TimothyH

I'm looking for a gear bag to carry gear to the start of group rides and would welcome recommendations. I'd like to get something nice, not necessarily expensive but a cycling specific bag to go with the rest of my stuff.

Really can't stand bags with too many straps dangling all over the place with a myriad of clips and fasteners but prefer something simple. Am open to duffel or a backpack form factor.

The Ogio Endurance 5.0 looks about the right size but some of the reviews say it is cheaply made.

Anyone use the Cat5? I almost bought one tonight but decided to hold off.

What else should I be looking at?


-Tim-

rms13

What are you carrying in the bag? Personally, if something doesn't fit in my jersey pocket I don't need it

k_kibbler

I think he means a boot bag to carry the necessities when he drives to the start point of group rides: Shoes, helmet, sunnies, things that shoudn't be worn nor rolling around in the back seat while driving.

If I'm right, then any duffel bag cheaply-made or not should suffice, no?

redlude97

i use one of those reusable shopping bags made of plastic. fits my shoes and helmet along with the rest of the gear stuffed inside the helmet cavity

k_kibbler

Alternate HTFU suggestion: Ride to the start point.

black_box 

I just use a cheap backpack. 3 pockets: shoes and bottles; helmet and gloves; snacks and glasses. A backpack with two shoulder straps is easier to maneuver the bike and gear downstairs to the car.

TimothyH

If anyone has experience with something nicer than a plastic walmart bag or their daughter's leftover school backpack then let me know.

Thanks.


-Tim-

dhender02

Me too!! However, the Mrs. has been telling me for a while, to get a "real" bag. I was thinking of a inexpensive duffle with a few compartment pockets....

dhender02

The Cat5 bag looks interesting, it just may be the answer I'm looking for too... I'll put it on my Christmas list may Santa will get iit.

memebag

I need a bag to take my stuff to the ride now? I've just been throwing it in the passenger seat.

Nachoman

If you have five guys and bikes in one vehicle, it's easier if everyone has their own bags.
I personally use a basic duffle that has TWO compartments. One compartment is for pre-ride crap and the other is for post ride crap.
But yeah, if I'm driving alone, or with one other guy, I just throw my stuff in the back seat.

memebag

I can't have that problem. My car only has two seats. One of them has me in it, the other has my stuff. Those other four guys will need to get their own car(s).

AristoNYC

if you're driving - https://www.amazon.com/adidas-Team-S...P4V7Q30EEG2S98
If you're riding - Especial Raider Bike Pack | Small Cycling Backpack

TimothyH

I'm not going to throw my gear on the seat so it can slide around, fall on the floor, get lost under the seats and become projectiles in an accident.

Metal tools and lubricants on the leather? Maybe in your POS but that's not going to happen in my car. I don't even lean my bike against my car.

Thank you to those who gave serious suggestions. I purchased an Ogio 5.0 just now and will let you all know how I like it.


-Tim-

seau grateau

I don't lean my bike against my car either, but it's because the car would probably make the bike dirty.

memebag

Enjoy your bag. No need to get defensive.

plonz 

The Lake cycling bag is my all time favorite. Helmet compartment on top, 4 bottle holders, shoe pouch, wet compartment, lots of pockets, expandable as a weekender and straps to carry as.a backpack.

Not sure they're still being made though. IIRC, they ran about $120 back in the day.

Broid

Outstanding bags...

https://www.kitbrix.com/shop/

Da Reef

It appears it has been discountinued. SRAM also made a bag that also appears to be discontinued.

Zipp makes a bag: Zipp - Speed Weaponry | Accessories | Accessories | Zipp Transition 1 Bag

Timbuk2 has a racing duffle that looks nice: Race Cycling Duffel Bag

For an all around duffle, I highly recommend BAD Bags. Seriously tough duffle and my favorite piece of luggage: https://www.badbags.com

plonz 

Those BAD bags look pretty cool. How's the zipper action? The zippers on the Lake bag (and there are many) move so smoothly I can easily open a compartment while I'm driving and reaching into back seat. Try that with an over-hyped Ogio bag and you'll kill yourself.

hokie cycler

Castelli Race Rain Bag. It's nice and compact and has a vented compartment on the bottom for shoes, it fits a helmet and then has mesh pockets for gloves, gels, etc. Also has zippered compartments on the underside of the top. I've had it for almost a year and it's perfect.

TakingMyTime

Every sport has suppliers who make custom bags designed for that sport. They can be very useful but you usually pay a premium over using an ordinary duffel bag. To each his own. Personally I prefer a generic nondescript bag. That way I can tell people it's my bicycling bag, archery bag or beach bag and they never know I'm using the same one over and over, lol.

Sidney Porter

What bike rack do you use? 2 or 3 on the roof and the remainder on a hitch rack?

Da Reef

I like the zippers. They are rather easy to open but smoothness of operation isn't the point of these bags. They are meant to be abused . One nice touch with the zippers is that they are lockable using a small combo/key lock. All the outside zippers are the same quality (main zipper and two outside pockets). Everything is extra stitched and reinforced. The two cinch straps are a nice touch. There are reviews online comparing this bag to other well know brands. No competition. This is one serious bag and a bargain for the price.

TimothyH

Is your opinion based on personal experience?

They look very interesting but maybe a bit too small for me.