At some time or another, you're going to need some spares with you on a bike ride. Usually to repair a puncture or perhaps to fix a mechanical issue. There are a few different ways to carry these spares. You can keep them all in a saddle bag behind your saddle, in your jersey pockets or in a storage bottle in one of your bottle cages.
For me, the saddle bag has always been the best option. And I think it trumps the other options for a few reasons. On longer rides, you going to want to carry two bottles for hydration, meaning the tool bottle takes up valuable space. Cramming everything into jersey pockets doesn't look neat, and I don't like feeling extra weight occasionally rocking around in my pockets.
The right saddle bag will allow you to carry everything you need, looks good and is always attached to your bike. Take some time to get your setup sorted and you can't go wrong. It's a comforting feeling knowing you are carrying exactly what you need to fix the usual roadside mechanicals.
Yes, you could chance it and not carry anything and hopefully, a well-maintained bike should rarely fall foul of an issue. But sooner or later, usually at the most inconvenient time, you'll be stood at the side of the road and you'll be grateful you have the right kit with you. If it's an isolated area that's a long way from help, it could make all the difference.
Head down to the bottom of the page for some useful advice on what to carry and how to choose the right saddlebag for you. A lot of the saddlebags in this guide also come in different size options so if you like the look of one, there are varying size options to suit your needs for many of them.
Quick list
Silca Mattone Seat Pack
The Silca Mattone seat pack is a premium saddle bag that uses a BOA dial for retention. It's well-made and has a quality feel. The BOA dial and pack strap can be used separately.
The Elementa saddleback from Topeak is a compact, stylish saddlebag. It uses the Topeal Rail wing system which means it can stay mounted in place whilst you open it up and get your spares out.
The Burrito Pack from Topeak takes the form of a fold-out tool roll. It would be at home on road, gravel or MTB and offers an alternate way to store and access your tools.
The Lezyne M Caddy is a fully loaded saddlebag that comes with multi-tool, tyre levers, pre-glued patches, two CO2 cartridges and a CO2 inflator. If you are buying your first saddle bag this will take care of a lot of the tool requirements you may have at first.
The Blackburn Grid has highly reflective side sections as well as a reflective strip at the rear. If you want to add some extra visibility points to your setup this will stand out well in the dark or dim conditions.
The Topeak Aero Wedge Pack is something of a classic and you see it on plenty of riders bikes. The saddle bag itself is extendable meaning it's useful if you like to do longer trips or find what you need to carry regularly varying.
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Premium option
(Image credit: Future / Tom Wieckowski)
Silca Mattone Seat Pack
A premium option with a BOA closure
Specifications
Weight: 86g
Listed Volume: 0.41L
Size options : One Size
Reasons to buy
+
Premium feel
+
Technically two packs in one
+
Contents are easy to access
Reasons to avoid
-
Top end of the price range
-
BOA can be tricky to thread through some saddle rails
If you don't know already, Silca are renowned for making some pretty high-end tools and accessories and the Mattone seat pack is in line with its other offerings. It's a stylish saddlebag and features a Silca logo on top and the side of the strap.
The Mattone is available in one single size which is listed as having a 0.4-litre capacity, Silca says it can hold a tube, tyre levers, CO2 regulator and canisters. I've found this to be accurate. And you probably squeeze a little more in. It's a little roomier than the smallest saddlebags you can see and its size is well-executed. The official dimensions are 120mm x 85mm x 40mm. It still looks compact and stylish but you can comfortably fit in pretty much everything without needing to cull anything.
I have to be honest, before testing the saddlebag I thought the BOA closure system was a little silly. What's wrong with a strong velcro strap? However the BOA seems to work well in use and cinches the tough Hypalon strap of the bag down tight, It also brings a premium, techy look to the table and if you want to pay top dollar for a saddlebag and treat yourself, why not?
The Mattone has a quality feel and as mentioned is stylish to boot, You can also use the strap with BOA on its own to maybe carry just a tube, pump and levers, giving you a bit more versatility.
