The ultimate saddle bag

survivor

Several close friends and I have been working on a bicycle saddle bag prototype and would like to get some inputs and feedbacks from fellow cyclists here. We want to make sure we are on the right path to help address the issues that current saddle bags have.

As avid cyclists ourselves, we often time have our dilemmas when it comes to saddle bag. Practical or aesthetic? Size or storage? At one hand we want the saddle bag practicality of carrying around the essentials items like spare tubes and multitools during our rides. On the other hand we want to keep the clean aesthetic of our bike. In the case where the practical sense won the first dilemma, we typically still need to trade off between storage space or utterly bulky saddle bag. Even the ones least concern with aesthetic would shake their heads staring at the brick like saddle bag hanging below the bicycle saddle. Majority of the saddle bags in the market today are boxy and black, which doesn’t help to promote the saddle bag’s stylish or aesthetic aspect.

What do you guys look for when choosing a saddle bag? What is in your wish list of the ultimate saddle bag? If you are not a saddle bag user today, what is holding you back and what will make you switch camp?

Would you be interested if there is a saddle bag that can do the following?
1. Compact enough to carry most of your essential items. Think 2 spare tubes, 2 tire levers, 2 CO2 canisters, Multitools with chain tool, patch kit, all these in a compact form factor.
2. Stylish enough to not ruin your bike aesthetic, this can be quite subjective and personal but assume it meets your styling requirement.
3. Quick attach and release. Much faster than dealing with Velcro.
4. Abundant styling/color choices.

We love to hear your inputs and hopefully we will be able to create something that all the cyclists want to use. Thanks!

dannbodge

I buy the one that will fit all my stuff.
Don't care about what it looks like on the bike as you don't see it when riding. If I'm taking pictures etc, I'll just pop it off.
The only thing I wish mine was that it's not, is waterproof.

So to answer:
1. I carry: tyre levers, patches, CO2 canister+hybrid pump, one allen key, my phone, money, keys and glasses. So would need to be large enough for that. The phone and glasses are by far the biggest issues for most saddle bags
2. Don't care what it looks like.
3. Current ones already come with quick release clips, so not really solving any problems there.
4. I'd only ever buy black...

term1te

I'm happy with my very small saddle bag. I only carry one tube, tyre leavers and a very small multi-tool. Phone, glasses, banana, etc., all go in my jersey pockets. I'm also happy with Velcro fastenings. If I plan to go over 100km, I'll take two tubes, with one in my pocket.

My key buying factors are, small, light and waterproof. A bit of retro-reflective material would be a nice touch.

keef66

For whizzing about locally I have a small seat pack with a tube, puncture stuff, gloves, multitool.

It clips on / off quickly, but generally stays on the bike. Black / black and grey to match the bike. I also look for a loop that will hold a rear light securely and vertically.

For longer rides I go full on retro with a Carradice Barley saddle bag. I'm getting on a bit though; probably not your target demographic...

lakesluddite

Big enough for 2xtubes, multitool, quicklink, tyre levers. Waterproof, and not to take up too much room on the seatpost so that a rear light can be comfortably mounted without obstruction (if its to be attached with straps as opposed to a saddle clip).

survivor

Thanks for the inputs. Looks like waterproofing is a feature that many is looking for and we definitely have the same thought as well. We have taken into consideration that the saddle bag needs to co-exist with mounted rear light and perhaps rear mounted action camera as well.

joey54321

I don't know what the solution is but I take the same bag (tools, pump, etc...) on both cross bike and road bike which means swapping the inner tubes round. I keep two tubes of each size in a plastic bag and swap them depending on which bike I am on which is annoying as it means unpacking and repacking each time. If it could work neatly some sort of compartmental design would be good (for me).

Also interested in waterproofness, ease of opening/packing and ease of swapping between bikes

survivor

joey54321 wrote:

I don't know what the solution is but I take the same bag (tools, pump, etc...) on both cross bike and road bike which means swapping the inner tubes round. I keep two tubes of each size in a plastic bag and swap them depending on which bike I am on which is annoying as it means unpacking and repacking each time. If it could work neatly some sort of compartmental design would be good (for me).

Also interested in waterproofness, ease of opening/packing and ease of swapping between bikes

Hi Joey, quick release/attachment is in our design consideration and will help with the ease of swapping between bikes.

