Behind-the-seat bottle cages and a saddle bag

[siume99]

I just bought the Minoura SBH-300 twin bottle cage holder that mounts under the saddle. Convenient place for water, but where does my saddle bag go? Does anyone know of a product or technique that would also allow me to carry the essentials for bike issues (spare tire, pump or CO2, multi-tool). I’d still like to use my Binto box for snacks, maps, etc.

To further my predicament, my triathlon bike has a 2.5”x1” aero seat tube. Most seat bags accommodate ~1 inch diameter seat tubes. Before the bottle cage issue, I used a pump strap as an extension with my bag. While function must be met first, pleasing aesthetics wouldn’t hurt either. :)

All ideas are appreciated.

[mimitabby]

well, you already have the Binto box which is what i would have suggested; they also make bags that go in front, like between the saddle bars.
I'm not sure that works with a tri bike.
Sorry, not much help. (take the bottle bag back and get a camelbak?)

[Veronica]

http://www.wallbike.com/berthoud/insideframebag.html

Could you use something like this?

V.

[Triskeliongirl]

There is always your jersey pockets (actually that is what my husband does, he goes super light, no seat bag at all even though he has room). Jannd also makes a product like the one veronica describes that is secured with just velcro. But, why do you need this strange set- up for water? Aren't the 2 normal cages on your bike, with large bottles, adequate?

[snapdragen]

He's got a tri bike - maybe it can't take regular bottle cages.

[siume99]

There is always your jersey pockets (actually that is what my husband does, he goes super light, no seat bag at all even though he has room). Jannd also makes a product like the one veronica describes that is secured with just velcro. But, why do you need this strange set- up for water? Aren't the 2 normal cages on your bike, with large bottles, adequate?

Triskeliongirl, That's one of the drawbacks to my Orbea...it was designed for only one cage. I've used my jersey pockets (I've also used a Camelbak mimitabby). I've been known to be in a hurry and forget to stuff the pockets or bring my camelbak. :( Fortunately, the walks haven't been that long yet. Not every trip requires a lot of water. But every trip should have tools. If it's on the bike, I won't forget.

Veronica, I like that idea. I'll have to see if I have wheel clearance for velcro.

[SouthernBelle]

It looks like there is a fair amount of space under the bottles. Could you use the straps that normally go around the rails of the saddle and thread them through the bottom of the cage holder? then still wrap the end velcro strap around the post?? Hard to tell what the bottom of the bottle cages look like or how much weight they would bear. You could even add extra length to the rail straps run them trough the rail, then secure then to the cage to stop any annoying swinging.

HTH

[Bluetree]

I use a cage rocket in place of one of my water bottles:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=14883

When I first tried it out, it rattled a bit in the cage. So I covered the bottom half of the cage rocket in a black sock and now it fits fine. On long rides, I just take along extra fluid tabs and refill my remaining water bottle on my route.

[Triskeliongirl]

I've used my jersey pockets (I've also used a Camelbak mimitabby). I've been known to be in a hurry and forget to stuff the pockets or bring my camelbak. :( Fortunately, the walks haven't been that long yet. Not every trip requires a lot of water. But every trip should have tools. If it's on the bike, I won't forget. .

Well, then you could use the bento box for your flat kit, and jersey pockets for food. That is how I carry my food and its fine. Pretty bike though!

[Eden]

I have a little bag made by Timbuktu that might be able to attach under your bottles. The attachments are all velcro. Mine is a small and it fits tire levers, patch kit, CO2, and a tube or a micro pump (but not both tube and pump at the same time)http://www.timbuk2.com/static/images/perspectives/275/bikestrap///genericSize_f_tn.jpg

and its stylish...

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?categoryId=87&skusetId=83

[snapdragen]

And....oh my goodness, look who sells it! :D

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=19085

[emily_in_nc]

The thing I wonder about, though, his bike has a SUPER THICK seatpost. I suspect most standard seatbags won't have long enough velcro to go around it without making some modifications (adding more velcro).... :confused:

Emily

[Trekhawk]

The thing I wonder about, though, his bike has a SUPER THICK seatpost. I suspect most standard seatbags won't have long enough velcro to go around it without making some modifications (adding more velcro).... :confused:

Emily

Good point Emily - I think Sci-Con make small seatbags that only attach to the saddle.:)

[GLC1968]

I had the same water bottle holder on my Specialized (compact frame wouldn't allow two to fit in the normal spots) and I was able to put a small wedge under the seat in front of the water bottles. To get into it, I had to remove it, but that was fine as I didn't put anything but emergency stuff in it.

