, but it is a couple of centimetres wider than the Scicon one, is it the outer edges that are fouling the saddle? The Scicon one won't go so far back on the rails, thus it is further from the inside of the saddle shell. In which case the Scicon may succeed. I have had the Topeak on an Alias saddle without problem, but I guess the rails are probably different. You could try a Scicon from Wiggle with no risk as returns are no quibble (just cost you £1 to post it back). If the Scicon doesn't work then I think your only option is one that uses velcro straps.

    Scicon do make one with straps, the Elan 210 Carbon and it is only £11.99. It is probably a fine bag, slight disadvantages over the Roller system ones is it needs removal to open it, and removal and refitting is not so "instant". I particularly wanted a quick release one for swapping between bikes, and as we know "every second counts". Also, as it is named "210" I think it may have 20ml less capacity than the "230".

    scicon-210-s-bag-med.jpg
  • James_London
    James_London Posts: 530
    Had one for a while and it's excellent. The attachment is very secure on my Toupe saddle and it doesn't scratch the seatpost like some others.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    James_London wrote:
    Had one for a while and it's excellent. The attachment is very secure on my Toupe saddle and it doesn't scratch the seatpost like some others.
    Which one James, the Roller one or the velcro one?

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