In my previous setup, I carried everything in a bright yellow dry bag that divers usually use. From that activity, I ended up with two of these water- and air-proof bags that traveled with me on the rack you see in the photo above. I used two bungee straps with hooks to keep everything in place, but they weren’t the fastest or most convenient to operate, especially when in a hurry. I had a tiny saddle bag from Pro that barely fit my iPhone, multitool, and keys – so when I started having flats, I essentially always needed to have my waterproof bag with me.
Then it occurred to me: why not get a large saddle bag to cover my needs? That’s exactly what I ended up doing. I spent long hours pondering between the large Topeak Aero Wedge and the Deuter Bike Bag IV, but I went for the longer and more spacious Topeak. It may seem rather small when you receive it, but the magic happens when you start stuffing things in. It even has a zipper in the middle (visible on the right side of the Topeak logo) that extends the capacity even more. Fully extended, the 190-gram bag can swallow up to 3 liters.
The coolest thing with the new bag? I can put my compact digital camera in there (a Fuji F60FD), so now you can expect more actual photos of things I spot on the way, which is something I have been missing. Other items I carry in the bag daily include the Crank Brothers Power Pump Ultra, the Crank Brothers m17 multitool, a Continental 28-42 mm inner tube, Park Tools TL-1 tire levers, and a cloth shopping bag from Ajomies.
The bag has a few nice features if you need the extra space: Below are two rubber bands where you can attach your pump if you don’t want it taking up room on the inside – but I wouldn’t ride in rough terrain with the pump in the bands. The bag also has a reflective strip in the back along with a loop for a rear light, should you want to use one instead of the brilliant Reelights I have.
There are two ways of attaching the bag to your bike, and they come in separate versions: a strap-on version that works with Velcro straps, and a Quick Clip version that attaches to the rails of your saddle. The strap version is naturally more suitable for a wide range of bikes, especially when the standard clip (Topeak F1) that comes with the clip version does not fit a racer saddle like my Selle up in the picture. You’ll need a separate €8 quick clip adapter (Topeak F22) for it – but now I have the clip on both of my bikes.
With the new saddle bag, my biking experience has reached a new level of convenience and functionality. Its ample space has not only streamlined my gear but also made it possible to carry my camera for capturing moments along my rides. The thoughtful design, including the option to attach the pump externally and the reflective strip with a rear light loop, enhances safety and utility. Whether you’re dealing with a variety of bike setups or simply need extra space, this bag adapts to your needs. The choice between strap-on and Quick Clip versions ensures compatibility with different saddle types, and the added Quick Clip adapter has made it versatile enough for both of my bikes. All in all, this upgrade has been well worth it, providing both practicality and a touch of added enjoyment to my biking adventures.