The one I used might work for you...it had a rubber gasket attachment that would probably stretch around your seat post. Unfortunately, I can't find it online at the moment. I might be remembering the make incorrectly, so I'll check when I get home and update here...

Another option might be one of those triangle shaped bags that attached to your frame. I think they make pretty small ones that might hold just enough to meet your needs but still be out of the way.

[siume99]

Well, then you could use the bento box for your flat kit, and jersey pockets for food. That is how I carry my food and its fine. Pretty bike though!

I never thought of this. Sometimes it's the order of operations that makes things work! :)


The thing I wonder about, though, his bike has a SUPER THICK seatpost. I suspect most standard seatbags won't have long enough velcro to go around it without making some modifications (adding more velcro).... :confused:
Emily

I used a frame pump strap as an extention for the seat bag I had on before. I tried it on this, but there isn't room for my Serfas expandible wedge.



The one I used might work for you...it had a rubber gasket attachment that would probably stretch around your seat post. Unfortunately, I can't find it online at the moment. I might be remembering the make incorrectly, so I'll check when I get home and update here...

Another option might be one of those triangle shaped bags that attached to your frame. I think they make pretty small ones that might hold just enough to meet your needs but still be out of the way.

Please keep looking. I'd really like to find a way for a bag to fit under my seat. I'll take the extra minute to detach the bag from my bike to get at the tools.

Bluetree, that rocket bottle has potential as well. It's possible to get a tube in there?

[Bluetree]

Siume, I can fit this much into one cage rocket. The only thing I'd advise it so make sure there'e no extra 'air space' around the metallic contents (i.e. cell phone next to steel tools) because they might rattle together if you ride over a bump, which can get annoying. After I put my tools in, I just stuff it tight with kleenex (which can also come in handy for wiping grease off your fingers) to keep it from rattling.

And, as I mentioned before, if the rocket isn't snug within the cage and rattles, a sock covering the bottom portion will do the trick.

[silver]

It looks like DebW's homemade seatbag would be the perfect thing for you. Maybe you could talk her into marketing it.;)


http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=12381

[Triskeliongirl]

Check this out, it was what inspired Deb's design but if you don't sew........
http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/baggage_racks/20003.html


Another idea are the topeak wedge bags. They come in 2 types, and the style that has straps rather than clicking onto a bracket are shaped so they go more down than back. I have the large one and its back is shorter than the rear of my seat, a smaller one may be better, but they do give the dimensions so you could take some measurements.
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=TPABL&tnum=5387502&c=7179159

[siume99]

Bluetree, that's more than I thought could fit in there. I'm liking the wrapping ideas too. Great way to wipe your hands clean after messing with the chain or tire. I go from no ideas (other than hanging my current bag upside down along my seat post) to many ideas.

[Veronica]

I tried the burrito wrap. It didn't work very well for me. Not a good wrapper I guess. But a couple of the guys at Rivendell really like it.

V.

[Kimmyt]

Siume,

I have a compact-frame lower end tribike that I use. I'm a small person, so I the frame doesn't have neough room to fit two water bottle cages. I've got one installed in the usual place, but for long hot rides I attached a behind-the-seat bottle holder like you. And like you, I had to find a new place to put my saddlebag.

I have a small bag, long and narrow, but I can still fit (with some fiddling) a patch kit, spare tube, tool, a couple bucks, two tire prys, and my keys. I moved it from under the saddle to the inner frame of my bike. The bag attaches to the top tube, by the saddle, and another velcro holds it to the seat tube. This works pretty well for me and b/c the bag is rather narrow, it doesn't stick out at all. I don't think this would work for some bags that are wider.

Let me know if you have any questions, I can try and find a pic of the type of bag I have.

[GLC1968]

I finally remembered to check mine and while I can't seem to find a pic online, its kind of like this one:
http://i10.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/83/1d/f224_1.JPG

This is a bad angle of the gasket attachment because from the other side, you can see how it's got multiple hooks on which to attach the 'gasket' and this gives you a more customized fit. It's stretchy, too...

The one I had opened at the back like a regular wedge, but this one looks like it might even work better with the bottles behind it.

I bought mine (also Avenir like the photo) at D1ck's Sporting Goods about 3 years ago for all of $9.99. Sorry that I can't be of more help!