Which saddle bag?

[Pulse]

I know this is probably a pathetic question, but I need a saddle bag for my bike. Something big enough to carry an inner tube, a small tool kit and my keys.

I don't want to spend a fortune if I don't have to, but I'm happy to pay for quality where it's justified.

I want to try to avoid carrying a bag with me everywhere, but I think this may be unavoidable...

If it helps, this is for a mountain bike - Cannondale SL3.

[itsnotarace]

Top Peak Aero Wedge does me ok, it even unzips to expand should you need more space. On short rides I use a waterbottle storage thing from PRO

[lotusandy]

No contest, these are the best, & very good price here.
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/topeak%20wedge%20dryba...
Andy

[WinstonWolf]

Another vote for Top Peak from me.

[Pulse]

itsnotarace said:

Top Peak Aero Wedge does me ok, it even unzips to expand should you need more space. On short rides I use a waterbottle storage thing from PRO

The Topeak Aero Wedge was the one I was looking at, funnily enough. I reckon I'll go for that then. What's the waterbottle storage thing?

[Pulse]

Looks to be cheapest from Halfords... Guess I'll give it a bash! Is this the right one? It mentions no size.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

[yellowjack]

http://www.topeak.com/products/bags/SurvivalToolWe...

A bit big for some maybe, but contains a multi tool, spanners, chain splitter, tyre levers and puncture repair kit, all in a moulded tray, with an expandable storage compartment below, big enough for a couple of tubes and some CO2 cannisters. There's also a loop to attach a rear light if you need it.

This...

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

...looks to be an attempt at modernising the original, as the one I have doesn't look particularly 'sleek' on a road bike. It's been relegated to winter duty on my old steel tourer/longer excursions on my MTB.

[JQ]

Pulse said:

Looks to be cheapest from Halfords... Guess I'll give it a bash! Is this the right one? It mentions no size.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

To the right of the screen above the "Reserve or Buy" button there is the option to choose which size, with the price changing depending on your selection. There's small, medium and large.

Anyone got a recommendation for which size to go on the back of a road bike to contain tube, tool, levers, repair kit and phone?

[itsnotarace]

Pulse said:

The Topeak Aero Wedge was the one I was looking at, funnily enough. I reckon I'll go for that then. What's the waterbottle storage thing?

I use the smaller one (500ml) of these

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/workshop-too...

It will take 1x inner tube, 2x levers, 1x patch kit, 1x house key, 1x small multi tool, 1x debit card and a few folded notes and coins.

Obviously on longer rides where you need 2 bottles, I will use either saddlebag or jersey pockets

[Pulse]

JQ said:

To the right of the screen above the "Reserve or Buy" button there is the option to choose which size, with the price changing depending on your selection. There's small, medium and large.

Anyone got a recommendation for which size to go on the back of a road bike to contain tube, tool, levers, repair kit and phone?

Well spotted! I think the small would probably be enough - I don't want anything too bulky. What do others think, based on my requirements? It would be nice if I could carry some food or something, but I don't ride that far... yet.

[WinstonWolf]

Pulse said:

JQ said:

To the right of the screen above the "Reserve or Buy" button there is the option to choose which size, with the price changing depending on your selection. There's small, medium and large.

Anyone got a recommendation for which size to go on the back of a road bike to contain tube, tool, levers, repair kit and phone?

Well spotted! I think the small would probably be enough - I don't want anything too bulky. What do others think, based on my requirements? It would be nice if I could carry some food or something, but I don't ride that far... yet.

You won't get a phone in there as well as a tube and tools. Phone goes in the back pocket