No Seat Bag

[li10up]

I mentioned this in the "Fred" thread but am serious about my question so I thought I'd post it to a new thread.

I want to get rid of my seat bag. My new bike looks so much better without it. It also rubs on my shorts and causes them to abrade. Plus, I don't want to have to swap the bag between my two bikes. If you carry your tools, etc in your jersey how do you do it? Seems like just using a ziplock bag would let it jab you in the back. Do they make something for this?

[Eden]

I'm not a big fan of stuffing everything into a jersey pocket. I have a nifty little Timbuktu bag that just attaches with velcro so I can take it off easily when I am racing (saddle bag while racing is a big no-no, because it could fall off and cause somone to crash). Even though it only velros on it is very secure and it is just big enough to stash a small repair kit - fits a tube, patch kit, tire levers and C02, if I only carry a patch kit and no tube I can put my minipump in there as well otherwise I stick that in my pocket.

As far as the ripping up my shorts thing - I've taken care of that by sewing a little sleeve that goes over the velcro attachment for the seatpost out of an old pair of cycling shorts - cause yeah every bag I've had will tear up the inside leg of my shorts if I don't cover that velcro.

[Jo-n-NY]

I have a great under the seat bag. I think the brand is Topeka (I will have check on that when I get home). It has a clamp that goes under the seat, the bag just slides on and clicks in place. To take it off I just press something on the clamp and it slides off. I like because it does not swing back and forth. I never could get the velcro under the seat tight enough and it also does not pull my shorts. I had that problem also with other bags. It expands larger with a zipper, but I only unzip to take stuff out, otherwise it is fine in the smaller format.

I am also a fan of stuffing my pockets with as little as possible. I can also stuff my jacket in it when I expand it.

~ JoAnn

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

One idea is to pack a bunch of emergcy flat tools into a water bottle, like this:
http://www.outdoordivas.com/outdoordiv/product.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=5085&pf_id=PAAAIAOGHJDIAIDJ&
I'm sure you could do it cheaper yourself. Here's a guy who does it too:
http://members.tripod.com/derek_fitzer/guide/trilist.html
Of course, then you'll need two bottle cages- one for actual water!

Personally, I find it too annoying and uncomfortable to carry extra lumpy stuff on my body when riding. Most small wedge shaped saddle bags won't touch your thighs at all.

[SalsaMTB]

You really shouldn't have an issue with the tool poking you in the back. I'm not sure if you're concerned with one of the allen wrenches or something poking you or just feeling a metal lump on your back. I'll address both...most multi-tools fold nicely and securely. One of the individual tools will not unfold and poke/jab you in the back. Once it's in your pocket folded up, it won't unfold. Also, I know some of the park multi-tools come with their own nylon carrying case if you are really concerned with that. As for feeling the big metal lump in your back pocket, you'll forget it's there after one minute. The way the back pockets are designed makes it very comfortable to carry items. You'll forget that you have a multi-tool and tube in your pocket.

The other option would be to utilize an extra water bottle cage (if you have one). I was flipping through a catalog the other day and saw they make a container that fits into your cage to carry tools, tube, keys, etc. It had a larger opening than a water bottle, but I would think a standard bottle could work also.

[Grog]

This is also interesting:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=14883

Although I wouldn't sacrifice one bottle cage for that.

I don't like having a lot of stuff in my pockets, especially in the summer. (In the winter I don't have a choice because I carry extra tubes and CO2 and extra gloves...)

I have a small saddle bag that's the same color as my bike. Everything fits in and it's well adjusted so it doesn't move around.

[SouthernBelle]

I have a Topeak bag too, but it attaches with velcro. But it doesn't touch my shorts at all.

[indysteel]

I, too, use a Topeak seat bag. I've never noticed it rubbing on my shorts.
Here it is: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=1963&sku=17869&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Brand%3A%20Topeak

You could also try one of those Bento Boxes that attach to your top tube. Otherwise, maybe you could find a small bag--not necessarily made specifically for bikes--that could hold your tools and whatnot.

Of course it's whatever you prefer, but I'm not sure I could get everything I carry with me--food, cell phone, money, ID, spare tube, CO2 cannisters, and tools--into my jersey pockets or that I'd want that much weight and bulk on my back. I usually don't make full use of my jersey pockets, in part because I have been known to wash them w/o emptying the pockets. I had some very clean raisins last year that I had to pick out out of my washer one by one!