The racer's choice
(Image credit: Future / Tom Wieckowski)
Topeak Elementa Seatpack
A compact, stylish seatbag that you can still fit a lot into
Specifications
Weight: 43g
Listed Volume: XS:0.2L / S:0.3L / M:0.5L
Size options: XS/S/M
Reasons to buy
+
Stylish
+
Choice of two colours
+
Rail wing system makes life easier
Reasons to avoid
-
Slightly flappy zip
-
Setup is a bit little fiddly
If you are looking for a small saddlebag to carry the essentials but that doesn't size up too big, the Elementa is a solid choice. It comes in three size options but all are compact and small.
I tested the green version of the bag which looks smart in a size small and it was still big enough for a butyl tube, comprehensive multi-tool, patches, CO2 inflator etc - everything I would normally carry essentially.
The bag also uses what Topeak calls the 'wing rail' system, which is just extra velcro straps to go over the seat rails meaning the bag can stay in place whilst you open it and doesn't need to come off the bike, saving time and effort. There are also two external velcro loops for CO2 canisters or whatever extra spares you fancy.
Fold out tool roll
(Image credit: Future / Tom Wieckowski)
Topeak Burrito
A roll up tool wrap that still looks tidy under the saddle
Specifications
Weight: 89g
Listed Volume: Inner tube sizes -26” x 1.75 - 29” x 19/2.35 and 700c. Topeak CO2 inflater, CO2 cartridges, Tire levers
Size options: One size
Reasons to buy
+
Nice to work out of when folded out
+
Quality construction
+
Really sturdy, quality velcro strap
Reasons to avoid
-
Looks slightly bulkier
If you are interested in something a bit different from a regular zippered bag, the Burrito roll from Topeak is another saddlebag worth a look at.
When unfolded there are three compartments to stow spares in one of which has internal elastic holders. It's also nice to work out of at home or roadside should you need it. It also has two elastic straps at either end to keep everything neat.
It looks a little bit bulkier on the bike (depending on what you put in it) but a well-considered setup will result in a really tidy, neat fold-up and a cool-looking bag.
Construction feels quality and the material which Topeak says has a durable water-repellent and stain-resistant coating. Water does just run off the surface which is nice as this bag will soat gravel and even MTB's too.
Tools and spares included
(Image credit: Future / Tom Wieckowski)
Lezyne M - Caddy Co2 kit
Spares are included as standard
Specifications
Weight: 69g / 245g with included tools
Listed Volume: N/A
Size options: One size
Reasons to buy
+
Ready to ride off the bat
+
External tool pouch saves space
+
Great for first-time buyers
Reasons to avoid
-
Not the snuggest fit on round seatposts
-
Internal organisers a tight fit
The Lezyne M Caddy C02 kit is a great option if you're looking to buy your first saddlebag and also need some tools to put in it. A pre-filled saddlebag is a really good idea for me and does some of the legwork for you when it comes to buying the right spares.
The M Caddy CO2 comes with; a Twin Speed Drive CO2 Head, 2x 16g CO2 Cartridges, RAP II-6 Multi-Tool, Smart Kit pre-glued patches and double-ended Tire Levers. Aside from a spare inner tube which you can pick up easily this kit will give you a great base to start with or freshen up your kit nicely if you want a new saddlebag. Lezyne also makes some other pre-filled seat bag options.
I did find it wasn't the tightest fit on my 27.2mm round seatpost, the Velcro straps could be better at securing the bag, but for aero or d-shaped seat posts that are a little larger, it will fit nicely.
Highly reflective option
(Image credit: Future / Tom Wieckowski)
Blackburn Grid Seatbag
Large reflective side panels and a sleek overall look
Specifications
Weight: 69g
Listed Volume: 0.8L - size M
Size options: S/M/L
Reasons to buy
+
Reflective side panels
+
Rear light clip
+
Tough nylon ripstop fabric
Reasons to avoid
-
Velcro straps not attached to the bag, risk of losing them
The Grid is a quality offering from BlackBurn that has highly reflective side panels. If being seen in low light or the dark is high up on your list of requirements this could be a good option for you. When light hits the side panels, they stand out well.
I tested the size Medium and could fit everything I needed in well. There's also a small internal pocket for emergency money or patches which is useful. The Velcro straps aren't attached in any way to the bag, so you will need to make sure they don't come off at the side of the road etc.
