Hello, I am looking for a bag for my gravel bike to store a tube, multi tool, levers, patch kit, …
As I am shopping online it is hard to visualize and compare different size bags. I suspect I either need a medium size which seems to be about 0.7L or a large which seems to be 1L.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated to ensure I get the right bag the first time as a return would be either a hassle or not possible.
Thanks very much.
Not sure how many liters the Castelli saddle bags are, but, I use the mini on both my Exploro and Strada. The Exploro has a 2” 650b tube, Specialized Emit 9 tool, standard Allen wrench for the axle, 20g cartridge and chuck, and a boot patch. With a a 700x28c tube, I can fit all that plus a second cartridge. If you want a second tube and second cartridge, go with the XL bag.
https://www.castelli-cycling.com/us/men/accessories/cycling-bags
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Thank you, surprised all that can fit in there. I think the boxy shape of the bag must work better than the oblong ones.
https://amzn.to/35q1s5W This is the way roll.
Get a mini-frame bag - 2.5L -3l. too.
A full 1L bag sounds big to me but I only carry the minimum to fix tubeless flats, one tube, and a multi-tool.
I have a 0.8L saddle bag that is just about right.
It doesn’t fit my pump, but can fit everything else. I also use it for my MTB where the tube is bigger. So for just gravel, you could probably get by with 0.7L.
I’m using an REI Junction Seat Wedge on my gravel bike. It’s 0.75 liters and 6 x 3.75 x 3.5 inches. I have a spare tube, lever, multi tool, tire plug kit (running tubeless), a few other small items and it still has room, enough for multiple CO2 cartridges, if that’s your thing. Probably could fit a couple of energy bars and gels in there too. Plenty of room for CO2, it that’s your thing.
Go more minimalist with just tubeless plugs, and a 4mm and 5mm Allen key.
I need torx bits too.
(I honestly wish bike companies hadn’t started randomly using torx head bolts on various parts that traditionally used hex bolts.)
I also carry a 6-8mm converter because my pedals are 8mm. Back in the day, my Campagnolo super record crankset came lose on one side (8mm of course) and I had to ride home with one leg.
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I think this is all risk / impact. Thus how often are you likely to need to use a particular tool out on the road, and what is the impact if you don’t have it?
I like to be as self sufficient as possible. In 40+ years of road riding, I’ve only got stuck once.
Uber is an alternative these days. I gather you’d need an Uber XL. I haven’t researched whether they would have a problem with your bike going in their car.
Where on the bike are the torx bolts? You could replace those bolts with hex bolts. Alternatively, there’s the Daysaver Essential8.
I’ve had to call an Uber once when I randomly broke a spoke on the road. Took an XL, no issue from the driver with the bike. My go-to when someone raises a stink is to point out that a bike is no dirtier than a wheelchair or stroller.
They’ve been showing up in various places on Campagnolo since 11 speed - rear derailleur, levers, some brake bolts, and I’ve had them on a stem or two.
Just to give you more options: Ortlieb makes even larger saddle bags, in addition to standard sizes they offer a 1.6 l and 4.1 l saddle bag. I have the 1.6 l on my mountain bike, and it is the only saddle bag that will fit my mini pump length-wise. It also has enough space left for my rain coat, snacks in addition to all the tools.
On my road bike, I always pick the larger saddle bag. Still, I have to put the mini pump in my jersey pocket (which I don’t like, nor do I like to mount the pump on the frame).
Better to have something and not need it, than need something and not have it.
Put all your kit in a big freezer bag, roll it all up and that’ll give you an idea roughly on what size saddlebag you’ll need. I’ve found that I tend to use a small Restrap frame bag these days rather than a saddle bag, helps keep the weight in the centre of the bike and gives me more than enough space for tubes, tools, small lock and some food.
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