Saddle Bag With Narrow Front
 

Which saddle bags have decent room (tool, tube, levers, and CO2) but a narrow front? My thighs get sores/abrasions from too much rubbing on my current one.

A lot of clip on bags sit back pretty far.

https://www.yellowjersey.co.uk/wp-co...oft-350-12.jpg

I like Lezyne Micro Caddy. You want something that does NOT connect to the seatpost. The one above is ok too.

The CycKit Aeroclam is high, tight, tapered and made of smooth, rounded-edge plastic, so even if you were to get contact, it’s low friction. I don’t think that would happen, but it is wider at the back, so perhaps if you ride off the back of the saddle… Anyway, I love mine— I use two— and the looks are singular.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3069553d7.jpeg
Cyckit Aeroclam on Fizik Aliante R3

Similar to the Lezyne Microcaddy, Silca’s Mattone is a narrow, rectangular shape that cinches up to the rails with a Boa strap and is roomier than the Aeroclam; I use it for the big 35c tubes on my gravel bike. It parks well inboard of the saddle edges, offering excellent thigh clearance.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c956130a8.jpeg
Silca Mattone on Fizik Argo Tempo


If you need even more space, the commonly available Specialized Wedge in size L features a tapered shape that’s narrower at the front, though the capacity pushes the nose of the bag further towards the seat post than the other two bags, reducing comparable thigh clearance. I don’t have a problem with it, and the bag is available in S and M sizes as well, so you can get just the right size for your needs. I hold a 47c tube in the L, which is a honking huge piece of rubber.


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a1f722bd8.jpeg
Specialized Wedge (L) on SQ Lab 611 Active

If coming from a wedge pack, perhaps look at the Arundel Gordo or Medio bags. The gordo is a good sized back that (per the spec sheet anyway) is 1.5" wide (along it's full length). Not sure how this would compare to what you have, but also no 2nd velcro strap for the seatpost on this this design, and the material is a soft plasti-rubbery type that shouldn't chafe as much if comparing to eg. cordura.

Arundel Gordo
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1f2b309e9b.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...eb4d0f335f.jpg

This is what I have. I think it's pretty narrow at the seat post.

https://www.lizardskins.com/product-...t=seat_bag&v=0

My wife uses a Topeak Aero Wedge Pack which has a conspicuously narrow nose.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...521909bd3e.png

Thanks all! I hadn't even considered that something that does not touch the seatpost would alleviate the problem.

I was just curious, do you have your saddle all the way back or a seat post with a large amount of set back?

Or do you have one of the vintage style bags that simply is wider than your saddle?

Yes, both. I have disproportionately long thighs and short shins. With a 25mm setback seatpost on a 73.5 STA, the saddle is about 3mm shy of being all the way back. Any further forward and my knees and IT bands complain.

Serfas Speed Bags. I've used the small and expandable medium for a few years, no problems with chafing.

In a minimalist bag, the Lezyne Road Caddy is the best I've found for the money at around $20. The wide velcro strap attaches securely to the saddle rails, not to the seat post. The only catch is that if you carry a CO2 kit you'll need a minimalist inflator. Inflators with larger knobs like the Planet Bike Red Zeppelin won't fit alongside a CO2 cartridge, tube and tire lever in the main pouch, and multi-tool in the slip pocket lid. I carry the Red Zep in one of the Serfas Speed Bags, no problem.

I'm a chubby thigh guy and had a chafing problem with my old saddle bag - ruined two pairs of expensive biking shorts.

The Topeak Aero Wedge Bob Ross showed had enough storage volume (I think I have the medium one) and I when I unzipped the expansion zipper in the middle, the increased length decreased the width of the bag. That seemed to solve my chafing problem.

Until I sold my old hybrid bike and bought a Jamis Escapade and also used that bag on the Jamis. But (shortening a long sad story with more ruined shorts and a broken carbon seat post on the Jamis), it turned out when the bike post slipped down a bit my chubby thigh was rubbing against the badly designed (essentially square edges) seat clamp on and doing the damage. New steel seatpost, correct seat height - no rubbing on the Topeak bag.

Another option would be a bottle/bottle cage behind the saddle. The tool kit/bag would then go in one of the frame bottle cages.

https://www.amazon.com/water-bottle-...orage+for+bike

I used Topeak medium bag, it's good. However I have trouble on one of my bike that it has less space for me to put the red bike light on my seatpost below the bag.
just FYI. (I have not done the 10 posts , so not able to post a picture.)

Look into the Topeak Wedge Packs.
The size of the Large Monsoon Elements Bag would be perfect if it were 9″ x 2.5″ x 4.5″ & still clip on.