The bag is really sleek and has a quality construction. There's a lifetime guarantee, and it's constructed from 210T nylon ripstop material and uses nylon zipper pull loops which are easy to pull.
The Aero Wedge from Topeak is something of a classic and you often see them in bike shops or mounted underneath riders' saddles. It's one of the largest bags in the guide and is worth looking at if you want to pack more in.
It comes in four different size options and unique to the saddlebags in this guide, can extend its overall length by a few centimetres with an additional built-in zippered section. A trump card if you're doing longer rides or events or just like to carry that little bit more in your bag.
I tested the regular velcro-mounted option, but Topeak also makes another version that mounts using a plastic clip that brand calls the QuickClick system to the saddle rails. There is also a light clip on the front to mount a rear light and reflective band, as well as an internal mesh pocket for small items.
Mounting is done via a velcro seatpost strap and two buckled straps on either saddle rail. I found the velcro strap to come up a little short on a 27.2mm seatpost, trimming it or shimming it out would probably improve the fit.
(Image credit: Future / Tom Wieckowski)
Pro Performance saddle bag
A wide range of sizes and quality velcro straps for a snug fit
Specifications
Weight: 64 grams
Listed Volume: 0.6L
Size options: S,M,L,XL
Reasons to buy
+
Soft protector tab for your seatpost
+
Quality velcro closure
+
Snug fit when mounted
Reasons to avoid
-
Gets quite narrow at the rear
The Pro Performance saddle bag is a quality bag that does a lot of things really well. It uses strong, sturdy velcro straps that aren't too long to affix to the seatpost and saddle rails. There are some nice touches like an extra rubber flap to protect your carbon seatpost from the strap buckle.
You can also leave the bag in place and easily open it to access spares which is always useful thanks to its design. Like some of the other bags here, there's a mesh internal pocket and reflective panel on the rear.
I tested the Medium bag and found it to be big enough to fit my spares in whilst still looking stylish and fitting in visually on the bike.
(Image credit: Future / Tom Wieckowski)
Zefal Z Light Pack
An internal insert provides shape and structure to this bag
Specifications
Weight: 79 grams
Listed Volume: M: 0.9L
Size options: XS,S,M,L
Reasons to buy
+
Good shape and structure thanks to internal insert
+
Velcro straps fixed to the bag
Reasons to avoid
-
Access not as easy as some other bags
The Zefal Z light bag takes a slightly different approach in its design than most of the bags here. The main difference is that fact it uses a large, thin plastic insert inside to give shape to the bag. This makes it sturdier gives it shape when mounted on the bike, and probably maximises space a bit too.
The bag also uses one long velcro strap to go around both rails and under the bag. Unlike the Blackburn bag, the straps are sewn on so you don't have to worry about losing them.
I tested a size Medium again and it's on the larger size for a Medium for me and looks quite neat and boxy when mounted it also sits a little higher than some bags just behind the back of my saddle which makes access easy.
Speaking of access, the plastic insert extends to the rear flap which means when the bag is unzipped you do have to hold it open a bit to access spares, no big deal but just something to note. It might make life a bit trickier on a cold winter day with gloves on for instance.
(Image credit: Future / Tom Wieckowski)
Evoc Seat Bag
Best saddle bag for well-made simplicity
Specifications
Weight: 50 grams
Listed Volume: S: 0.3L
Size options: S,M
Reasons to buy
+
Surprisingly roomy
+
Individual straps make for easy setup
+
Alternate bright colour options
Reasons to avoid
-
Not totally waterproof
-
No internal pocket
If you just like or want a simple, small saddle bag to carry the essentials. The Evoc seat bag is one for you. It's available in small and medium sizes and looks small and neat under your saddle. It's surprisingly roomy for it's size and I crammed a lot into it.
If you want to break away from the usual black and greys most saddle bags come in the Evoc is the only bag here available in some brighter colours. There are some brighter purple and green colours to choose from.
Mounting is done via a setpost velcro loop and buckled strap that goes around the middle of the bag. If you end up with some excess strap flapping around my tip would be to neatly trim the excess for an even tidier look.