[Pedal Wench]

I've often thought about getting rid of the seatpost bag too. Bike looks much better without it, plus I'm vain enough to realize that i don't like the way I look with bulging pockets. :o

I also remember someone here (I think it was our very own Susan O.) talking about her boyfriend crashing and getting his keys dug into his back because he landed right on them. That has me keeping everything except gu's and bloks in my bag.

[KayTee]

If you decide on a cannister-type storage thingie for one of your bottle cages instead of a seatpack or jersey pocket, you might try a tennis ball can. We've used one on the tandem occasionally, and it's cheaper than buying a special container. But not all cages will accommodate one.

[Aint Doody]

I have the same Topeak bag that Jo N NY has--that clamps on & off. Those are really nice. And since it releases so quickly and easily, you can take the whole bag in when you leave the bicycle outside.

[Aint Doody]

I have the same Topeak bag that Jo N NY has--that clamps on & off. Those are really nice. And since it releases so quickly and easily, you can take the whole bag in when you leave the bicycle outside.
Oh, and no rubbing.

[li10up]

I have a great under the seat bag. I think the brand is Topeka (I will have check on that when I get home). It has a clamp that goes under the seat, the bag just slides on and clicks in place. To take it off I just press something on the clamp and it slides off. I like because it does not swing back and forth. I never could get the velcro under the seat tight enough and it also does not pull my shorts. I had that problem also with other bags. It expands larger with a zipper, but I only unzip to take stuff out, otherwise it is fine in the smaller format.

I am also a fan of stuffing my pockets with as little as possible. I can also stuff my jacket in it when I expand it.

~ JoAnn
I'd like to know which one it is, if it's small. I may just switch. I can't give up a bottle cage. I don't use a Camelbak. I already carry my cell phone and cleat covers in my pockets and sometimes a gel or bar. Maybe a small Tupperware type thing...buy they are too rigid. Any other ideas?

[7rider]

I'm tellin' ya. A ziploc bag!
You think I'm kidding. But I'm serious!
Okay. Maybe I'm Fred, and my DH, too. But we always carry stuff in our pockets in baggies. Keeps stuff (cash, credit cards, ID, phone, whatever) from getting goobered up. I have a small Pedros bag on my road bike and a small Performance bag on my commuter - each had its own set of irons, patch kit, and tube. DH carries a tube, inflator, and multitool in his jersey pocket in a baggie.
Sometimes a shower cap from a hotel works in a pinch! ;)

p.s. This is the saddlebag I have on my roadbike (the micro) - too small to do any rubbing: http://www.pedros.com/frame.aspx?url=http://store.yahoo.com/pedrosusa/saddlebags.html?ride

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Some people just do a "burrito wrap" for their flat repair kit. You take a square piece of canvas or other stiff fabric or thin leather, and wrap your tools up like a little burrito and then attach it anywhere on your bike frame with either a leather buckle strap or a bungee cord, whatever. Looks very neat and tidy.
Here's an example that Rivendell sells:
http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/baggage_racks/

[xeney]

I have that Topeak bag with the clamp and I love it. It comes in three sizes, I think, so you can just choose how big you need it to be. Mine is pretty big, because I hate carrying stuff in a jersey pocket. It also has a little elastic for holding a tiny hand pump, which is handy.

My husband used to use this teeny little wedge bag and stuff everything in his jersey pockets, but then I loaned him a Planet Bike wedge bag that was too big for my needs, and although he only reluctantly accepted it because he had a longer than usual ride planned, it hasn't been off his bike since. It really sucks to break down and get stuck without something you need.

I've never had a thigh rub problem with any wedge bag so can't help you there.

[Crankin]

I have a smallish, but not tiny seat bag that velcros on; it was hard to find a bag that fit the geometry of my bike. I used to have the Topeak bag that clicks in on my old bike. I loved that. I also have the holder thing that goes in a bottle cage. I use it when I am going on long rides/tours and have a Camelbak on, so i usually just have one bottle full of energy drink. It's just added space. Very Freddidsh. I bought it at REI.

[Starfish]

If you're not into zip lock bags, what about something like a little small camera case, or something square-ish (to fit a tube?) but with a zipper? Or a little make-up bag?

I use an underseat bag, but I do keep my repair stuff in a zip-lock bag to keep it separate in there from my other stuff.

