Best Bicycle Saddle Bags: Lose The Hassle, Gain Extra Miles

Are you an avid cyclist looking for the perfect saddle bag to enhance your cycling experience? Look no further!

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 bicycle saddle bags on the market. From compact and lightweight designs to spacious and durable options, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a commuter, a long-distance rider, or a weekend warrior, these saddle bags will revolutionize the way you carry your essentials on your bike.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of the best bicycle saddle bags and discover the perfect one for your needs!

In A Rush? Here Are Our Top Picks…

If none of these fit your needs, we’ve covered another 5 options down below!

Best Bicycle Saddle Bags On The Market

The Topeak is made from a durable 1200D Cordura material, this weather-resistant bag comes in 4 different sizes. Capacity ranges from 0.41L to 1.97L and weighs between 85g to 165g. The medium and large are expandable for when you need extra storage space on longer rides.

The small size (0.66L) will be sufficient to fit all the essentials.  The bag also features a reflective strip on the back which provides additional visibility in low-light environments.  For additional visibility and safety, you can also add another light on the light clip.  

What you also enjoy is the Velcro strap system. You find it easy to mount and remove. No complicated mechanisms, no fumbling around – it’s straightforward, just as you like it.

While the Velcro strap system is convenient, you notice that over time, it can start to lose its grip. Particularly, if you’re a regular user or someone who often rides on rough terrains.

As you pull your EVOC Seat Bag Tour from its package, you’ll immediately notice the sleek design and sturdy construction. This isn’t just your typical bike saddle bag – it’s a modern, highly functional addition to your cycling gear that speaks volumes about your attention to detail.

One of the reasons users love this bag is its size. It’s big enough to fit all your essentials, including a spare inner tube, tire levers, and a multi-tool. Plus, the bag’s shape allows it to fit snugly under your saddle without interfering with your legs while you ride.

The bag’s universal fit system is another feature that you’ll find handy. With easy-to-use Velcro straps, the bag will attach securely to your bike’s seat post and saddle rails, fitting a wide variety of bikes. This adjustability not only allows for a customized fit but also ensures the bag stays stable even on the bumpiest terrains.

However, some users have noted that the bag can be difficult to access while on the bike. It’s not as easy to open and close as some other seat bags on the market.

The Lezyne Roll Caddy has a completely different design from the other bags in this saddle bag round-up.

However, it still uses the single velcro strap, hook, and loop system which makes it easy to mount on the saddle rails.  Made of out nylon, this roll caddy will be durable.  Lezyne has not advertised anything about water resistance / proofness so don’t go dunking this into water any time soon.

The Roll Caddy comes with five internal pockets of dimensions.  One includes a zip pocket to store your valuables. The versatile storage space is a dream come true for organizing your essentials. From tubes to tire levers, multitools to CO2 cartridges, this caddy holds it all with ease.

Best of all, if you don’t like it hanging off your seat rail, you can roll this up nice and tight and slip it into your jersey pocket!

A medium-sized saddle bag with 0.5L storage capacity and weighs 115g. It’s just the right size to fit your essentials like a spare inner tube, tire levers, and a multi-tool. Plus, the bag is made of durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

The bag also features neoprene pockets which are able to stretch a bit.  The bag has a reflective light loop, helpful in low-light environments.

The QR stands for “Quick Release”.  It is a mounting system that attaches the saddle bag to the saddle rails.  It holds the bag solidly in a place away, however, some riders have reported that the mechanism rattles slightly. It’s made of plastic so be careful not to overtighten the mount.

Overall, good build quality with portability functionality.

The SpeedSleev Ranger is made with a ballistic nylon shell making it extremely durable and waterproof.  Weighing in at only 44 grams, the Ranger is one of the lightest bags in this roundup.  One large velcro strap mounts the bag onto the saddle and a second small velcro strap opens/closes the main compartment.

It’s small enough to fit under your saddle without getting in the way, but still large enough to carry all of your essentials, like a spare tube, CO2 cartridges, and tire levers. Plus, its minimalist design looks great on any bike.

Some find it a tad small for bigger tubes or extra gear. You might feel a bit restricted if you are the type to carry lots of extras on your rides.

The Ranger comes in three sizes: Ranger S, Ranger, and Ranger Plus. For those that like to match colors, it’s available in black, green, and red.

If you’re going for the minimalist approach and need a saddle bag, then you should take a look at the Scicon Elan 210.  Weighing only 39 grams, it has one of the smallest and slimmest profiles of all bags on the market and neatly tucks under your saddle.

It comfortably fits an inner tube, tire levers, a CO2 cartridge, and a multi-tool. The smart design capitalizes on every bit of space without bulking up your bike frame.

The carbon fiber finish gives it a modern, high-end aesthetic that complements any bike. So, if you’re one to ride with style, this could be the saddle bag for you.