In term of compartmentalize, we are currently on the fence. On on hand compartmentalize makes the solution neater where everything has its place but on the other hand you lost the flexibility of arranging your items as you see fit. Everyone packs different items for their rides so the predefined compartmentalize might or might not work for the items they are carrying.

philbar72

Room to fit 2 tubes, 2 small levers and patches and a cr2032 battery and a couple of quick links and tyre boots. Has a reflective strip that works, and the ability to mount one of those clip on rear lights. Attachment needs to be secure so Velcro would be preferred.

joey54321

survivor wrote:

joey54321 wrote:

I don't know what the solution is but I take the same bag (tools, pump, etc...) on both cross bike and road bike which means swapping the inner tubes round. I keep two tubes of each size in a plastic bag and swap them depending on which bike I am on which is annoying as it means unpacking and repacking each time. If it could work neatly some sort of compartmental design would be good (for me).

Also interested in waterproofness, ease of opening/packing and ease of swapping between bikes

Hi Joey, quick release/attachment is in our design consideration and will help with the ease of swapping between bikes.

In term of compartmentalize, we are currently on the fence. On on hand compartmentalize makes the solution neater where everything has its place but on the other hand you lost the flexibility of arranging your items as you see fit. Everyone packs different items for their rides so the predefined compartmentalize might or might not work for the items they are carrying.

perhaps 'module' is a better word than compartment. I.e. if you want a smaller bag you can just take one 'module' ,if there is other stuff you take on a longer ride you can 'attach' another 'module' to increrase volume. If, like me, what you changes depends on the ride you can have a spare module and just swap them around.

navrig2

Decent zips are a must.

I have gone through a couple of the popular Topeak bags which had zip failures. Probably due to the muck thrown up by the back wheel. However everyone knows back wheels throw up muck so the zips should be able to cope.

survivor

Navrig2 wrote:

Decent zips are a must.

I have gone through a couple of the popular Topeak bags which had zip failures. Probably due to the muck thrown up by the back wheel. However everyone knows back wheels throw up muck so the zips should be able to cope.

Great inputs. We are planning to use weather resistant zipper so hopefully it are both durable and weather proof.

Moonbiker

Make them from waterproof tarp type material?

chippyk

I’ve a cheap Decathlon saddle pack, there’s a multi tool in, spare inner, patches, levers, CO2 pump and spare canister, emergency KitKat and chain links. Pump, extra inner and phone all in jersey pocket. The pack Velcros on, changes between bikes in seconds and is at least 4 years old. It is, or was, a fluoro yellow. I’m not sure how you can improve on that, not once have I thought this isn’t good enough.

survivor

ChippyK wrote:

I’ve a cheap Decathlon saddle pack, there’s a multi tool in, spare inner, patches, levers, CO2 pump and spare canister, emergency KitKat and chain links. Pump, extra inner and phone all in jersey pocket. The pack Velcros on, changes between bikes in seconds and is at least 4 years old. It is, or was, a fluoro yellow. I’m not sure how you can improve on that, not once have I thought this isn’t good enough.

We will keep you posted and hopefully you will like what you see

noodleman

I'd like a zipp that opens around the bottom of the bag rather than the top. I realise you then have the issue of things falling out but maybe an elasticated mesh halfway covering the contents would help.
I really hate it when I want to open the zipp but access is difficult because of the saddle. Maybe these bags already exist and I've not seen them.

Moonbiker

Also some kind of way to attach a light would be handy.

survivor

noodleman wrote:

I'd like a zipp that opens around the bottom of the bag rather than the top. I realise you then have the issue of things falling out but maybe an elasticated mesh halfway covering the contents would help.
I really hate it when I want to open the zipp but access is difficult because of the saddle. Maybe these bags already exist and I've not seen them.

If the saddle bag is easy to remove and reattach back to the bike then this is really not an issue right? You can just remove the saddle and access whatever you want and attach it back when you are done.

survivor

Moonbiker wrote:

Also some kind of way to attach a light would be handy.

Yes, absolutely. We have this need ourselves thus it is already in our design plan since day one

lincolndave

Waterproof, possibly made out of a reflective material , easy access with the top peak I have to release one of the saddle straps to open the zip, as others have said something to support a rear light

Sutton_Rider

Sensible price - Long enough to take a small pump (Not CO2) - Black - Good zip - Small plastic retaining clips (so that they will pass through the saddle rails regardless of the position of the saddle)

ravey1981

Don't waste your time, Ortlieb already did it. Several different sizes and colours, Fully waterproof, no zip to go wrong, quick release for moving between bikes. I have a couple in micro which is big enough for a tube, co2 x 2, multitool, rag, zip ties, vinyl gloves, chain link. And extra large which is big enough for a multi day expedition. Best saddles bags you can get.

ravey1981

micro size

survivor

ravey1981 wrote:

Don't waste your time, Ortlieb already did it. Several different sizes and colours, Fully waterproof, no zip to go wrong, quick release for moving between bikes. I have a couple in micro which is big enough for a tube, co2 x 2, multitool, rag, zip ties, vinyl gloves, chain link. And extra large which is big enough for a multi day expedition. Best saddles bags you can get.

