Which saddle bag?

richie-t

OK, so with saddle bags i feel i don't really want one as i'd feel a bit nerdy.


HOWEVER i dont like having an expensive mobile phone sloshing about in my jersey pocket, when i could either crash and crush it to pieces or it could fall out and smash.

So, i've been looking at one which stores a mobile, keys and a few essentials tools - multi tool, spare tube and patch kit/tyre levers.

I'm looking at a Topeak Aero Wedge SMALL - does anyone have this and will it contain what i need?

thanks a lot

redddraggon

Less chance of damage happening to a mobile in your pocket. Everytime I've had a phone in my saddle bag and I've crashed I've smashed the phone, but I've never smashed a phone in a crash with it in my pocket

keef66

I have the large version and it takes all that plus an emergency rain jacket. Mind you, I usually have the phone in my zipped jersey pocket in case I need to make a call on the move.

richie-t

well, the few times i've crashed have been SPD related, which has generally meant i've landed on my side. BUT the only jersey ive got hasnt got any zipped pockets so im really cautious of it falling out.

ian_s

richie-t wrote:

OK, so with saddle bags i feel i don't really want one as i'd feel a bit nerdy.


HOWEVER i dont like having an expensive mobile phone sloshing about in my jersey pocket, when i could either crash and crush it to pieces or it could fall out and smash.

So, i've been looking at one which stores a mobile, keys and a few essentials tools - multi tool, spare tube and patch kit/tyre levers.

I'm looking at a Topeak Aero Wedge SMALL - does anyone have this and will it contain what i need?

thanks a lot

I have the medium version. Its plenty big enough for tube, tool, phone, couple of bars but not likely enough for a waterproof. Its worth finding one in the shops to assess what size you need. Nice bag though.

bobpzero

lezyne caddy large is nice, is what i have, does the job in carrying whatever i dont want in the rear pockets of my jersey, tho i do have a zip pocket on jersey if i need to put the mobile there. if you are so worried about your expensive mobile why not get a cheap one or a metal case for your expensive mobile

fnegroni

keef66 wrote:

I have the large version and it takes all that plus an emergency rain jacket.

Plus it is expandable.
And if you get the clip-on version (that is with two straps that clip on to the saddle rails) you can easily transfer it to any other bike. I do that a lot between my race and hybrid.

Takis61

I have the small, holds a multitool, tyre levers. keys & a tube, but I don't like the attachment - makes the bag hang lower on the post & restricts room for lights etc. - will probably put it back on bike #2 & get a small bag that attaches with velcro straps.

mfin

If you feel a bit 'nerdy' as you put it with a saddlebag then why not use a second bottle cage to store one of these... http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A9181 ...there's a bigger version here too http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A3027.

In the smaller one of those I've got some tube repair patches, a new tube, 3 tyre levers, a CO2 Pump, a spare CO2 cartridge, a small Multitool, some expanding wipe/rag things and a bit of kitchen roll in the lid to stop any rattling. Defintely an alternative to the look of saddle bag which you don't seem enamoured with as long as you dont need to carry 2 bottles, and cheaper too.

rally200

If you're worried about nerdy looks (and my own nerdy looks really bother me) - then this is just the ticket http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Scicon_Elan_210_Saddle_bag/5360037710/

I loved it so much I put a review on wiggle (not for the prize draw or anything like that)

You can't get much in it mind.

t0ph0id

I have the small wedge and carry a tube, levers, puncture kit, keys, money and mobile.
Great little bag.

Garz

The empty bottle idea seems just up my street. With all the spares to carry, phone, house keys etc the saddle-bag alone cant hold everything. Thanks for that mfin!

mfin

I had a spare house key cut just to take cycling so I never take the bulk of all my keys and have an old (but small) mobile phone that I swap my sim into before I go. Those and a couple of gels are all I need in my pockets most of the time.

Plus, I dont have to remember much to pick up before I go and don't even have a pump stuck on the bike.

Garz

mfin wrote:

I had a spare house key cut just to take cycling so I never take the bulk of all my keys and have an old (but small) mobile phone that I swap my sim into before I go. Those and a couple of gels are all I need in my pockets most of the time.

Plus, I dont have to remember much to pick up before I go and don't even have a pump stuck on the bike.

Must get the key copied as thats another space saver, however my phone is a new htc very slim and it acts as my gps so cant do much to improve that one.

craker

richie-t wrote:

OK, so with saddle bags i feel i don't really want one as i'd feel a bit nerdy.

saddlebags nerdie? crikey you must have self confidence issue. I've always thought riding without a saddle bag makes you look like a beginner.

Seriously. Nerdie?

I've found that mobile phones in saddlebags get a bit beaten up though. I tend to leave small change in mine (phones / snacks) that can pummel a screen to oblivion in one ride.

Phil CK

Specialized mini wedgie for me.... and at £12 it's good value, carries what I need & can hardly be seen (if thats an issue)...

Ollieda

I just brought one by BBB for £5 off ebay. Its just like the one above but a cheaper knock off. I've got a puncture repair kit, few allen keys and a screw driver in their. Theres just enough room to put in my wallet phone and keys. Haven't got a spare innertube yet but i reckon with some clever packing I could get one in there!

AGNI

Phil CK wrote:

Specialized mini wedgie for me.... and at £12 it's good value, carries what I need & can hardly be seen (if thats an issue)...

I have got the same bag. Even though it looks small, I get in it a spare tube, puncture repair kit, pump, tyre levers and cable ties.