Saddle Bag recommendations
 

Last 3 years I've torn the seat post strap off my saddle bag (new one each year) on a Long Gravel race. Curious what others are using for saddle bags that are robust. i've been using a Serfas medium sized bag. It appears the strap is glued on the bag not sewn.

Take it to a shoe repair shop or awning shop and they should be able to fix it.

I use this seemingly generic Asian Amazon brand for all my road bikes and often times for my gravel bike too. 3 sizes and the largest expands to 1.5L if needed so it can hold a lot. Used em for years without incident and have stuffed the wedge bag past what I thought would be the limit many times, but it held great. The large was $7 last time i bought a couple and the large is currently at $12 which would still be tough to beat. I have looked many times each year for a bike shop brand wedge bag I like just as much but the prices are usually 3-4x more.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A3W8FFM...c37&th=1&psc=1https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e2360c697a.jpghttps://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8f736c3360.jpg



This is what stays on my gravel bike for most of the year, mostly because Im too lazy to swap it off. Its 6L in volume with the ability to expand to 7.5L. I dont use the dropout sway bands and havent ever felt the need to, but they are included for preference and peace of mind. Extremely well made, easy to use zippers. a couple small side convenience access pockets, and able to hold anything short of the kitchen sink. Really- it just held a mid-weight jacket, some full finger insulated gloves, a tube, a couple snacks, keys and wallet, and some misc small items.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b5db84ad7c.jpg

If it needs to be under the saddle (for whatever reason) go with something quick-release, like a Lezyne M-Caddy or Pod Caddy, or a Topeak Sidekick, Propack, Mondopack, etc.

I don't do under-the-saddle anymore, so it's Wolftooth for me. B-RAD 4 + Rolltop drybag. The plate under the bag I made, so I didn't have to buy the accessory mount from Wolftooth.

If I was still doing under-the-saddle, the Mondopack Hydro would look real good.

https://i.imgur.com/ehmiwwP.jpg?1

Wrap a strap around the bag and seat rails. I have found a toe strap works well.

I've gone top one of these. Others make similar bags, but this one was reasonably priced and works nicely.

The really great thing about this type of bag is that I can arrange cargo so that it is skinnier near the saddle's front - so that my thighs don't rub on it during the pedal stroke. That, and it comfortably holds more than any conventional small saddle bag I've used.

I use the same in size large. It does chafe and sway a bit. I may look into the size medium. Easily accommodates wallet, keys, medium sized cellphone, spare tube, patch kit, tire levers. Expandable.

I use an Amazonbasics wedge bag in size medium as I keep a pump (Crankbrothers Gem) in it.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8af588259f.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E0CAP9Y

Unfortunately, it looks like they discontinued it. I hope the ones I have last awhile.

Do you have a link or make / model for the larger one?? The pic it looks like it's quick release as well??

I've used that one too, and it did the same thing unfortunately

Maybe the toe strap Idea would help, or getting it sewn together at a shoe repair place. I don't think a regular seemstress could get at it to sew it inside the bag probably.

Also forgot to mention, I do need a saddle bag to stay mostly under the saddle because I have a saddle mounted bottle holder on the rear too which I need to keep. Also needs to have decent volume, l like the one above for space and not rubbing thighs, but just doesn't hold up at all in my use.

Ha, sorry- forgot the link.
https://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FMW3

Yes there are 2 QR buckles up top and a double velcro strap around the seatpost.

Basic .. I have an Bright orange plastic warning flag, I lay a shop towel over it, lay the tools, etc. on it , roll it up and use a toe-strap to secure it behind my saddle..

Cheers for that ... looks great and had been looking at their handlebar bag recently but unfortunately their products aren't easy to come by this side of the pond.

I ordered my Mountain Wedge Expandable direct from Jandd. I liked it enough that I bought a second one at a bike swap. Their site says they do ship overseas. It looks like around $24 to ship to UK.

Jandd bags are awesome. I have been using one of their commuter panniers since the early 90's, and I just picked up a set of Jandd panniers for our tandem.

+1 on Jandd.

Their saddle bags are simple, last forever and do the job without drama. I own four of their Mini Mountain Wedge.

https://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FMMW

They are also available under the XLAB brand name.


-Tim-

+1 for the Wolftooth bag. It can be used as a saddle bag, but it can also be strapped to the frame. I use these bags on my mountain bikes and gravel bike.