[Batbike]

p.s. This is the saddlebag I have on my roadbike (the micro) - too small to do any rubbing: http://www.pedros.com/frame.aspx?url=http://store.yahoo.com/pedrosusa/saddlebags.html?ride

I too have the Pedros micro bag -- no velcro to attach to seat tube, which I like because no rubbing, and small enough to carry basics without being too big or too small ... perfect for me!

[pooks]

I had a clip-on/clip-off bag on my old saddle, but didn't put it on my Brooks. I may add it back. Y'all have reminded me how cool it was.

I have a nice canvas bag on my handlebars that I really love, but I need to get in touch with Wallbikes, because the snap pulled through.

[silver]

I was resorting my bike bag after my trip and thought that this hadn't been mentioned. A sock. you can put your small items in a sock to put in your back pocket.

I was actually told this trick at the bike shop when I bought my bike. To put your tube, and other tire changing gear into an old sock inside your bike bag, that way when you have a flat you just pull out your sock and have all you need.

I keep mine in a small wedge bag that I also keep my money and driver's license and bars, eye drops, money, cell phone

I don't like things in my back pockets either.

Oh, and a reminder, always take a card with your personal info on it in your pack or back pocket. You can put your business card in there. Also the business card of your SO. Make sure that the cell phone numbers are there.

Finally, you should program ICE into your cell phone. That stands for "in case of emergency" and input your emergency contact.

[Jo-n-NY]

I'd like to know which one it is, if it's small. I may just switch. I can't give up a bottle cage. I don't use a Camelbak. I already carry my cell phone and cleat covers in my pockets and sometimes a gel or bar. Maybe a small Tupperware type thing...buy they are too rigid. Any other ideas?

I know it is not the large one and I am not sure if they had a size below it. There is a version that a compartment with tools in the top, but I did not select it. So maybe mine is the smaller version. It also came with a yellow vinal cover tucked in the top to put on in case it rains. Because it is clamped on to the bottom of the seat I feel it just blends in. The only time I expand it is if I need to put my jacked in it, but most times I just tie it around my waist. I keep my bars in my pocket.

I also have a version of a bento box but mine is called Jandd.
Even though I really wanted to keep my bike as bag free as possible I found I love this little bag for my keys, cell and tissues because my nose always runs when I ride no matter the weather. I had it on my Dolce and decided to put it on my Ruby anyway.

I feel when you see the bike, the bags just blend in.

I will try to get my husband or daughter to take a pic and figure out how to post it.

I see I spelled Topeak incorrect. Thank you ladies for correcting me :)

~ JoAnn

[VeloVT]

I just got this for rides:

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?categoryId=64&skusetId=170

2869

(Yes I got it in pink). It has ample space for car keys, cash, cards, etc (there are two open compartments inside, and a trigger-snap clip for your key ring). I used it the other day and was able to fit my cell phone, credit card, driver's license, University ID, a little cash, a house key and the key to my bike lock easily. (Probably couldn't have fit the cell phone if I'd had my car keys w/remote thingey). I was a bit worried about the size but it fit easily into a jersey pocket and I didn't notice it. It's made of tough ballistic nylon with a rubber bottom. I bet you could fit a multi tool, some tire irons, a CO2 cartridge and small CO2 pump (the kind that's just a head that screws onto the cartridge) easily, plus keys. Not a tube though.

Anyway I like it so I thought I'd share :).

[li10up]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[DebW]

Some people just do a "burrito wrap" for their flat repair kit. You take a square piece of canvas or other stiff fabric or thin leather, and wrap your tools up like a little burrito and then attach it anywhere on your bike frame with either a leather buckle strap or a bungee cord, whatever. Looks very neat and tidy.
Here's an example that Rivendell sells:
http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/baggage_racks/

I used to use a sock and a toe strap (oh, wait, nobody has toe straps any more). Think of the multiple ways to coordinate a sock with your bike - wool for the woolweenies, bright colors for others, toe socks with a tool in each toe so they don't rattle together.

[divingbiker]

The smallest size of these organizer bags is the perfect size for a spare tube, 2 tire levers, and a multi-tool. Very handy bags to have around.

http://www.ebags.com/lewis_n_clark/4_piece_pvc_mesh_packer_set/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=15962

[sulis]

I just purchased this and absolutely love it. I can't believe how much it holds. And it keeps everything dry. They have 2 different sizes - I purchased the smaller of the two.

http://www.sweatvac.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SweatVac&Category_Code=WP

Of course, I over pack for rides and use a seat bag too. :p