We do look at Ortlieb and we believe we have something more to offer
There are reviews online that stated Ortlieb may have bib rub issue, but overall it is a great saddle bag no doubt.
Quick release for moving between bikes is only true if you have the mounting attachment on all your bikes.

ravey1981

survivor wrote:

ravey1981 wrote:

Don't waste your time, Ortlieb already did it. Several different sizes and colours, Fully waterproof, no zip to go wrong, quick release for moving between bikes. I have a couple in micro which is big enough for a tube, co2 x 2, multitool, rag, zip ties, vinyl gloves, chain link. And extra large which is big enough for a multi day expedition. Best saddles bags you can get.

We do look at Ortlieb and we believe we have something more to offer
There are reviews online that stated Ortlieb may have bib rub issue, but overall it is a great saddle bag no doubt.
Quick release for moving between bikes is only true if you have the mounting attachment on all your bikes.

Never had any issue with rub. Extra brackets are only a few pounds and if you don't want the clip then they do strapped versions to.

Alex99

Why don't Ortlieb design a bracket that puts the bag flush with the rear of the saddle?

whoof

What you are describing I would call a seat pack. This is what I would describe as a saddle bag.

https://iliketoridemybicycle.files.word ... g_0129.jpg

The former would probably be used to carry a couple of inner tubes and some tools, the latter spare clothes or enough stuff for a weekend touring.
As others have pointed there has been a cross over in recent years where seat packs have got bigger and bigger and there is now lots of manufactures including Apidura, Ortleib, Alpkit, Blackburn.... each with there own ideas on size fixing, waterproofs, entry, attachments and many other variables.

In answer to your questions

survivor wrote:

Would you be interested if there is a saddle bag that can do the following?
1. Compact enough to carry most of your essential items. Think 2 spare tubes, 2 tire levers, 2 CO2 canisters, Multitools with chain tool, patch kit, all these in a compact form factor.

Yes I would I currently have a saddle pack that does this.

2. Stylish enough to not ruin your bike aesthetic, this can be quite subjective and personal but assume it meets your styling requirement.

It's a bag under the saddle I've seen many some look better than others but I've never seen anything I would describe as stylish.


3. Quick attach and release. Much faster than dealing with Velcro.

I like Velcro. It's simple and it means you can easily swop the pack between bikes. Other systems that quickly clip on are not quick if you need to change to another bike.

4. Abundant styling/color choices.

Black is fine with me.

survivor

whoof wrote:

What you are describing I would call a seat pack. This is what I would describe as a saddle bag.

https://iliketoridemybicycle.files.word ... g_0129.jpg

The former would probably be used to carry a couple of inner tubes and some tools, the latter spare clothes or enough stuff for a weekend touring.
As others have pointed there has been a cross over in recent years where seat packs have got bigger and bigger and there is now lots of manufactures including Apidura, Ortleib, Alpkit, Blackburn.... each with there own ideas on size fixing, waterproofs, entry, attachments and many other variables.

In answer to your questions

survivor wrote:

Would you be interested if there is a saddle bag that can do the following?
1. Compact enough to carry most of your essential items. Think 2 spare tubes, 2 tire levers, 2 CO2 canisters, Multitools with chain tool, patch kit, all these in a compact form factor.

Yes I would I currently have a saddle pack that does this.

2. Stylish enough to not ruin your bike aesthetic, this can be quite subjective and personal but assume it meets your styling requirement.

It's a bag under the saddle I've seen many some look better than others but I've never seen anything I would describe as stylish.


3. Quick attach and release. Much faster than dealing with Velcro.

I like Velcro. It's simple and it means you can easily swop the pack between bikes. Other systems that quickly clip on are not quick if you need to change to another bike.

4. Abundant styling/color choices.

Black is fine with me.

Sorry, maybe I should change the term to saddle pack instead.

Our goal is to be able to achieve #1 and not compromising #2 and #3. In other words, we want a saddle pack that is stylish (this can be subjective due to personal preferences), compact enough but still have the storage capacity that majority cyclists would appreciate and quick attachment that support fast bike swap without Velcro.

sam_anon

survivor wrote:

Several close friends and I have been working on a bicycle saddle bag prototype and would like to get some inputs and feedbacks from fellow cyclists here. We want to make sure we are on the right path to help address the issues that current saddle bags have.

