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)

and its stylish...

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/ca...87&skusetId=83

[snapdragen]

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

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)....

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)....

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)....
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?