Bicycle Saddle Bags – What Type Do I Need?
So you’re ready to take a bike ride or tour but you dot know what type of bicycle saddle bags you’ll need for your trip. In order to answer this question there are several things you need to know. How far you’re traveling, how long your trip is, and how much weight you’ll carry.
For short rides that are no longer than around 25 to 70 miles you don’t really need large panniers that hang off racks over the front and rear wheels. Remember, the more you have on your bike the more wind resistance you create and the slower you go. For this distance you probably only need a good behind the seat saddle bag, handlebar bag, or under the top tube type bag.
I would suggest you first look at a behind the seat bag. This bag is the simplest to attach and typically causes low wind resistance. These bags fit conveniently right under and behind your bike seat. Typically their big enough to fit your bike tools, tube, tire, and maybe even your lunch!
Handlebar bags on the other hand are also easy to mount but also add the advantage of easy access. Since they sit directly in front of you they can be accessed without dismounting the bike. Just be careful not to overfill your handlebar bag. Doing so will impede your ability to turn the bike quickly in case of emergency.
The most aerodynamic bag is called an under the top tube bag and obviously mounts just below your top tube. These bags wont hold much but will add a little extra room for those items you need to get to quickly. Warning, overfilling these bags may cause your legs to rub against them when you pedal.
For longer touring or rides that last multiple days you’ll need to carry much more gear and weight. Attempting to stuff a handlebar bag full of heavy gear is a formula for a disastrous crash. What you need are bicycle saddle bags that are designed for your long trip.
That’s where panniers or bicycle saddle bags that hang off of front and rear racks over the front and rear wheels. These bags will allow you to carry much more weight safely. So finding the best bicycle saddle bags is about deciding on how much weight you need to carry and for how long.
Check out the most stylish and practical bicycle saddle bags now! This video will help you answer: “what type of bicycle saddle bags do I need?” Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service