Some users have noticed that the Velcro strap that secures the bag to the saddle rails could be sturdier. After extensive use, the Velcro can begin to wear, potentially leading to a less secure fit. So, if you’re planning on some serious off-road adventures, you might want to take this into account.

Made from 1000D Cordura Nylon fabric and Amara synthetic leather, this saddle bag is well made and very water resistant (not waterproof).  The design is meant to be light and small and one for the more minimalist rider.

Lizard Skins has implemented a practical strap-on mounting system that allows easy installation and removal. You can attach it to your bike in a matter of seconds, which is perfect for those quick morning rides or when you’re in a rush to join a cycling group.

Weighing at 69 grams, the Lizard Skin Cache is large enough to comfortably fit an inner tube, a small tool kit, tire levers, a CO2 tire inflator, and still leave room for your keys and phone.  If color coordination is important to you, this comes in a Crimson Red or a Jet Black colorway.

If you’re looking for a larger capacity bag, take a look at the Rockbros Saddle Seat Bag.

The mounting system on this bag is slightly different from the others in this roundup. It has a plastic hook that attaches to the saddle post along with a velcro strap around the saddle rails.  Rockbros boasts that the velcro strap can support up to 4kg. It is easily adjustable and compatible with most bike models, which is a huge bonus.

The nylon material and zipper are waterproofed and there is a reflective strap that goes around the seat bag to increase visibility.  For additional light, you can also attach a light on the back of the bag.

While it is durable, it can be a bit tough to operate, especially when the bag is filled to capacity. This could be a minor nuisance, particularly if you’re in a hurry.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Bicycle Saddle Bag

Saddle Bag Storage Size And Weight

First and foremost, you need to think about size and volume. The size requirements will differ depending on the kind of trips you usually make. 

Are you a commuter who needs to carry lunch, a laptop, and a change of clothes? Or are you a long-distance cyclist requiring space for tools, spare parts, and emergency gear?

Keep in mind, though, a bigger bag isn’t always better. A bag that’s too large might throw off your balance or rub against your legs while you pedal, so think about what you really need to bring along.

Most manufacturers make their saddle bags in various sizes. Depending on what equipment you’re carrying (see below for more details on some items you should carry), you can choose the right storage size for your needs.

Saddle bags are often listed in terms of capacity in liters, and some brands will just provide you dimensions of the bag.

If you’re looking to ride around with a saddle bag, you are probably passed the debate of “to jersey pocket or not to jersey pocket”.  

Most saddle bags will add a few hundred grams (at most), so the convenience factor will pay off during the long weekend rides. Just something to be mindful of if you’re out on a racing day or want to be lighter and more aerodynamic!

Material And Durability

Next comes material and durability. Whether it’s a sudden downpour or the intense sun, weather conditions can be harsh on your saddle bag.

Look for materials that are water-resistant or waterproof and UV-resistant. 

The most common materials for saddle bags are nylon, polyester, and (synthetic) leather. The bag’s durability and waterproofness will depend on the mix of materials.

The properties of each type of material are listed below. This should help you determine which bag to select based on your usage rate and the weather conditions you normally cycle in.

• Nylon / Polyester – are known to be waterproof, light, and tough, which helps with the durability factor of the bag
• Leather – generally used on the exterior of a saddle bag, makes it look a bit more high class and has good durability

Saddle Bag Attachment And Closure

Don’t forget about ease of attachment and removal. Sometimes, you’ll need to take off your saddle bag quickly, like when you’re parking your bike on a busy street. Some bags come with quick-release brackets or Velcro straps, making this process a breeze.

The saddle bag attachment will depend on the bag’s size and weight. Smaller bags will generally come with just a velcro strap that can be easily fastened to the bike.  If the velcro is kept clean, this should be sufficient to hold it all in place.

Due to their weight, larger saddle bags will need additional support and will come with plastic mounts/hooks that attach to the saddle or seat post. You’re likely carrying additional weight anyway so the extra ounces won’t be a major issue.

A majority of bags on the market feature a zipper. Ensure you’re picking up something that’s more durable and waterproof.

Otherwise, it’ll be quite hard to open the zipper with all the gunk that the bag picks up along the way!  Other types of closures are buckles, clasps, and roll-up cases like the Lezyne Roll Caddy.

What Should I Keep In My Saddle Bag?

The bare essentials should be a spare inner tube and two-tier levers.  If you’re going on long solo rides it will be handy to also carry a Co2 bike tire inflator and two canisters, an inner tube patch, and a multi-tool.  Having a zip tie or two doesn’t hurt either.

Summary

If you’re looking to go on long rides or solo rides pretty often, then equipping your bike with a saddle bag will be pretty handy.  You will be able to store all the essentials listed out above and allow you to get home on your bike instead of public transport! 🙂 

Our top overall pick is the Topeak Aero Wedge Velcro Pack. Lightweight, secure, fits the essentials – an all-around value-for-money saddle bag!