As avid cyclists ourselves, we often time have our dilemmas when it comes to saddle bag. Practical or aesthetic? Size or storage? At one hand we want the saddle bag practicality of carrying around the essentials items like spare tubes and multitools during our rides. On the other hand we want to keep the clean aesthetic of our bike. In the case where the practical sense won the first dilemma, we typically still need to trade off between storage space or utterly bulky saddle bag. Even the ones least concern with aesthetic would shake their heads staring at the brick like saddle bag hanging below the bicycle saddle. Majority of the saddle bags in the market today are boxy and black, which doesn’t help to promote the saddle bag’s stylish or aesthetic aspect.

What do you guys look for when choosing a saddle bag? What is in your wish list of the ultimate saddle bag? If you are not a saddle bag user today, what is holding you back and what will make you switch camp?

Would you be interested if there is a saddle bag that can do the following?
1. Compact enough to carry most of your essential items. Think 2 spare tubes, 2 tire levers, 2 CO2 canisters, Multitools with chain tool, patch kit, all these in a compact form factor.
2. Stylish enough to not ruin your bike aesthetic, this can be quite subjective and personal but assume it meets your styling requirement.
3. Quick attach and release. Much faster than dealing with Velcro.
4. Abundant styling/color choices.

We love to hear your inputs and hopefully we will be able to create something that all the cyclists want to use. Thanks!

I'm a freelance Product Designer, keen cyclist and have designed and developed a number of soft-goods in the past.

Anyway, my input would be could the saddle pack be a tall, thin bag, so it sits behind and up the seat-post rather than the classic under the seat format?

Perhaps it could roll up to cater for lower seat heights and a strap and buckle could be a cool detail?

Anyway, just my thoughts! Do let me know if you'd like any further input.

survivor

sam anon wrote:

I'm a freelance Product Designer, keen cyclist and have designed and developed a number of soft-goods in the past.

Anyway, my input would be could the saddle pack be a tall, thin bag, so it sits behind and up the seat-post rather than the classic under the seat format?

Perhaps it could roll up to cater for lower seat heights and a strap and buckle could be a cool detail?

Anyway, just my thoughts! Do let me know if you'd like any further input.

Thank you for your inputs. A tall thin bag kinda already exist today with Topeak Dynawedge. See link here:

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/saddle-bags/686-dynawedge

It is not a style that we are fond of. The tall thin body also possibly catches cross wind as it will be like a small yacht sail. Haven't verified this though.

We are pretty close to finalize our design. The latest prototype are currently in work and we are super excited to see how it turns out.

pilot_pete

I have one of these http://cyckit.com/ fitted to my C60.

It is a minimalist type with only just enough room for the essentials. However, I think it is currently the neatest solution on the market. I have had several comments along the lines of “oh, I thought it was part of the saddle”, which says it all.

The pluses;

1. Minimalist; does not detract from the lines of a top quality road bike (so obviously won’t for a cheap road bike either ) Fit is excellent.
2. Weatherproof. It is hard plastic with a rubber tab. The base fits into the lid (which is attached to the saddle rails).
3. No zip/ material to fail/ fray.
4. Very robust and easy to clean (just wash it in situ with the bike).
5. Packed properly it doesn’t rattle (the packed internals) or swing about. It is solid and won’t wear any part of your bike due to friction under movement.
6. I pack a spare tube, inflator and head, a tyre boot, two levers and a Topeak rescue box with patches and chain link. I also have a few small cable ties in there and valve extenders with the little Conti tool for unscrewing them.
7. It is available in a few colours.
8. The base, with all your packed kit in, hinges down and can be removed quickly, so you could buy extra lids and swap the contents and base between multiple bikes.

The downsides/ possible improvements;

1. It really is minimalist. On longer rides I carry two tubes and two inflators, so have to put one tube and an inflator along with a multi tool in a jersey pocket.
2. There isn’t quite enough room for what I would ideally like (two inflators) and a half descent multi tool with a chain tool (I’ve just upgraded to a terrific, flat, little Lezynne multi tool with chain breaker) I could forego the second tube and just carry patches...
3. There is no provision to mount a light. Also no reflectives. It would be quite hard to stick anything to the flap (which forms the back of the pack) as it is rubber.
4. Only available in NZ (or at least it was when I got mine in 2016)

So far it is the best pack I have used and I recommend it regularly. For me, if you could improve on that to achieve your aims you could well be on to a winner.

PP

P.s. food for thought;

If you compromise on a light mount that is universal you will end up like all the others just having a clip on strap. I found that any light when clipped to these both wobbled about and never pointed in the optimal direction.

Take a look at the new Fabric front light that fits on your Garmin mount. I have pre-ordered one. This seems like a great idea for a ‘be seen’ daytime flasher. I could envisage a similar rear light with a Garmin type mount moulded to the underside of the Cyckit seat pack. This is another advantage of a solid box as opposed to a soft bag.