I broke my screen twice already. Nowadays I don’t bring my phone anymore but instead just my 4g capable watch
I’ve crashed and the phone was fine in the saddle bag. Don’t think it would have been fine in a jersey pocket.
I suppose I would do the same as you, except I have no such watch. And on longer rides I do take a few photos so would want the phone on me.
The Silca Mattone is many things, but it is definitely not quick to put back on.
The small version of the Topeak Wedge has no straps, which tend to get worn down on mountain bikes (rattling around with sand, etc.) and interferes with a dropper post. It is a little small but it is bullet proof.
Also unlike most other options, it’s actually waterproof.
1 Like
I used the Arundel Duo for a long time - well made, waterproof, could fit 2 butyl tubes plus tools and 2 co2. Sadly the zips are the weak point and I’ve now destroyed three, including a warranty replacement.
For me, no zips and nothing (especially velcro) wrapped round the seatpost are absolute requirements.
I want to fit ideally 2 tpu tubes, tubeless plug, m17 multitool, levers, 2 CO2 + head. Can pare that down to 1 tube and 1 CO2 for normal length rides really.
I’ve got a range of bags over my 5 bikes, and I’m currently strongly favouring burrito / tool wrap type options from a few different companies:
Jango Rolls - small, waterproof, pretty light, and cheap too. Too small for my usual carry. Available in a lighter, x-pac fabric option, and also in a larger size which I might try some day.
Mag-Neato Tool Roll - Wizard Works - again maybe slightly too small for me. Ultra nice build quality and design, with a magnetic buckle, though I’m not sure this is really any improvement over velcro.
BURRITO PACK | Topeak - too big & heavy for this thread I think, but spacious and ultra convenient to rollout out and find your tools compared to a little zippy bag. There is a ‘burrito pack slim’ I’ve not tried.
And currently awaiting delivery: Lead Out! Saddle Bag – Lead Out Gear
There’s also an ultralight version of that one for double the price.
Yes I was also very tempted by this (the 38g version), but then worried it would have the same issue as the Seat Roll Assymetrico - which is that it’s robust, lasts ages, but you can’t get stuff in and out easily in a rush because to work at its’ best you need to fold it perfectly and that takes two hands and some faffing.
They do have a zipped bag, but then that’s like nearly 100g.
I haven’t used used this but it seems to be designed around a pretty good minimalist repair kit:
It’s 22g and holds a TPU tube, multi tool and plug kit.
I think it has a waiting list though
2 Likes
I’ve been on a similar journey the last few years. I’m picky about my stuff. I don’t like things in my jersey pockets but won’t settle for something ugly on the bike.
I used the Scicon Elan 210 saddle bag for several seasons 3-4 years ago. It was a pretty tight squeeze to fit everything I needed in there, but it was small, looked sleek, and was very easy to remove with the velcro strap. Unfortunately the material wasn’t waterproof, which led to some rust on my multitool, and it started to get a hole in it where it rubbed against the seatpost/saddle clamp area.
I chose the Orucase Saddle Bag HC (the smaller size) to replace the Scicon. It had everything I wanted (compact size, waterproof design, sleek and simple), but I’m not a fan of the strap. It’s a huge pain to route through the saddle rails (I’ve owned it for years now and still have to think about how it has to be routed every time I put the dang thing back on the bike), the strap doesn’t sit flush against the bag, and the strap broke after a little over a year. I feel like the Voile style rubber straps should last decades but the strap that came with this bag was a stiffer, less malleable material than other Voile straps I have and it just wasn’t up to the task. Thankfully Orucase only made me pay shipping to get a replacement, but I’ve never liked that kind of strap for this purpose.
My perfect bag is the Orucase that uses the Scicon Elan-style velcro strap instead of the Voile style strap. The Ornot seat bag looks to fit the bill but it’s not waterproof. I think I may try to find a velcro strap I can use on the Orucase bag and consider it case closed.
1 Like
I will also add that I bought the Leadout Racelite frame bag earlier this year and absolutely love it. Very well made and light. I would be interested in having their seatbag to match it, but it also uses the Voile style strap that I don’t like. The way Leadout’s is routed looks more sleek than the Orucase, but I’m still hesitant to go that route again. $70 also seems a little steep for a seat bag. Thankfully I got their frame bag right before they increased the price.
Jango look good but nearly 70g for the wrap Vs 40 for others.
I have the small version which fits everything I need on a road bike (except a pump). https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/micro-bag+F9664
I’d like it to be even more minimal, plan on replacing the Topeak tool roll with something simpler like the Essential 8 or that Wera tire lever & multi-size bit set.
1 Like
Went down somewhat of a rabbit hole, here are two options I came across:
34g for 13x6x6cm
51g for 14x7x8
TPU Nano Bag is funny: “This compact bag offers sufficient room to accommodate a TPU tube, multi-tool, and tubeless plug” → no space for pump or cartridge so how do you inflate the tube? I’d rather have a plug and pump/cartridge.
There is a cheaper, heavier version for half the price - bonus is that it uses a normal velcro strap.
Where are you getting the weight from? I don’t see it on the site.
I have the lighter x-pac version and can weigh it
I asked them and they said 65-70g
I love the look of this. Otoh, cleaning it after riding in the rain seems like it would be… rough. But maybe you just take everything out, rinse, and repack? Anyone use one of these strap-like options instead of a bag? Experiences?
1 Like
As practical as I’m sure they are, I’m not a fan of how the rolls look. I see Leadout sells the velcro strap, though, which I’m interested in. Could also probably find the equivalent on Amazon for even cheaper.
I use the Mattone and am very happy with it - went with the larger size so I can carry multiple tpu tubes, an electric mini pump, levers and co2 canisters just in case (I really really like having contingency plans. There’s a chinese knock off on Amazon that appears to function exactly the same but is half the price now too…
1 Like