How to choose
Are saddle bags necessary?
A saddle bag certainly isn't necessary for cycling. It is however one of the most useful and popular accessories you can fit to your bike.
As mentioned in the introduction there are other ways to carry your spares. But it will only take one experience of being stranded on the side of the road with no way of riding your bike home or fixing it to make you wish you were carrying the relevant spares. A saddle bag is an easy way to ensure you have what you need to get you home.
How much do you need to carry?
It's good to be prepared and self-sufficient. You won't make many friends on rides if you never turn up with any spares and expect other people to lend or give you theirs.
If you make sure you carry what you need to at the very least be able to resolve a puncture and make adjustments to your bike with some sort of multi-tool, then that's a good place to start. You can add to your kit from there as you collect spares or work out what works best for you.
If you're going long, check out our guide to the best bikepacking bags for some high-volume options.
What do I carry in my saddlebag?
Touch wood, I have not needed to delve into my own saddlebag on a single ride this year. A well-maintained bike should behave out on the road. However, I always want to know I have the right spares with me. I also don't want to carry a huge saddlebag as I'm not keen on the aesthetics so cap my spares at a certain point.
I choose to carry a small mini pump in my jersey pocket and keep everything else in my bag. In my own, I have:
- Inner tube, CO2 canister, CO2 inflator, instant tube patches, multi-tool with a chain breaker, valve core tool, tyre levers, tyre boot in case my tyre rips badly, chain quick link.
Can you cut down on stuff?
Plenty of riders want to carry the smallest, lightweight bag and range of spares they can get way with and like lots of things, there are smaller, lighter-weight options you can go for.
There are options to reduce the size and weight of items you're carrying. Superlight and small inner tubes are one of the biggest space savers in a saddle bag. They're a bit more expensive, but you're probably only ever going to need one or two and if you do have to use them, you can swap them back when you get home, particularly if you're running tubeless tyres.
Likewise, you can shed some weight by opting for a more compact multitool. The best bike multitools can pack a lot of tools into a compact device. It's worth doing an inventory of the bolts on your bike; there's no point in carrying a tool with Torx heads if you don't have any Torx bolts on your bike. Don't go too small though or you might not have enough leverage for some bolts.
Do you need a chain breaker on your tool? Chain problems are rare, so you might be prepared to risk not having one or if you usually ride with mates, you may only need one between you. Some seat packs have tyre levers built into them, so you may not need to carry separate items.
How do you want to attach your saddle bag to your bike?
Many saddlebags use basic velcro straps attached to your saddle. This is the lightest weight and arguably the most secure option - just make sure to watch where the loop goes around your seatpost and where the rough side of the hook and loop ends. If it's in a bad spot or peels up a bit you may wear a hole through your shorts, or an expensive carbon seatpost.
Of course, every brand in the bike industry is continually searching for a point of difference, and thus seat packs that use a bracket on the seat post or saddle rails also exist. These are often a bit heavier, and we have seen a few hit the eject button over rough sections of the road.
Often, they'll have a quick-release system though, making it easy to take your bag and its (often pricey) contents with you when you leave your bike. Get a second clip and you can quickly swap your bag between bikes.
Regardless of how they attach to your bike, most bags will utilise a zip to keep everything inside, while strap-on tool rolls may use buckles or even Boa dials.
How weather-proof do you want your bag to be?
If you live somewhere dry, a saddle roll or a strap is a nice, cheap easy option. It also looks a bit cooler than a pack and has a retro vibe of a racer on tubs with a spare lashed to the seatpost.
Even if the roads are dry, you're likely to attract a layer of dust to your saddle roll though. If the roads are often damp or you're heading off-road, a saddle roll isn't the most practical option though. You don't want to have to fit an inner tube that's coated in a layer of mud or road grot and most multitools will rust if they get wet.
It may not be chic, but a waterproof saddle bag is likely to be a better option for most riders.
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Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as tech writer. Tom has over 10 years experience as a qualified mechanic with 5 or so of those being spent running an independent workshop. Tom has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track and has ridden and competed in most disciplines, even the odd bit of bike polo. Tom is as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike exploring the Worcestershire lanes.
