Saddle Bag

[RoadBunner]

I'm on the search for a good saddle bag. I bought a Topeak one:
http://www.rei.com/product/751363 but the rails on the bottom of my saddle were too narrow for it :( Too bad because it was a nice size and had separate compartments which I thought was nice.

I have since gotten a medium sized Timbuk2 one, but I can just fit in a spare tube, levers, and keys. I had wanted to be able to also carry my cell phone back there (I've got a big cell phone...a smaller cell would probably fit). I guess I could stick that in a pocket but it would be nice to be able to stash it somewhere on the bike. I feel like the large Timbuk2 would be pretty huge. I don't have a lot of seat post real estate under my saddle.

I was thinking getting a bento box as a second bag would be nice (plus it is easily accessible on the ride), but I'm not sure if it would work with the build of my frame. Have a look:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/SandMiy/DSCF4815.jpg
I think the straps won't work with my bike :(

Any other suggestions?

[makbike]

I'm not sure how big a bag you are looking for but I would recommend you take a look at the Carradice bags. They also sell an adapter for your saddle. I have both. I absolutely love the bag I put on my touring big - lots of room and it is extremely well made. I have no doubts it will last for many, many years.

[VeloVT]

I have both the medium and large Timbuk2 bags. The large fits almost twice as much stuff but still fits nicely under the saddle without looking too huge. I have the Topeak Aero bag as well (edit: I have an older version than the one you linked to -- it attaches by straps) and I don't like it, it doesn't fit well on some saddles, the (too-long) straps are sloppy looking, and if I remember correctly I think I would sometimes hit it with my thighs.

I am trying to teach myself to pack lighter though. I've just ordered a Fizik ICS bag (since my saddle has the clip thing), which is pretty small. I haven't gotten the saddle/seatpost all figured out on my new bike yet, and for some reason I'm resisting putting a bag on until I do (I know that makes no sense at all, it takes five seconds to pull off a bag...). So the past two rides, which have admittedly been short, I've just thrown a tube, a pump & cartridge, and two levers in my jersey pockets, which has been fine.

Normally though, I put flat repair stuff, a multitool, maybe a Luna bar and some gum, and my keys in the large pack (I can fit two tubes if I'm careful)... but I keep my wallet and phone in my jersey, I've never found them to fit well in a bag.

[Thorn]

The Topeak Aero comes with straps as well as the clip. If the straps aren't a problem for you, it is going to be more reliable. DH's clip broke on the last ride. We already had jacket stuffed in our jersey pockets. From that point on he rode home with the contents in his pockets and I got to stuff the bag into my pocket. I think I'm a firm believer of clipping with cloth or leather now.....much easier to see the wear.

But, I like the Topeak bags, otherwise. Also, despite my slowness of non-speed, love my Bento box--hope you can figure out a way to mount one on that gorgeous frame.

[RoadBunner]

Thanks for the info/suggestions! I'll probably go and check out the large Timbuk2.

I was thinking for the bento box, maybe I could remove the first strap that connects to the top tube and just use one that goes on the head tube and the one on the top tube closest to the saddle. Maybe that would fit around the funny juncture of my frame.

[Beane]

The Topeak Aero comes with straps as well as the clip. If the straps aren't a problem for you, it is going to be more reliable. DH's clip broke on the last ride.


My topeak clip broke too. Luckily I bought it at REI. I did like it otherwise, though.