Saddle bags - Talk to me

neil_g · 22 Sep 2016 at 10:29

I've made a decision to come back into the world of skinny wheel riding and got a 2017 "urban/gravel" bike on pre order.

Normally out on the mountain bike I carry my Osprey hydration pack with my normal assortment of tools and bits but was thinking of getting a saddle bag for this type of riding.

I need something that can hold:

Smartphone (5.5" screen jobbie)
Card wallet (house key could be tucked in to this)
700 tube
CO2 cannister(s)
Multitool
Snack

Quite like the look of the Evoc Saddle Bag Tour, I know Evoc make some quality kit. Doesn't break the bank. Nice design etc. Not going to be pushing for any KOM so not looking for anything ridiculously aero or lightweight.

Or is there a better suggestion? Guess it needs to be waterproof being in an exposed location, or could just put things in a ziploc bags.

Vonhelmet · 22 Sep 2016 at 10:36

Stick your phone in a bag of pouch in a jersey pocket. Too hard to fit a big phone in a saddle bag unless you get a stupidly huge one.

Topeak Aero wedge would be my recommendation.

ristac · 22 Sep 2016 at 10:36

I have just changed my bike, I had to go for a frame size larger than I really should, mainly because I have long arms and I don't like feeling cramped up. This means my saddle is lower than usual and if I want to use a rear light my current saddle bag won't fit.

I have been searching long and hard and I quite like the look of the VAUDE Cruiser Bag. Not too large, saw a review where someone could still use two water bottles with it and a decent price.

neil_g · 22 Sep 2016 at 10:51

Vonhelmet said:
Stick your phone in a bag of pouch in a jersey pocket.

not keen on that because sweat. plus i dont really do jerseys, those i do have are mtb longsleeve with no pockets #notaroadie

ristac said:
I have just changed my bike, I had to go for a frame size larger than I really should, mainly because I have long arms and I don't like feeling cramped up. This means my saddle is lower than usual and if I want to use a rear light my current saddle bag won't fit.

ordered a 58cm, it was the closest match reach to my mtb. compared to a colleagues 54cm it should be okay for a saddlebag. plus the evoc i mention has a rear light clip area.

BennyC · 22 Sep 2016 at 11:37

neil_g said:
not keen on that because sweat. plus i dont really do jerseys, those i do have are mtb longsleeve with no pockets #notaroadie

So you're wearing bib-shorts with a t-shirt flapping about?

Get a jersey and stuff everything in your pockets :cool:

neil_g · 22 Sep 2016 at 12:20

who mentioned bib shorts?

whyscotty · 22 Sep 2016 at 13:39

Topeak Mondopack XL

something daft already!! · 22 Sep 2016 at 13:41

So saddle bags talk to you do they? Do they tell you to burn things?